Arts and Culture on the Dingle Peninsula

St.Brendan by Cliona Cussen

“Centred on charming Dingle town, the peninsula has long been a beacon for those of an alternative bent, attracting artists, craftspeople, musicians and idiosyncratic characters who can be found in workshops, museums, festivals and unforgettable "trad” sessions throughout Dingle's tiny settlements.” Lonely Planet

It is impossible to visit the Dingle Peninsula and not be impressed by its artistic and cultural heritage. Recognised as a bastion of the Irish Language and culture the place has an immense spirit set in an ancient maritime landscape.

A lively contemporary arts and cultural scene breathes life into the small villages across the Dingle Peninsula. Harbouring a large Irish speaking Gaeltacht community, this corner of Ireland is alive with music and language, born from its deep-rooted traditions. Inspired by this magical place, artists, craftspeople, musicians and writers have come from across the world to live, work and settle here, blending tradition with new ideas and creating an eclectic, cosmopolitan arts scene at the edge of Europe. A living culture.

Traditional Irish musicians on a hillside playing whistles and flute

Traditional Music

Both instrumental music and song have a long tradition on the Dingle Peninsula. In recent times, with the increasing international interest in Irish traditional music, the area has become a mecca for traditional music lovers and many musicians have come to settle in the area and have blended their talents with those of the local native musicians.
There are numerous opportunities through not only pubs but An Siopa Ceoil, St. James’ Church and Tinteán Ceoil for visitors to enjoy traditional music and dancing in both formal and informal performances, or to attend classes. For updates on fortnightly music sessions, please see the latest edition of local publication West Kerry Live.

For more about the musical traditions of Corca Dhuibhne see article on traditional music and dance

Festivals

With over 45 festivals throughout the year, each with its own individual character, the communities of the peninsula welcome visitors to join them in their celebrations. The peninsula is home to the award winning community arts festival ‘Féile na Bealtaine’, to traditional agricultural events such as Camp Sheep Fair and Ballinclar Horse Fair; and the following are a sample of other Fests including the Traditional Regattas of Ventry, Ballydavid, Dingle, Brandon and Maharees, to ‘Other Voices’ Music Festival, Dingle Races, the Dingle International Film Festival and Animation Dingle, An Féile Bheag Filíochta, Féile na Lughnasa and many more……

Galleries, Workshops & Schools

The Dingle Peninsula is home to talented and inspiring artists and craftspeople. Many have opened their studios, workshops or homes to visitors as a way to showcase their work.When exploring the Dingle Peninsula, follow the Dingle Peninsula Arts & Crafts Trail to find numerous workshops, galleries and craft outlets where you can view and buy locally made pottery, ceramics, crystal, jewellery, leather goods, sweaters, woven textiles, tapestries, linen, millinery, paintings, photography, and traditional Irish musical instruments, gifts, crafts and furniture. Dingle Art school offers classes through out the year.