The small port town of Dingle features far too many pleasantries to pass up—and that’s aside from its high-quality seafood dishes and the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium. Along with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, plenty of pub-lined streets, and an award-winning whiskey distillery, Dingle also offers an abundance of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, swimming, surfing, and mountain climbing, as well as day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Cork.
Most travelers choose to visit Dingle in summer between July and August as the weather tends to be warmer there's less chance for rain. Fall (September–November) is also a nice time to visit, but the temperatures will be much cooler than in summer, and rain may spoil or change some of your plans. If you’re a runner, plan ahead to take part in September's scenic Dingle Marathon.
It’s highly recommended to drive while in Dingle, even if you must rent a car because the town and its surrounding areas feature so many scenic-drive options and the public bus (run by Bus Eireann) doesn’t offer many stops in town. If you aren’t planning to see the scenic highways or to visit attractions outside the town, walking around or grabbing a taxi can work.
A true hidden gem known mostly by locals, Ballynavenooragh stone fort lies about a 15-minute drive outside of Dingle and is definitely worth a visit. The views of Mt. Brandon and the Atlantic Ocean are some of the best seen from the Dingle Peninsula, and the stone fort can be found a short walk up a farm road and is just as impressive.
