A Guide to Dunmore Head
Read our travel guide on Dunmore Head in Ireland. Walk Dunmore Head Loop, visit ancient Ogham Stone, and explore Coumeenoole Beach. Includes tips on how to get, what to pack, where to stay, or when to go.
Every journey along the Dingle Peninsula is different.
For instance, on our trip, it was raining heavily all day. And don't get us started to talk about the wind gusts.
Yet, we both agreed that the Dunmore Head, situated on the Slea Head Drive, was one of the highlights of the day.
Despite the weather that really didn't cooperate on the day of our visit, we can speak about Dunmore Head only in superlatives.
Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Dunmore Head is the westernmost point in Ireland, at least when we talk about the mainland area.
It also means that this extreme point of the Dingle Peninsula is one of Europe's most westerly points.
What these stark facts don't reveal is that this has to be one of the most beautiful places in entire Ireland.
And if you're considering including Dunmore Head and the adjacent Coumeenoole Beach in your Ireland road trip itinerary, you've come to the right place.
But don't worry. The visit to this stunning place in West Kerry is very straightforward.
So here are a few essential things you should know about Dunmore Head before you go.
How to Visit Dunmore Head
We've already mentioned that the Dunmore Head is one of the most extreme points in Ireland.
However, there was a hidden meaning in this fact, with emphasis on the word 'extreme.'
By the time we reached the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula, the weather was no short of exhibiting some extreme features.
The wind gusts were pretty violent and showed no signs of stopping.
It rained so hard that we even took a moment to reconsider our initial plan while sitting in the car in the empty parking lot.
The prospect of getting soaked to the bone was not great. However, we remembered the old saying that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
Also, our sense of adventure was stronger than common sense.
Reluctantly, we packed our things, put on waterproof gear, and decided to give it a try.
Our plan was simple. Try to go as far as we can, but be ready to turn back if things go worse than expected.
Despite the poor weather conditions, the visibility was surprisingly good, which was probably the main reason we decided to leave our car's warm and dry environment.
Coumeenoole Beach
Coumeenoole Beach is a beautiful sandy strip nestled between sharp cliffs and one of the top attractions at Dunmore Head.
However, we visited Coumeenoole Beach during the high tide and stormy weather, which, together with crashing waves, almost hid the sandy part that makes this place so gorgeous.
By many, Coumeenoole Beach is often considered to be the most beautiful beach in Ireland.
However, the competition is stiff, as Dingle Peninsula itself is home to places such as Inch Beach or Minard Beach.
Due to the weather, our experience was not so cheerful. But we can't deny that the setting is absolutely breathtaking. The beach is only a short walk from the main parking lot.
A short narrow road goes from the main parking area all the way down to the beach, which means it's accessible for all ages and abilities.
When we reached the beach, the high tide covered most of its sandy area.
When the sea is out, you can walk a bit further and explore one of its tiny coves that are otherwise inaccessible.
In our case, this was a quick stop, but we could imagine staying longer on a perfect-picture day.
There are tons of amazing beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way worth visiting. Coumeenoole Beach should be at the top of your list.
Dunmore Head Loop
This 2-kilometer circular route has to be one of the best short hikes in Ireland.
One of the main reasons we have such a high opinion of Dunmore Head Loop is that it's easily navigable for most ages and abilities.
Plus, it's short, and the views are stunning right from the start.
The trailhead starts from the main Dunmore Head parking area.
After a short climb, you need to cross over a relatively high stone wall.
Due to strong winds, this was the most tricky part of our hike, and we had to use all our strength to reach the other side of the trail.
The path then climbs gradually along the coast, and you can admire the views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The trail was exposed all the way to the main viewpoint, and it felt like walking in the hail rather than in the rain.
Stunning views of the treacherous rocks rising from the sea and Blasket Islands open up from the furthest point of the loop.
By the way, this incredible landscape was also used as a filming location for Star Wars.
So if you're a fan of the new trilogy, Dunmore Head, together with Kerry Cliffs or Skellig Michael, should be on your itinerary.
From here, the trail loops back to the parking lot. But first, you need to climb to the top of the lush green hill dominated by the small concrete structure.
In case the trail disappears, just continue onward and upward.
The old WW2 lookout outpost is the only place along the hike that gives you an opportunity to hide from the rain.
Similar World War 2 lookout outposts can also be found on Mullaghmore Head, Downpatrick Head, or Fanad Head.
Unfortunately, some individuals are not afraid to use it also as a public toilet, so be prepared that you might enjoy this place through all your senses.
Anyway. The views are still worth the effort.
Only a short walk from the outpost is an ancient Ogham Stone, one of the still-standing reminders of Ireland's megalithic history.
This little hike reminded us a bit of Sheep's Head Loop Walk on Sheep's Head Peninsula we had explored a few days before. Both featured absolutely stunning scenery without crowds.
From here, the trail then slowly took us across the grassy area back to the parking lot.
During the entire hike, we haven't met a single soul. It really felt like standing on the edge of Europe.
