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Dingle Town

Framed by its fishing port, the Dingle peninsula's charming little 'capital' manages to be quaint without even trying. Some pubs double as shops, so you can enjoy Guinness and a singalong among hats and hardware, horseshoes and wellies. It has long drawn runaways from across the world, making it a cosmopolitan and creative place. In summer its hilly streets can be clogged with visitors; in other seasons its authentic charms are yours for the savouring.

Although Dingle is one of Ireland's largest Gaeltacht towns, the locals have voted to retain the name Dingle rather than go by the officially sanctioned – and signposted – Gaelige name of An Daingean.

Explore Dingle Town

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Dingle Town.

  • Irish

    Chart House

    Window boxes frame this free-standing stone cottage, while inside dark-red walls, polished floorboards and flickering candles create an intimate atmosphere. Creative cooking uses Irish produce: Cromane mussels and Dingle Bay prawns, Annascaul black pudding and Brandon Bay crab, fillet of Kerry beef and Cashel Blue cheese. Book up to several weeks ahead at busy times.

  • Ice Cream

    Murphy's

    Made here in Dingle, Murphy's sublime ice cream comes in a daily changing range of flavours that include brown bread, sea salt, Dingle gin and whiskey-laced Irish coffee, along with sorbets made with rainwater. In addition to a second Dingle branch at the pier opposite the tourist office, its runaway success has seen it expand Ireland-wide.

  • Seafood

    Out of the Blue

    Occupying a bright blue-and-yellow waterfront fishing shack, this rustic spot is one of Dingle's top restaurants, with an intense devotion to fresh local seafood (and only seafood). If staff don't like the catch, they don't open, and they resolutely don't serve chips. Highlights might include Dingle Bay prawn bisque with lobster or chargrilled whole sea bass flambéed in cognac.

  • Fish & Chips

    Reel Dingle Fish Co

    Locals queue along the street to get hold of the freshly cooked local haddock (or cod, or monkfish, or hake, or mackerel…) and chips at this tiny outlet. Reckoned to be one of the best chippies in Kerry, if not in Ireland.

  • International

    Global Village Restaurant

    With the sophisticated feel of a continental bistro, this restaurant offers a fusion of global recipes gathered by the well-travelled owner-chef, but uses local produce, such as West Kerry lamb and Blasket Sound lobster. The wine list is excellent, as are the Irish and international craft beers, and there's even a vegan tasting menu (€60).

  • Seafood

    Doyle's

    Cherry-red-painted Doyle's serves some of the best seafood in the area (which in these parts is really saying something). Starters such as Dingle Bay crab claws or oysters au naturel team up with mains like fennel-scented Spanish fish stew, seafood linguine and roast monkfish cassoulet.

  • Market

    Farmers Market

    Fresh local produce and homemade goodies galore are sold at Dingle's farmers market, which has around 20 stalls at any one time and at least a couple of buskers.

  • Bistro

    Grey's Lane Bistro

    International bistro fare at Grey's Lane ranges from seafood chowder to Thai green curries, prawn stir-fries and Mediterranean pasta dishes.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Dingle Town.

  • Activities