Leaving Doonbeg, we continued our road trip south along the Wild Atlantic Way, tracing one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in all of Ireland. The drive toward Dingle was nothing short of spectacular — a medley of wild cliffs, rolling green hills, and glimmering sea views that seemed to go on forever. We passed through quiet fishing villages and open stretches of countryside where sheep grazed on windswept pastures. The further we drove, the more dramatic the scenery became, with the Atlantic crashing against rocky headlands and the faint silhouette of distant peninsulas beckoning us onward.
Arriving in Dingle felt like stepping into a postcard. Nestled along the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, the town is as colorful as it is charming, with rows of pastel-painted buildings lining the harbor and the scent of the sea always in the air. Despite its small size, Dingle feels vibrant and full of life — known for its music, seafood, and famously warm Irish hospitality. The town has more pubs than seems possible for its size, each one offering its own unique personality. We spent our evenings hopping between them — sipping pints of beer, listening to live traditional music, and chatting with locals who always had a story to tell.
During the day, we explored the Slea Head Drive, one of the most scenic coastal routes in Ireland. The road winds around the peninsula with views of the Blasket Islands and dramatic cliffs plunging into turquoise waters. Along the way, we stopped at ancient beehive huts, small beaches, and overlooks that seemed to suspend time. One of the highlights was standing on the cliffs near Dunmore Head, where scenes from Star Wars: The Last Jedi were filmed — it’s easy to see why Hollywood chose this otherworldly landscape. The views were simply breathtaking, with the Atlantic stretching endlessly into the horizon.
Dingle is also famous for its connection to the sea. We also sampled the town’s celebrated seafood — from fresh crab claws to rich chowders served in cozy restaurants.
After a few unforgettable days in Dingle, we drove on toward Tralee, the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula and home to the famous Rose of Tralee Festival. The landscape mellowed slightly as we neared the town, but the charm remained — rolling fields, peaceful countryside, and a sense that we’d truly experienced one of Ireland’s most enchanting corners.