Dingle Peninsula Slea Head Drive: Oratory & Blasket Views

Eask Tower to Ceann Sibeal: the cliffs and ancient stones of Ireland's western edge

A three-hour guided tour of the Dingle Peninsula departing from Dingle town, traveling the Slea Head Drive with stops at Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, Beehive Huts, and views of the Blasket Islands. A local guide leads the group through coastal cliffs, ancient Christian sites and rural landscapes, with an air-conditioned vehicle handling the winding peninsula roads. Children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Dingle Peninsula highlights

• Visit Eask Tower for views
• Explore Ventry Harbour and Pier
• Drive along Slea Head Drive
• Hold a baby lamb and visit Beehive Huts
• View the Blasket Islands
• Relax at Commennole Beach
• See Star Wars filming locations
• Visit Gallarus Oratory

The Experience

The tour starts at Eask Tower, where the peninsula's rugged coastline spreads out below—golden beaches, rolling green hills, and the Atlantic stretching to the horizon. From there the route follows the Slea Head Drive, a narrow road that winds along dramatic cliffs and past golden beaches, passing the filming locations used for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, including Ceann Sibeal (Sybil Head). The guide points out the archaeological sites and explains the landscape as it unfolds, so the drive itself becomes the story rather than just the way between stops.

At Ventry Harbour and Pier, you step out into the maritime history of the peninsula—traditional Irish cottages and the serene waters that shaped the communities here. The Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian stone structure built between the 6th and 9th centuries, stands as a single intact chamber from Ireland's ancient past. Nearby, the Beehive Huts—ancient stone dwellings steeped in Celtic heritage—sit nestled in the landscape, offering a glimpse into how people lived centuries ago. The Blasket Islands appear across the water, their rugged cliffs visible from the peninsula's edge.

Commenole Beach offers a moment of quiet—golden sand framed by towering cliffs—before the route turns back toward Dingle. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the pace allows time to absorb each stop without rushing. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and the tour suits all fitness levels since most of the day is spent in the vehicle or at accessible viewpoints.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• local English-speaking guide.
• stops at Eask Tower, Ventry Harbour, Gallarus Oratory, Beehive Huts, Commenole Beach and views of the Blasket Islands and Ceann Sibeal.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Dingle Slea Head Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this tour for your first morning in Dingle or a free afternoon—your guide navigates the winding roads while you discover the cliffs, ancient sites, and views that define the peninsula.

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Top questions

What is the Gallarus Oratory and why is it on this tour?

The Gallarus Oratory is an ancient stone chapel built between the 6th and 9th centuries during Ireland's early Christian period. It stands intact on the Dingle Peninsula and is included on the tour as one of the peninsula's most significant archaeological sites, offering a direct connection to Celtic heritage.

Does the tour stop at the Blasket Islands themselves?

The tour includes views of the Blasket Islands from the peninsula's edge, where you can see their rugged cliffs across the Atlantic. The islands themselves are not visited on this tour; the stop is a viewpoint from the mainland.

Can I hold a baby lamb on this tour?

Yes, the tour includes an opportunity to hold a baby lamb and experience rural farm life on the Dingle Peninsula. This costs 4 euros per person and is arranged during the tour.

How much of the tour is driving versus walking?

Most of the three hours is spent in the air-conditioned vehicle traveling the Slea Head Drive. Stops at Eask Tower, Ventry Harbour, Gallarus Oratory, Beehive Huts, and Commenole Beach allow time to step out and explore, but the emphasis is on the scenic route and views rather than long walks.

What Star Wars connection does the Dingle Peninsula have?

Ceann Sibeal (Sybil Head) on the Dingle Peninsula was used as a filming location for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, standing in for the Jedi Temple on the planet Ahch-To. The tour passes this location along the Slea Head Drive, combining the peninsula's natural beauty with its cinematic history.

Is this tour suitable for very young children?

Yes, children from age one are welcome. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and the tour is designed for all fitness levels since most time is spent in the vehicle or at accessible viewpoints.