7 minute read
The Dingle Peninsula : A magical Irish escape
The Dingle Peninsula, with its weather-beaten landscape, is a wonderland for wildlife lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and those with a hearty appetite for good food and drink.
Located along the Wild Atlantic Way in Kerry, southwest Ireland, Dingle stuns with its cinematic landscape and excites with coves and caves, beaches and bays waiting to be explored. For thrill-seekers, hiking, biking, boating and surfing await; for those looking to chill, history, heritage and heart-stirring scenery beckon.
Irish people call Kerry ‘The Kingdom’ and though it isn’t mythical, it is magical. The way the light shimmers over the mountains, how the ocean restlessly changes colour and character – it’s spellbinding. Life on the peninsula moves at its own rhythm. This isn’t a place to rush through ticking-off sights; it’s a place to linger, to let moments unfold. Losing track of time, getting lost in the ever-shifting seascapes, and allowing the landscape to guide your journey is the best way to embrace the experience, and Dream Escape will take care of every detail to make it truly effortless.
To whet your appetite, here are some of Dream Escape’s favourite ways to discover the wonders of the region and the warmth of the people on a uniquely curated Ireland journey.
DISCOVERING DINGLE
Start by exploring on two wheels, cycling along winding coastal roads and stopping to soak in the views at your own pace. Prefer paddling over pedalling? A guided kayak tour lets you glide along the coastline to hidden coves and inlets. Or simply sit back and soak it all in on a private charter around Dingle Bay, with front-row seats to Ireland’s most captivating coastal scenery and the chance to spot whales and dolphins drawn in by the Gulf Stream that warms the waters around these parts. For an adrenaline rush, take to the waves on a high-speed RIB from Tralee Bay. As you zip towards the Maharees, where Brandon Bay meets the Atlantic, you’ll hear tales of monks, castles, U-boats and smugglers, bringing the region’s rich history to life.
For a more relaxed journey, Dream Escape will create a bespoke, chauffeur-driven tour around Slea Head. Along the way, you’ll pass Dunquin Harbour, home to the iconic Sheep’s Highway, a steep, winding path once used to herd sheep onto boats bound for the Blasket Islands. As part of the famous Wild Atlantic Way, this route also winds through colourful towns and dramatic mountain roads, including the breathtaking Conor Pass, one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes.
SET-JETTING
With scenery this cinematic, it’s no surprise that Dingle has long been a favourite of filmmakers. On a bespoke Dingle Film Walk, a local expert shares behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood productions shot in the area, including Ryan’s Daughter, Far and Away and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Star Wars fans are in for a treat, as some of the most iconic scenes in The Last Jedi were also filmed here.
THE DINGLE WAY
As mentioned, the Dingle Peninsula is best explored at a slower pace, taking time to appreciate its treasures. A walk along the Dingle Way blows away the cobwebs and rewards you with painterly views of patchwork green hills rolling into jewel-toned waters. The trail winds past historical sites, including an 1845 stone tower and a charming red-and-white lighthouse and keeper’s cottage. It’s a postcard-worthy scene.
If you like feeling the sand beneath your feet, Dingle’s beaches are among the most picturesque in Ireland. Maharees, Coumeenoole Beach, Ventry Beach and Inch Strand are particularly popular for swimming, surfing and horse riding. You can also join the locals on Minard Beach at low tide when the waters are calm and inviting for a quiet dip. Whilst on the beach, why not linger a little longer with a luxury picnic arranged by Dream Escape ? Enjoy cosy blankets, baskets of homemade delicacies, chilled champagne and the company of those who appreciate the finer things in life, all set against the romantic backdrop of the westernmost edge of Europe.
HISTORY, HERITAGE & HIDDEN ISLANDS
Dingle’s storied past and deep connection to the sea is woven into the very fabric of the peninsula. On a private tour of the Blasket Centre, you’ll discover the history of the now uninhabited islands off the west coast and the rich heritage of their former community brought to life through engaging exhibitions, artefacts and artworks. Dream Escape can arrange a private boat trip to the islands, where you can wander through crumbling stone cottages and ancient beehive huts. If you follow the old sheep trail, you’ll find yourself on the edge of the island, where the next stop is America.
Those beehive huts are also found on the Skellig Islands, where they once served as monastic shelters and later as Jedi hideaways in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. A private charter will take you to these otherworldly outcrops, where you’ll also find an early Christian monastery and thriving seabird colonies, including puffins and gannets.
HANDCRAFTED MEMENTOS
For guests who appreciate fine craftsmanship, Dream Escape can arrange an exclusive visit to Louis Mulcahy Pottery, one of Ireland’s most renowned ceramic studios. For over 50 years, Louis has created handcrafted pottery using traditional techniques that celebrate the region’s raw beauty. With his collection now available only at his studio or online, a visit here is a rare opportunity to purchase an exquisite piece of Irish art, which can be safely shipped home.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
All that sea air will no doubt whip up your appetite, and the Dingle Peninsula is as much a feast for the palate as it is for the eyes. From seafood fresh off the boat to time-honoured regional specialities and handcrafted ice cream infused with local ingredients, the culinary scene is as authentic as it is delicious.
Equally inviting are its traditional pubs, which are as much about the craic as they are about the pints. Step inside and you’ll find warm hospitality, live music and a whiskey selection to impress any connoisseur. Whether you’re sharing stories with the locals or just soaking up the atmosphere, there’s no better place to sample this true taste of Irish culture.
WHERE TO STAY
Kerry has plenty of five-star places to stay, but its elegant country houses have a character all their own. Grand yet inviting, they blend luxury with old-world charm, offering a genuine experience of Ireland’s renowned hospitality. At Park Hotel Kenmare, guests can slow down, take in the timeless surroundings and savour seasonal dishes in the restaurants. At Sheen Falls Lodge, you can enjoy romantic walks around the estate’s cascading waterfalls, followed by a fireside nightcap. Nature lovers will adore the Killarney Park Hotel, which is located right beside the National Park and has interiors inspired by Kerry’s landscapes. Wherever you lay your head, you’ll feel the warmth of Ireland’s céad míle fáilte – a hundred thousand welcomes.
Words | Melanie May
