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Accessible Tourism on the Dingle Peninsula

Ceann Sibeal Dingle

cuirfear fáilte mhór romhat - a warm welcome awaits you 

The Dingle Peninsula welcomes everyone and seeks to be inclusive of all. We would like to help you enjoy your time here. Accessibility can mean different things in different places. Being remote and unspoiled the Dingle Peninsula has limited infrastructure, public transport is rudimentary, a lot of buildings are old, and roads and footpaths are narrow. Do not let this put you off. Every year people of all ages, levels of physical ability and from all over the world travel here and have a wonderful time. The key to accessible travel on the Dingle Peninsula is to rely on other humans more than on physical or technological solutions. If you have any special requirements the best thing is to ask. You will find that people here are kind and welcoming and will enthusiastically help you to find a solution. Businesses and activity providers are experienced and inventive, and their skill is making people welcome.

slea head drive dingle peninsula irleand

Accessing the landscape

The Peninsula is known for wild, rugged terrain and dramatic natural beauty and if you are mobility impaired, slow on your feet or a wheelchair user you will be able to enjoy much of the spectacular scenery of the Dingle Peninsula from the comfort of a vehicle. The Slea Head Drive and the Conor Pass Drive are both top of the list as international favourite car journeys. Both driving routes have pull in areas and viewing points where you can experience some of the most dramatic views in Ireland such as the Atlantic Ocean at the most westerly tip of Europe, glacial valleys, the Blasket Islands and vertiginous sea cliffs.

 

The Conor Pass

 

Driving on the Dingle Peninsula

 

Accessible Attractions

Here are some popular attractions on the Dingle Peninsula suitable for wheelchairs, wheelers and slow walkers.

Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir - The Blasket Centre

museum and heritage centre

The Blasket Centre on the mainland in Dún Chaoin on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula is a fascinating heritage centre and museum  honouring the unique community who lived on the remote Blasket Islands until their evacuation in 1953. The island story is told using a variety of means - exhibitions, interactive displays, artefacts, audio visual presentations and artworks.There is a comfortable café, book shop, wide spaces and a great view of the island.  Full wheelchair access is possible, there are special needs toilets and designated car parking. Open from March to November.

http://blasket.ie/pleanail-cuairt/ionad-an-bhlascaoid-mhoir/

Dingle Harbour Waterfront and Marina

scenic waterfront walk

Along the harbour and marina area in Dingle Town is a lovely place to get close to the water and easy to access for buggies and wheelchairs. There are mobility impaired parking spaces in the main car park beside the fungi statue. The marina and breakwater walk is flat and level with wide open footpaths and seating at intervals. There is a lovely view from the end of the breakwater of Dingle harbour, the fishing and leisure boats and the colourful town with the Conor Pass rising up in the hills behind. If the sea air whets your appetite there are cafés and restaurants nearby. Across the road is Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium. 

 

Gallarus Oratory - Séipéilín Ghallarais

historic monument

The Gallarus Oratory or Séipéilín Ghallarais, literally ‘the small church of the rock promontory’ is one of the most famous landmarks on the Dingle Peninsula and situated close to Gallarus Castle. The Oratory is completely made of stone and some way it resembles an upturned boat. There is parking close to the monument with a paved path to the site and a visitor centre with café and toilets for persons of limited mobility. Access to the Oratory is available all year, however please note that the Visitor Centre closes for the winter months.

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/gallarusoratory/

Beach wheelchairs at Inch

everyone can enjoy the beach

Beaches can present inherent obstacles for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. A beach wheelchair has wider wheels which allow it to move easily over sand and even float in water. As part of a new service being provided by Kerry Co.Council a Hippocampe beach wheelchair is available to use at Inch beach from June to September. The use of the wheelchairs is FREE but they must be booked in advance. Chair users will need a carer/assistant with them to aid them in transfer to the chair and to push the chair, as the wheelchairs are not self-propelling. 

http://www.kerrycoco.ie/home3/environment/beaches/beach-wheelchairs/

Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium

underwater world

Oceanworld Aquarium is situated on the waterfront in Dingle town and hosts Ireland's largest collection of Sharks as well as a Gentoo Penguin display. The aquarium has designated parking across the road and is fully wheelchair accessible. There is a gift shop & small coffee shop. Experience this enchanting underwater world with a Polar Penguin Display featuring Gentoo Penguins, Sandtiger Sharks, Otters, Amazonian Displays, a Touch Tank, 9m Underwater Tunnel and much more!

https://www.dingle-oceanworld.ie/

day trips and excursions

accessible visitor attractions

The following are accessible visitor attractions within an hours drive of the Dingle Peninsula 

Killarney National Park

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/killarneynationalpark/

Muckross House and Gardens

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/muckrosshouseandgardens/

Muckross Traditional Farms

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/muckrosstraditionalfarms/

Listowel Writers Interpretative Museum

Finn Melon

Accessible Transport - Travel Information for People With Mobility Difficulties 

For information on airports, airlines, trains, buses, ferries and taxis within Ireland. Here is a link to Transport for Ireland website which provides general information to make it easier for people with mobility difficulties to travel to, from and within Ireland. Links to other websites, which provide more detailed information, are also provided.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/accessible-travel/


Local Transport Providers - coming soon