The Top 10 pubs in Dingle

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An Droicead Beag/The Small Bridge pub in Dingle

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As one of the prime destinations on Ireland’s west coast, the Dingle Peninsula is rich in seacoast vistas, pristine beaches, rugged mountain passes, and deep green valleys as well as colorful little towns, fishing ports, and great pubs.

Above all, Dingle’s pubs are known for great character – and great characters, as well as nightly sessions of traditional music and lots of “craic” (good times).  Even if it is pouring rain, Dingle will warm your heart with its welcoming variety of pubs.

If you are planning a visit to Dingle, here are 10 of my favorites to put on your itinerary:

An Droichead Beag/The Small Bridge – sitting beside a bridge leading to the road over the Conor Pass, this pub is known for its “mighty” sessions of Irish traditional music scheduled every night of the year, usually commencing at 9:30 or 10 p.m. (Lr. Main St., Dingle Town, tel. 066-915-1723; www.dingle-region.com/smallbridge.htm)

Dick Mack’s – probably Dingle’s most well-known pub.  Named after the late leather-craftsman Richard MacDonnell (the current owner’s father), this family pub carries on a cobbler’s tradition, with a small leather shop still on the premises and an array of handcrafted leather boots, belts, and key fobs still on display.  The walls are lined with family memorabilia, old pictures and books.  The bar area is small and includes an old-fashioned snug. Outside there is a Hollywood-style pavement with star slabs showing the names of famous people who have visited such as Sean Connery, Robert Mitchum, and Julia Roberts, to name a few. (Green St., Dingle Town, tel. 066-915-1960)

Foxy John’s – a bastion of home town atmosphere. This place is a combination of traditional hardware store (on the left) and vintage pub (on the right). Step in and shop, or sip. And just for good measure, you can also rent a bike at the back of the pub. (Main St., Dingle Town, tel. 066-915-7316)

James Flahive – a tailor shop for over 100 years, this old pub has put away the needles and threads but it still displays many of the trappings of the trade. The walls also show pictures of many favorite customers over the years as well as photos of Fungie, the town’s resident dolphin. There’s no food nor music here, just good company and a good pint. (The Quay, Dingle Town, tel. 066-915-1634)

John Benny Moriarty – the locals simply call this place “John Benny’s.” It is located opposite the tourist office and Pier, and is known for pub grub and genuine Dingle music. The owners, John and Éilis Moriarty, are traditional Irish musicians and get the sessions off to a melodic start. (Strand St., Dingle Town, tel. 066-915-1215; www.johnbennyspub.com)

Kruger’s Pub – venture out on the Slea Head drive to find this rural pub, a favorite with locals and visitors alike. It is named after Muiris “Kruger” Kavanagh, a local lad who was known to pick a fight at school so he was dubbed “Kruger” after Paulus Kruger, a famous Boer leader. He migrated to the US where he worked at various jobs from bodyguard and nurse to PR man for a New York City theatre. After 16 years, he returned to Ireland and set up this pub, to which he drew many friends from Broadway. Although Kruger passed on, his pub carries on as an entertainment hub with weekend performances of sean-nos singing (an old Irish unaccompanied style) and step dancing. (Ballinaraha, Dunquin, tel. 066-915-6127)

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