Activities
The Dingle Peninsula has a huge choice of activities for all ages.
Activities on the Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula has a huge choice of activities for all ages. Explore the dramatic landscape where ocean meets land. Cycle, walk, climb, ride a horse along the shore. Experience the history, nature, music, culture, and language of this most westerly part of Europe. At SHU in Dingle, we aim to immerse and engage you in all that the area has to offer. Each program has built-in excursions, engaging activities and cultural events. Below is a list of just some of the cultural and sporting activities we have to offer, along with overnight stays and weekend trips.
Horseback riding
Students get an opportunity to go horseback riding along the shoreline of some of the most spectacular beaches on the Dingle Peninsula. The Irish cob horses at O’Connors Trekking have an excellent temperament, so students who have no experience should not be nervous. Whether you’re a complete novice or a member of the SHU equestrian team, you’ll find this an unforgettable and exhilarating experience.
Surfing
Yes, you can go surfing in Dingle! You will be given a wetsuit to stay nice and warm and with some instruction, you will be standing on the surfboard in no time. No prior surfing experience is required. Trained instructors are provided to ensure your safety at all times. This is the perfect opportunity to learn to ride the waves in a safe and quiet location.
Kayaking
Take a 2-hour kayaking tour of beautiful Dingle harbor with Irish Adventures. You will be given all the equipment, kayak, wetsuit and paddles. You will be taken around Dingle harbor, where you can explore a number of sea caves and maybe get up close and personal with the wildlife. No prior kayaking experience is required. Students need a certain level of fitness to enjoy this activity.
slea head tour
The coastal roads of Slea head, on the Dingle Peninsula, offer jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic and the Blasket Islands. The tour includes a stop at a local farm where you can hold a baby lamb, along with stops at several famous scenic and cultural sites like Dunquin Pier and Coumeenoole beach.
Dingle sea safari
This unique tour takes in the breathtaking majestic coastline of Dingle Bay, the caves, and the cliffs all the way to the Great Blasket Islands at the edge of Europe.Soak in the delights that await you and keep an eye out for the many marine mammals and birds that may greet you as you go.Your captain has a great knowledge of this coastline as he has spent years on the sea in Dingle. He will fascinate you with many a story along the way!
Weekend in London
A highlight in every SHU in Dingle students experience. You will fly to London on Thursday and stay in the beautiful and centrally located Kensington. On Friday, you’ll take an open top Bus Tour of the city and experience an authentic English lunch while on Saturday you’ll have the whole day free to experience all the city has to offer, from West end shows, to shopping at Harrods, to visiting the London eye.
Weekend in cork City
Cork is one of the largest cities on the south coast of Ireland and is hugely popular for its culture, artistry, exceptional food, and music. The city boasts a bustling, cosmopolitan center, making it an attractive destination. In addition to exploring Cork's urban delights over a weekend, your journey will also lead you to the iconic Blarney Stone.
falconry
The falconry experience gives you the chance to get up close to a variety of birds of prey. You will be provided with a glove so that both hawks and owls can land on your fist. You will also watch falcons fly to a lure at tremendous speeds, and get up close and personal with a beautiful Golden Eagle.
GAELIC FOOTBALL LESSONS
Learn how to play Gaelic football, the most popular sport in Ireland, in the beautiful landscape of West Kerry. You will be taught the fundamentals of the sport by a champion footballer, before diving into an energetic match to put your newfound skills to the test.
Irish Language Lessons
Dingle is Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht town where many speak Irish, called Gaeilge, as their first language. SHU in Dingle will offer you the opportunity to learn the ‘cúpla focal’ (a couple of words) at specially organized classes and to practice the language in the local community.
Irish set dancing
Ireland is famous for its Irish dancing, and Dingle is a hot bed of Irish dancing champions, including David Geaney, a five times world dancing champion. In Dingle, you will receive a fun introduction to Irish dancing. Over the course of one hour, you will go from a novice dancer to an accomplished beginner, all in the name of fun. No prior dancing experience is required, just bring some comfortable shoes and lots of enthusiasm.
Eask tower hike
The Dingle Peninsula boasts some of the most spectacular mountain and coastal walks in Ireland. There is a variety of walks available in the area, from more strenuous ridge walking to more gentle slopes, cliff and beach walks, and many way-marked routes. You have the opportunity to do a hill walk up the relatively easy Eask Tower walk. Students should be aware that hill walking can be dangerous and should only do the walk if they are fit and healthy.
Oceanworld Aquarium
Enjoy the wildlife of Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium where you can come face-to-face with sharks, penguins, turtles, and exotic fish. At the Touch Tank, you can stroke friendly rays and even hold a starfish. You’ll receive a guided tour where you can learn all about the amazing marine world and how the behind the scenes at an aquarium works.
Brewery/Distillery tour
Dingle has a famous reputation for its pub culture and in the last few years there has been a boom in the production of beers and spirits in the area. To learn more about the process of making Irish whiskey you can visit to Dingle Distillery. The first purpose-built distillery for a new whiskey in Ireland in over 200 years. If you’d like to learn more about brewing beer, you can visit the very popular Dick Mack’s Brewery, where they make a selection of beers and stouts.
Naomhog rowing
Travel back in time and step aboard a traditional Naomhóg and explore Dingle Harbour. During the trips, you will learn about the history and the unique skill of rowing a Naomhóg. It is a unique way to experience the customs and traditions of Dingle and imagine how our ancestors survived in this harsh but spectacular landscape.
yoga
No expertise needed – just enthusiasm! Yoga is not just about poses; it is a blend of breath and movement. It is also a fun introduction to well-being. Unroll that mat, take a deep breath, and let the yoga fun begin!
