Self-Guided: Slea Head Drive
Wednesday, August 20
Start time: 9:00 am
Start: Brook Manor Lodge, Tralee
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Brook Manor Lodge, a peaceful and elegant B&B just outside Tralee. From here, set off on a scenic drive toward the Dingle Peninsula, where dramatic coastal landscapes, ancient history, and authentic Irish experiences await.
Stop 1: Dingle Town
Your first stop is Dingle, a charming harbor town filled with colorful shops, street musicians, and artisanal treats. Grab a coffee and pastry from Bean in Dingle, then take a stroll through the waterfront and browse local boutiques for handmade crafts and gifts.
Stop 2: Ventry Bay Beach
Just outside of Dingle lies Ventry Bay Beach, a peaceful stretch of golden sand perfect for a stroll or a few moments by the sea. The calm waters and gentle curve of the bay make it a beautiful and serene stop.
Stop 3: Beehive Huts & Baby Lamb Experience
Head west along Slea Head Drive to visit the Beehive Huts (Clocháns), ancient dry-stone dwellings dating back over a millennium. At this family-run farm, you’ll also have the chance to hold a baby lamb, an endearing and unforgettable hands-on experience (Tickets linked above).
Stop 4: Clogher Head
Continue to Clogher Head, where a short walk rewards you with panoramic views of the crashing Atlantic and the nearby Blasket Islands. This wild and rugged viewpoint is a perfect spot for breathtaking photos and quiet reflection.
Optional Lunch Stop: Tigh T.P., Ballydavid
Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Tigh T.P., a seaside pub known for its fresh seafood chowder and unbeatable coastal views. Sit outside if the weather’s fair and take in the fresh Atlantic breeze.
Stop 5: The Blasket Centre
In Dún Chaoin, explore The Blasket Centre, where multimedia exhibits and personal stories bring the now-uninhabited Blasket Islands to life. Learn about the islanders’ traditions, resilience, and the literary legacy they left behind.
Stop 6: Ce Dhún Chaoin / Dunquin Pier
A few minutes away lies the dramatic Dunquin Pier, famous for its zigzagging path down to the sea. This iconic viewpoint offers incredible photo ops with the Blasket Islands rising in the distance.
Stop 7: Dunmore Head
Venture to Dunmore Head, the westernmost point of mainland Ireland. Take a short hike through windswept pastures to the cliff’s edge, where sweeping views of the Atlantic and offshore islands await.
Stop 8: Gallarus Oratory
Round out your sightseeing with a visit to Gallarus Oratory, a small, perfectly preserved early Christian church built entirely of stone. The silence and simplicity of this place evoke a sense of timelessness and spiritual stillness.
Optional Dinner Stop: Out of the Blue, Dingle
Head back to Dingle Town for dinner at Out of the Blue, a seafood-lover’s dream known for its fresh daily catch and no-frills elegance. Reservations are highly recommended for this popular local gem.
Evening Option: Traditional Music at O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub
If time allows, enjoy a pint and traditional Irish music at O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub, where local musicians gather nightly in an intimate and authentic setting.
End: Return to Brook Manor Lodge, Tralee
After a full and inspiring day, drive back to Brook Manor Lodge, where a peaceful night’s rest awaits.