Is Dingle expensive to visit?
Dingle is a well-known peninsula that captivates a variety of travelers with diverse travel preferences and spending patterns. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Dingle can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $70 (€64) per day, mid-range travelers spend $163 (€149) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $335 (€307) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Dingle.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Dingle is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Setubal or Uppsala.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Dingle Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Dingle?
The average Dingle trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Dingle travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Dingle cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Dingle on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $70 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Dingle has plenty of hostels available, like Lovett's Hostel and The Grapevine Hostel. Here, you can enjoy low-cost dorm lodging and a vibrant social environment, though amenities might be minimal.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most guests in Dingle will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $163 per person, per day.
In Dingle, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Emlagh House is a great choice for families, and Barr Na Sraide Inn is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Dingle.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $335 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the peninsula with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private 1-Hour Guided Boat Tour in Dingle Peninsula - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Dingle
The hotel prices in Dingle might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $137, but during peak summer season, expect to pay around $256. Prices vary from $100 to $384, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Dingle for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $148 (€136). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $74 (€68) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Dingle? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Dingle include:
- Emlagh House starting at $181
- The Lighthouse B&B starting at $110
- Dingle Marina Lodge starting at $132
- Cill Bhreac House B&B starting at $176
- Barr Na Sraide Inn starting at $114
If you plan to stay a week in Dingle, consider a vacation rental with a kitchen. It's a practical way to prepare some meals yourself during your visit.
By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding summer), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Dingle
Unfortunately, Dingle does not have a reliable public transit network. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.
Regrettably, a large portion of the peninsula lacks walkability. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $19 (€17) per person, per day, on local transportation in Dingle. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Dingle is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
€17
If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Dingle To Kerry Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer for $183 details
How much does it cost to go to Dingle? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Dingle will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Dingle
While the cuisine in Dingle is enjoyable, there are other things that usually bring in visitors. Still, you can discover some wonderful spots around the peninsula. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Dingle can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Dingle is $76 (€70) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$76
€70
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Dingle is around $76 (€70) per person, with previous travelers spending from $33 to $153. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Dingle are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $23
- Lunch: $11 to $31
- Dinner: $23 to $53
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
There are restaurants throughout the peninsula and one of the best is Dingle Pub on Main Street in Dingle Town. It's a good value and a friendly place to pass some time. Also check out the Doghouse if you're looking for a quick and cheap bite to eat. If you want to try some good seafood or steaks then head to Spillane's Bar & Restaurant by the beach. It's a great place to grab dinner. Several restaurants around town play traditional Irish music. This is particularly true during the summer tourism season.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Make a picnic to save some cash and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Just find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic area for your meal.
Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Dingle
It's no wonder that so many visitors make their way to Dingle for its beaches, hiking, romance, and budget-friendly accommodations.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Dingle typically cost an average of $10 (€9.51) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$10
€9.51
There are several popular routes around the peninsula that have a lot to offer visitors. Conor Pass is a scenic route along a mountain road. It has great views on clear days and it passes by many sheep and goats alongside the road. There's also a small waterfall along the route that can be seen from the road. There's a short hike by the waterfall as well.
Slea Head Drive is a nice loop that is about 30 kilometers long. You can do it with either a car or a bicycle. The road passes by many bays, beaches and rocky cliffs. There are hiking trails and golf courses along the way as well.
You should stop by and say hi to Fungi the Dolphin, who lives in the Dingle Harbour. You can visit him via a boat tour and many boat operators will refund your money if you don't get to see the dolphin. Even if you miss the dolphin, there are great views during the ride so it is worth the trip.
If you're looking for some interesting activities, horseback riding and golf are some popular past times on the peninsula. Also consider exploring the peninsula on a bicycle. It makes for a beautiful ride and you'll get a more up close and personal experience in the area.
Beaches:
A lot of tourists head to Dingle for some beach relaxation. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.
Hiking:
Hiking in and around Dingle is absolutely fantastic. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Dingle. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Dingle Bay Cliff Tour for $21 details
- Dingle Peninsula Guided Walking Tour for $172 details
- Morning Tasting and Sightseeing Guided Tour in Dingle Ireland for $64 details
Dingle, Ireland
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.