Dingle Peninsula: Day Trips and Tours from Killarney

The Dingle Peninsula is a beautiful place for a day trip from Killarney. Since the drive is short and the views are unforgettable, this is the ideal place to get to know the Irish countryside.

Visit the small town of Dingle, spot dolphins in the rough waters of the Atlantic and enjoy picturesque beaches in the shadow of towering cliffs.

How to get to the Dingle Peninsula from Killarney?

The Dingle Peninsula sits on Ireland’s Atlantic Coast, 60 kilometers northwest of Killarney. From Limerick, the drive to the peninsula takes approximately two hours. Its location in southern Ireland provides the peninsula with a spectacular coastline, rough seas and ideal conditions for hiking.

From Killarney to the Dingle Peninsula by car

The drive from Killarney to the Dingle Peninsula is approximately 60 kilometers long and takes around an hour. After leaving the town, head north on highway N22. Turn off at Farmer’s Bridge and continue west until you reach highway N86.

This road is the largest on the Dingle Peninsula and will accompany you on your journey around the countryside.

From Killarney to the Dingle Peninsula by bus/public transport

At the Killarney Bus Station, take Bus Number 40 north to the town of Tralee. After a 40-minute journey, you’ll arrive and change onto the 275 Bus to Dingle. This journey will take approximately one hour.

You’ll reach the small coastal town of Dingle, from where you can start your excursion around the peninsula. The entire journey takes around two hours when accounting for the time it takes to change buses.

Guided tour to the Dingle Peninsula from Killarney

A guided day tour from Killarney to the Dingle Peninsula takes between six and ten hours. You’ll either meet your tour group at a central location in Killarney or be picked up at your accommodation.

Tours take you all around the peninsula to the most important sights, beaches and historic locations. All transport is taken care of, so the journey to the Dingle Peninsula will be a breeze.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Dingle Peninsula from Killarney?

Start your day in Killarney and hop on an airconditioned bus, making the journey around the Dingle Peninsula fun and comfortable. You’ll meet your group and driver in the morning, sometime between 9 AM and 11 AM. The drive only takes an hour and you’ll arrive just before mid-day.

Begin your excursion to the Dingle Peninsula at the peninsula's southern tip. From here, you can see the breathtaking Blasket Islands and enjoy views of the jagged cliffs. You’ll spend the majority of your time onboard a bus to avoid being exposed to the elements constantly.

Get some fresh air at the iconic Slea Head Drive. This scenic road goes along the coastline and will give you a unique perspective on Carhoo Bay.

For lunch, you’ll be in the small town of Dingle. You’ll be able to spend some time at the nearby beaches, wander along the coastline and enjoy delicious local food in a traditional Irish restaurant. Keep an eye out for the statue of Fungie, the harbor dolphin who sometimes comes to play alongside the boats.

On your way back to the mainland, you’ll make a final stop at Inch Beach. This three-mile beach is one of the most famous in Ireland and provides fascinating views. This is one of the best places to take photos, so packing your camera is highly recommended.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Dingle Peninsula?

Most tours to the Dingle Peninsula will take groups to the area as part of a day trip excursion. There are different types to choose from, though, so there is guaranteed to be one tailored to your needs.

Guided tours to the Dingle Peninsula from Killarney

Get to know the beautiful Dingle Peninsula on this fun jaunt. Your driver will act as your tour guide and take you to the most popular locations in this famous part of Ireland. Spend the day with a group of like-minded travelers and enjoy a mix of beaches, towns and scenic viewpoints.

Small group guided tours to the Dingle Peninsula from Killarney

Instead of spending the day with twenty or more people, you can join a small group day tour to the Dingle Peninsula. You’ll share a minibus with only a few others and will have the chance to ask your tour guide any specific questions you might have.

Private tour to the Dingle Peninsula from Killarney

A great alternative to a guided tour to the Dingle Peninsula is a private day trip. You’ll have the full attention of your driver and guide and luxurious transport options. Have a say in the itinerary for the day and decide where you want to go.

Day trip to the Dingle Peninsula plus Atlantic Way from Killarney

The Atlantic Way is a famous coastal road throughout all of Ireland. Combine your trip to the Dingle Peninsula with a tour along this scenic road.

Day tour to the Dingle Peninsula plus Ring of Kerry and Killarney Lakes from Killarney

There are plenty of things to do close to Killarney. Make the most of your day trip to the peninsula and visit the Ring of Kerry and the Killarney Lakes while you are there. This is a packed day full of activities, so you’re guaranteed to have a lot of memorable experiences.

How much does a tour to the Dingle Peninsula from Killarney cost?

Day trips from Killarney to the Dingle Peninsula start at €30 per person and can cost up to €70. The slightly more expensive tours generally include hotel pickup and maybe even a snack along the way. Lunch costs extra in most cases.

Private tours cost €350 to €800 depending on if food and drinks are included.

What will you see and do in the Dingle Peninsula?

The journey to the Dingle Peninsula is scenic and well worth a day trip. Most of the things you can see and do here will be experiences in nature, with beaches and panoramic views representing the majority of activities.

Inch Beach is one of the many highlights on a day tour to the Dingle Peninsula. This beach is very long and often almost completely deserted.

Slea Head Drive is the name of the narrow coastal route that leads visitors along a journey to the most beautiful places on the Dingle Peninsula. Enjoy the view as you make your way towards the small town of Dingle.

Dingle gives the peninsula its name and is known for its traditional shops and pubs and cobblestone streets. This is where most tours allow for some time to walk around and have a delicious and hearty lunch.

Visitors will enjoy the Dingle Peninsula from the comfort of a tour bus. Occasionally, the group will stop to take photos or go for a short walk along the countryside. Keep an eye out for dolphins and listen to your guide’s intriguing stories and anecdotes.

When is the best time to visit the Dingle Peninsula?

Summer will be the best time to plan a jaunt to the Dingle Peninsula from Killarney. The months of June to September have warm weather and sunny days.

May and October are considered the shoulder season and while there might be some rain, the weather is still generally nice. Prices will be much lower though and you will encounter fewer other tourists.

Try to avoid a journey to the Dingle Peninsula in winter. This part of the year is rainy and windy and your experience will be far less enjoyable.

Travel tips

• The weather in Ireland is notoriously unpredictable and rough at times. Pack waterproof clothing, durable shoes and make sure your backpack or bag is sealed against the rain. Even on sunny days, the weather can turn quickly and most tours will proceed regardless of if it rains.
• The coastline of the Dingle Peninsula is more than spectacular and a day tour or excursion will be unforgettable. Don’t forget to pack your camera to capture this once in a lifetime vistas during your visit.
• The Dingle Peninsula is very popular among kite-surfers. If you’re interested in trying this fun sport yourself, you should consider staying in the area for a few nights. A day trip to the Dingle Peninsula will be too short for this and you might need more time for exciting activities like this.
• You can see dolphins year-round off the coast of southern Ireland. However, your best chance of seeing these fascinating marine animals on an excursion to the Dingle Peninsula will be in spring or summer. Time your visit accordingly and let your tour guide know that you’re interested in dolphin-spotting.