Our Favourite Family Friendly Hikes and Walks on the Dingle Peninsula
We might be biased but this is one of the most incredible walks in Ireland, not just the Dingle Peninsula! Starting at the newly revamped Blasket Island Centre you can start your walk towards the lookout platform and follow the trail towards the old Ryan’s Daughter schoolhouse. So in the first 500 metres you have the Blasket Islands to your left and an old movie set to your right. The last remaining islanders left the Blasket Islands on the 17th of November 1953, since then the main island has become a popular destination for those looking into the roots of Irish history, the Irish Language & our cultural identity on the Dingle Peninsula. It’s a truly special place!
Take a few minutes to stop at the Ryan’s Daughter schoolhouse before following the trail towards Clogher Head where the trail ends and you get a panoramic view of some incredible landscapes. The trail then returns back the same way to the Blasket Island Centre where we definitely recommend stopping in for a look around and perhaps a cup of tea!
2. Eask Tower
A short hike and walk here to an incredible place! This particular trail is actually through private lands, however, the family have generously opened up their land and farm to walkers. There is a very small donation box at the bottom of the trail. Bring some change and coins to make a small contribution.
Eask tower is visible directly south of Dingle town & Marina. The tower, which is made of solid stone, was initially built in 1847 to guide boats and ships into the blind harbour. In the early 1900’s it was actually extended higher and it provided much-needed work during famine times.
Another panoramic view to savour here. Get a glimpse of Carrauntoohil, Mount Brandon, Dingle Town, Kinard and more. If you are short on time we really recommend this one!
3. Gleannteenassig Forest Park
The ultimate family adventure location! Nestled in a sheltered valley among the Slieve Mish mountains, the landscape is imposing and inspiring. To reach it you need to step off the beaten track, travel up the valley and feel the remoteness of the mountains. Behind the trees the area is full of streams, lakes, waterfalls and dramatic cliffs which characterise this untamed landscape.
At certain points, views of Brandon & Tralee Bay and the Maharees can be enjoyed.
There is ample parking, forest roads & walking paths here. Make sure to pack a lunch as this is an incredible place for an adventurous family to explore!
4. Inch Beach
Many people will have heard of Inch Beach. And rightly so - a real gem on the Dingle Peninsula! Inch beach is best known as a place to walk, surf, explore and unwind. Inch Beach is also a Blue Flag Beach!
Have a check of the tide times before visiting & if the tide is out you can nearly walk as far as Rossbeigh Beach and the northern shores of the Iveragh Peninsula. The sand dune system in Inch is also incredible. Exploring these dunes was always a favourite childhood activity & to be honest as an adult that hasn’t changed!
Depending on the season you can rent surfboards, wetsuits and take part in lots of water based activities here too. We also recommend trying to catch a clear sunset from Inch Beach - trust us, this will be a memorable experience for many years to come!