Opening Hours
Both Dunmore Head Loop and Coumeenoole Beach are natural attractions that can be visited 24/7.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Coumeenoole Beach. A small donation of €1 is appreciated when doing the Dunmore Head Loop.
Therefore, this is a great place to visit for all those doing Ireland on a budget.
How Much Time Do I Need
The hike takes about 30-60 minutes, while the walk to the beach and back, together with some time on the beach itself, will require another 30-60 minutes.
However, these are just rough estimations, and you can easily spend an entire morning or afternoon here, at least if the weather permits it.
When to Go
Arguably, there is no best time to visit Dunmore Head as it is beautiful any time of the year.
However, each season has its pros and cons, and you should read this guide on when to visit Ireland first to learn more on this topic.
Dunmore Head and Coumeenoole Beach are especially beautiful in summer, but this time of the year has bigger crowds and expensive accommodations.
One of the best ways to avoid crowds in the main season is to start early.
The weather in spring and autumn is quite unpredictable, as we learned the hard way ourselves.
Despite it, we still enjoyed the Dunmore Head Loop immensely.
Dunmore Head in winter must be truly magical, as chances are you will have this place for yourself. The downside is cold, rainy weather and limited daylight.
What to Pack
In summer, you will need to pack a strong sunscreen, beach towel, swimwear, and waterproof dry bag.
Don't forget to use proper trail runners for the hike, as the trail is often wet and muddy, even during this period.
Our all-season Ireland packing list includes a good-quality rain jacket, water bottle, and trusty travel camera.
We also wore the trusty rain pants we bought a few years back for our Iceland road trip.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach Dunmore Head, most opting for a car road trip that allows you to explore the best places on Ireland's west coast.
Car
The best way to reach Dunmore Head and Coumeenoole Beach is by car.
The town of Dingle is only a 30-minute drive from Dunmore, and this stretch of the road is very scenic.
Killarney is only 80 kilometers east of here, but the journey takes several hours as you will most likely make several stops along the way.
The situation repeats with Tralee, which is only 65 kilometers from Dunmore Head.
Both Cork and Limerick are about a 3-hour drive from this area.
Renting a car in Ireland is easy, and this mode of transport gives you the freedom to explore more places similar to Dunmore Head, such as Mizen Head, Ring of Kerry, or Skellig Ring.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
Parking at Dunmore Head is free and serves both the Dunmore Head Loop and Coumeenoole Beach.
In summer, the parking area gets quickly full, and you can even see cars parked on the narrow road that leads to the beach.
Unlike Inch Beach, driving on the beach is not allowed.
Public Transport
You could take a bus to Dingle and then a taxi to Dunmore Head, but this option is usually inconvenient and often time-consuming.
We would rely on public transport only when traveling between large cities, such as Dublin or Galway.
Tours
Exploring Dingle Peninsula on a guided tour is a great alternative for those who prefer to avoid driving in Ireland.
This popular Dingle Peninsula Tour features some of the most beautiful places along the way, including the Dunmore Head.
Where to Stay
Tralee and Killarney are one of the most popular choices when it comes to accommodation near Dingle Peninsula.
Both places offer the advantages of the larger towns, so you can easily find hotels and hostels for all budgets there.
In case you're looking for a more stress-free experience and don't want to stay in the towns, Dingle Peninsula is home to many family-run bed and breakfasts.
Just remember that the accommodations fill up quickly in the peak season, and you should book early to avoid disappointment and high prices.
Tralee | Ashe Hotel - Situated in the heart of Tralee, this beautiful boutique hotel features modern rooms, a casual dining experience, helpful staff, and great breakfast options.
Dingle | Murphy's Hotel - This family-run bed and breakfast with a traditional Irish pub sits in the center of Dingle town just by the waterfront. It features clean rooms, delicious breakfast, and welcoming hosts.
Killarney | Earls Court House - Set in a quiet suburb, this hotel features spacious rooms with stylish decor, rustic charm, and an extensive buffet breakfast.
Staying Safe
In general, Dunmore Head is a very safe place to visit. Like anywhere else, you still need to apply your common sense.
The road in this area narrows down to basically a single-lane road, but if you drive carefully, you should be fine.
To learn more about this topic, read this guide on driving in Ireland.
When leaving a car, don't keep your valuables in your vehicle.
This general travel tip is useful regardless of whether you're visiting Dunmore Head, Killary Harbour, or Burren National Park.
And lastly, don't underestimate the local weather.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Dunmore Head Worth Visiting?
Visiting one of the most westernmost points of Europe is not exactly an everyday experience.
The scenery is out of this world, and the views of the Atlantic Ocean will leave you speechless.
Therefore, we believe that the Dunmore Head is definitely worth seeing.
Furthermore, if you're a Star Wars fan, Dunmore Head should be one of the highlights of your Ireland road trip.
And if you're driving from the town of Dingle to the village of Dunquin via Slea Head Drive, there is no reason to avoid not to make a stop while there.
Just make sure to have a rain jacket in your daypack in case the weather forecast looks similar to ours.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
