Gaeltacht Travel in Ireland

A boat in An Daingean (Dingle), Co. Kerry Gaeltacht. Copyright GaeltachtTravel.com.

For 30 years, the sign on the road into Dingle has said “An Daingean”. This is an Irish version of the town’s name. A fuller name is “Daingean Uí Chúis”, and yet another is “An Daingean Mór”. “Daingean” mean fort. A debate began in 2005, as a new law passed that only the Irish version of placenames would be used within the Gaeltacht (where Irish is officially spoken). Many locals wanted to keep the name “Dingle”, as much of the locality relies on tourism and they hold great value in the brand “Dingle”. But in my opinion, this is very shortsighted, as the town should embrace its status as being an Irish language town.

Don and Margaret have written a nice account including photos of their trip around this area.

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The Irish Language

You won’t hear much Irish spoken in the town, despite its Irish-speaking status. Chances are you won’t hear a word. However, it’s still being spoken in the privacy of many locals’ home, and you might hear the ould lads speak it in the local pub. If you’re booking a local B&B, I suggest that you first ask if the family is Irish speaking. If you want to hear the Irish language, drive out further down the peninsula to places such at Baile an Fhéirtearaigh.

An Daingean, Dingle: The Town

An Daingean is both a tourist hot-spot and a local fishing village. Many small boats operate out of the town’s port, and you can wander up the pier to see the men at work. While you’re wandering around, grab yourself a traditional “fish and chip”.

Dingle Accommodation

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One thing is for sure, accommodation is not hard to come by in Dingle. However, prices and availability will vary according to the season. For a selection of hotel, B&B and guesthouse accommodation in Dingle, please see our Dingle accommodation listings.

Bike Hire

I’d love to recommend Paddy’s Bike Hire on Dykegate lane for bike hire in Dingle. The man is a gent, and will provide you with sturdy new bikes. I have rented from here twice over two years. He even said to call him if you get a puncture, and he will drive out to help you out.