Things to do in Dingle

Your indispensable guide to Dingle town.

Food

Dingle is lucky to have lots of high-quality restaurants, from old favourites such as Out of the Blue, Fentons and Doyles, to the latest arrival 505 on Dykegate Lane, a chic fine dining restaurant. Insider tip – be hungry when you arrive and wear stretchy pants ready for an evening of excess, as there’s a three-course minimum order.

For more casual dining options, Fish Box is hard to beat with fresh fish served up from the Flannery family’s own trawler – the signature fish and chips is a mammoth meal, while the monkfish curry is a great choice for a health-conscious option. On the same street, you’ll find the Blue Zone where our top tip is to split a pizza and a salad between two, or get a salad to share for the table – they are truly generously portioned. You might want a pizza to yourself, though, they are very more-ish.

For veggie fare head to Púca on Dykegate Lane where Alinde and Declan and co also offer some very tasty baking. If the weather is right, take a seat out back in the secret garden.

Pubs

Not that Dingle’s famous pub scene needs much advertising but here are some of our favourites.

Dick Mack‘s is an institution and a must-visit. The front bar is cosy and has an enviable selection of whiskeys. Grab a snug if you can get one, or take a brewery tour to see their own house brews being made.

In previous years McCarthy’s has been home to the festival club where authors meet up and mingle and is a great local spot where both the drinks and conversations flow long into the night.

Across the road you’ll find the atmospheric candlelit Kennedys. If you’re a fan of a cocktail try a Spicy Margarita or a Jungle Juice here.

If there’s sporting event to be watched, Bawn’s is the spot. You can’t miss it, in its Kerry colours paint (green and gold). There’s also a Fish Box food truck in the beer garden – two birds, one stone.

Another Dingle favourite is O’Flahertys – it’s a great spot for trad and with its twinkling lights and festive atmosphere it’s serving up exactly the right pre-Christmas vibe. This year we’ll be convening here for the festival club on Saturday evening. Come in early for a spot by the fire!

Fitness and wellbeing

For a great start to the day, head to Juice for Thought for a boneshaking shot of something disgustingly healthy, or a gentler juice option to ease you into wellbeing if you’ve overindulged in one of Dingle’s many pubs the night before. (And if you really need to detox, head to Ventry beach for a sweat session at Sona Sauna, followed by a cold plunge in the icy November waters.)

Enjoy the sights by renting an e-bike from Paddy’s Bike Shop, Dykegate St. It’s a lovely, sustainable way to explore Slea Head, cycle out to Ventry or head on beyond that to Paidi O Sé’s pub, and onwards to Krugers.

You’ll find a gym, pool and spa at the Dingle Skellig Hotel, and you can also drop in to classes at D Movement in the centre of town – book through the Glofox app.

Coffee

Bean in Dingle is one of Dingle’s favourite coffee haunts, with My Boy Blue another strong contender for the crown of best coffee in town. Newer arrivals to Dingle’s coffee scene include Pig and Leaf, Nourish bakery (great sandwiches too, hiding away in the courtyard of An Capall Dubh B&B, and the closest spot to An Díseart to grab a bite), Piccolo cafe and Hare’s Corner cafe, which has moved to a new location on Grey’s Lane.

Shopping

The Dingle Bookshop is very conveniently located across the road from An Díseart, where lots of events will be happening across the weekend, and they are also the festival’s bookseller partner at events. You’ll also find more literary fare at An Café Liteartha, which has plenty as Gaeilge, and a beautifully curated selection of great reads and gift books at Leac a’ Ré down on the Marina.

For any last-minute clothing layers, or to enjoy a browse, there’s Dingle Surf, and Outwest ( a local brand aimed at casual and hiking wear, perfect for getting out in the great outdoors) and Strand House department store for a wide selection of casual and dressier pieces.

Looking for crafts and gifts – you’ll be spoiled for choice. As you walk from the town centre towards the Dingle Skellig Hotel, make sure to drop into The Coach House, where you’ll find a gorgeous selection of interior pieces, jewellery and design-led gifts, curated with a great eye by owner Gráinne. Up in the centre of town, Original Kerry brings a wide variety of makers together in one convenient location; Tripster‘s cool graphic prints make a great souvenir; Crinkle is home to a tasty and tasteful mix of artisan food and craft; Fiadh Woven Design stocks warming wool accessories inspired by the colours of nature. For art lovers, a wander around galleries such as the Green Lane and the Dillon Gallery will leave you full of inspiration (and maybe lighter of wallet!).