Located on the South Coast of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry are two of Ireland’s best loved tourist attractions, with both destinations boasting incredible scenery, beautiful beaches, varied wildlife and rich Irish culture. However, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500km/1,553 mile driving route and passes through nine counties and three provinces, meaning many who travel the route may not have enough time to visit every destination. If you’re trying to decide whether you should visit the Dingle Peninsula, or the Ring of Kerry, check out this blog to help you make the right decision.
Choose the Dingle Peninsula to…
Here are some reasons to visit the Dingle Peninsula instead of the Ring of Kerry…
1. Visit the Seaside Town of Dingle
The fishing town of Dingle is one of the highlights of the Dingle Peninsula for many visitors. This picturesque town is bursting with culture and there’s no shortage of things to do. Explore the charming streets of the town, lined with shops and eateries to suit all palates and treat yourself with a scoop (or two!) of Dingle’s legendary Murphy’s Ice Cream. Once the evening comes, get cosy and enjoy the traditional music that Ireland is famous for in one of Dingle’s many pubs.
2. Visit Award-Winning Beaches
From dramatic headlands and award-winning beaches to majestic mountains and rugged cliffs, the Dingle Peninsula is home to some incredible scenery making it perfect spot for adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors by surfing on the award-winning Inch Beach or walking the Dingle Way to experience some incredible views.
3. Visit the Blasket Islands
If your dream trip includes rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife and scenery and wonderful walking trails, then a visit to the Blasket Islands on the Dingle Peninsula could be for you. This is an archipelago of seven islands located off the coast of Kerry. The Great Blasket Island, the largest and most famous of the seven and can be found 3 miles off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula. To visit the island, take a 20-minute ferry from the beautiful Dunquin Harbour, located a 30-minute drive from Dingle town.
Choose the Ring of Kerry to…
Read of for three reasons to visit the Ring of Kerry rather than the Dingle Peninsula…
1. Visit Skellig Micheal
Calling all Star Wars fans! Did you know Skellig Michael, accessible from the Ring of Kerry, is a filming location of 2015 and 2017 Star Wars movies? If this is of interest to you then the Ring of Kerry could be the destination for you. Tourists can visit Skellig Michael via a quick boat trip from Port Magee on the Skellig Ring, an extension of the Ring of Kerry.
2. Visit the Vibrant Town of Killarney
The Ring of Kerry begins and ends in Killarney, a town brimming with Irish history, heritage, activities, and world class hospitality. Explore the locale and immerse yourself in thousands of years of Irish history at the 15th century Ross Castle or Muckross House. Pay a visit to Torc Waterfall, a beautiful 18m high waterfall located a short drive from the town. Finish off your day of adventuring with lunch, dinner and a few pints in one of Killarney’s many traditional Irish pubs.
3.Take Incredible Photographs
Home to some of Ireland’s most picturesque scenery, the Ring of Kerry is known as a photographer’s paradise. Ladies View, a famous stop along the driving route located in Killarney National Park, is known as one of the best viewpoints in the country and was ranked by the Irish Times as one of the most photographed places in Ireland, so don’t forget your camera!
Thank you for reading our blog Dingle Peninsula or Ring of Kerry – Which to Choose? Are you planning your next Irish holiday? Discover the very best of the Emerald Isle with Wild Rover’s day trips from Dublin.