There is lots to do for kids on The Dingle Peninsula. Here are our favorites, the umbrella photo indicates good stops if the weather is bad. Some options may only have seasonal opening times.
Aquarium (10 min walk)
Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium is a great family attraction. Come face-to-face with Sandtiger Sharks, meet the Polar Penguins in their state of the art Penguin Exhibition and get hands-on experience at the Touch Tank where you can stroke the friendly Rays and even hold a Starfish. Other exciting displays include an Amazon display which is home to piranhas, catfish and walk through the underwater tunnel.
Sandy Feet Pet Farm (35 min drive)
Sandy Feet Farm is a family-run open farm situated near the village of Camp on the main Tralee-Dingle Road, taking the Conor Pass route. Set in the most stunning location, surrounded by mountains, boarded by wetlands and a long, wide sandy beach, it has something for everyone. From meeting the various rare breed animals, exploring the farm, playing in the playground, or taking a trailer ride around the farm, to checking out the vintage machinery or eating in the fabulous café…you are guaranteed to enjoy a full, fun-filled family day out!
Mmm Ice Cream (6 min walk)
At Murphy's, they make real ice cream. No colorings, flavorings, or powdered milk - they prefer the real thing - and that starts with fresh from the farm milk, lots of local cream, free range eggs, and organic sugar. They are so fussy, they even make their own sea salt from Dingle sea water and distill Dingle rain to make the sorbets. All so that you can have the best ice cream you’ve ever tasted. Located on Strand St.,
Horseriding (3 min drive)
Horse riding on the beach or trekking through the Dingle countryside is a great way to spend a day. With several stables to choose from across the peninsula, one of our favorite is Dingle Horse Riding. Located only a few minutes from Harriet's Cottage, it’s a great way to explore the peninsula.
Pet-a-Lamb (20 min drive)
Try a new experience and hold a lamb while you are on the Dingle Peninsula. Located on the Slea Head route you can also watch the farm sheepdog do his work, Visit some Beehive Huts, and enjoy the view across to the Skellig Islands
Swimming (5-20 min drive)
There are many delightful safe and clean beaches within a short drive of Harriet's Cottage. These include Ventry, Ballydavid, Maharees and Beanbawn. Bring a picnic basket with some wonderful cheeses and meats from The Little Cheese Shop and you will all have a wonderful day.
Crazy Golf (3 min drive)
This 18-hole course is situated just outside Dingle, on the road to Slea Head (left after the bridge). The course itself has plenty of challenges for golfers of all abilities. There are also ten driving range bays to practice perfecting your swing. Clubs and balls are available to hire.
Dingle Playground (9 min walk)
Newly opened this is one of the best playgrounds in Ireland. Located on the Tracks Road by the roundabout it’s a wonderful place to bring the young ones.
Make Some Pottery (20 min drive)
The workshop at the fantastic Louis Mulcahy Pottery (on the Slea Head route) has an open room for you to try your skill on the potter’s wheel. A professional thrower can be seen going through the daily routine of throwing pots, and visitors can try their skill at making the simplest shape. See here for open times http://www.louismulcahy.com/open-room/
Tralee Aqua Dome (60 min drive)
Tralee Aqua Dome is one of Ireland's largest indoor waterworld. It offers tropical temperatures all year round and is a great day out for all the family whatever the weather
Tralee Wetlands (60 min drive)
This is a nature and activity attraction where pedal boats, canoes and rowing boats are available for hire. The diversity of the Tralee Bay ecosystem is explained through interactive displays, audio-visual and hands-on activities including a guided tour, 10-minute safari boat trip through the freshwater wetlands and with panoramic views of Tralee Bay through the 20-metre high viewing tower.
Crag Cave (75 min drive)
Crag Caves is renowned as one of the finest examples of a limestone caves in Ireland with incredible examples of stalagmites, stalactites, and underground water channels to be seen. Located outside of Castleisland, it is also home to Crazy Cave, a three tiered indoor adventure center suitable for children complete with a mega astra slide, cannon guns, spiral slides and mazes.
Go to the Movies (9 min walk)
The Phoenix Cinema (on Dykegate Lane) shows matinee movies. See here for more details http://www.dinglecinema.com/
A fun and distinctly Irish activity is to watch the local Dingle Gaelic football play. The field is within walking distance, on the road out of Dingle just before the hospital. Click www.facebook.com/dinglegaa for their Facebook page and fixture list. To see what Gaelic Football is all about www.tinyurl.com/footballgaelic
