Dun Chaoin Pier
Dun Chaoin Pier
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
109 reviews
Excellent
92
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15
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2
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Jcalvert325
84 contributions
Jul 2022
Do you ever see pictures of a place and think, there's no way it's that beautiful in person? This is one of those places where pictures cannot do justice. It is a must-stop on the Slea Head Drive. Tip: Go early! My husband and I arrived before 8 am. It was so quiet and peaceful. We parked at the top of the cliff and I spent several minutes trying to convince some sheep that we were best friends (I was unsuccessful lol). We then walked down the path. Beware, it is steep and it is easy to lose your balance. Go slow, be careful, and hold hands with children. When you get to the water, it is a gorgeous view of the small islands dotting the coast. The waves crash against the rocks and cliffs with such force, yet there are pockets of calm water. The cliffs to your left are the most beautiful array of teals and purples that caught me completely by surprise. If you look from the top of the cliff you will notice small, semi-hidden caves that will have you picturing tales of pirates and hidden treasure.
Written 9 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert U
28 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
It was a very scenic drive to the pier from our hotel, The Ceann Sibeal Hotel but on very narrow lanes. Once at the pier there is not much parking but we went during the week and got there early so we found a spot. The view out onto the Atlantic is very nice. The cliffs and rock formations jutting out of the water are amazing to see. You can walk down the ramp to the pier but the path is steep in some spots and has grooves in it all the way down i suppose to make it easier for the sheep to get up the hill. I believe the pier is also the western most point of the island.
Written 5 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaimee G
Urbana, IL452 contributions
Jun 2022
Almost passed by this site, but decided to make the turn off and just take a peek. There is space for a few cars to park, a food truck, but no toilets. I just walked down about halfway to see the view and quickly hiked back up as the rest of my family did not feel like tackling a hill. It is pretty steep. The views are quite nice and the zigzagging pier makes for a nice picture. Worth a quick stop.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily O
Mullingar, Ireland1,806 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I am so glad I saw this with my own eyes and a glorious clear day to boot. WOW on the WAW. We actually passed the turn for it and I made my husband turn around and go back to (not a whole lot of parking here: be warned, only 1 brave camper van that was obviously there early but there were predominantly cars ) and stop and see it with our children. We had to hold onto them for dear life on the windy cliff over hanging the view of this iconic pier. Views of the Blaskets and legendary Sleeping giant especially on a clear day. An absolute must on the fabulous Slea Head Drive. Do not miss it.
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Garrett W
Skerries, Ireland1,471 contributions
Aug 2020
Quite an adventurous drive to get to, on some rather narrow winding roads, but exceptionally scenic. A really very beautiful drive. Lots of scenic lookouts on the way down the Dingle Peninsula. Dun Chaoin has a decent amount of parking (free) at the top with a short walk down to some breathtaking scenery.
Beautiful rock formations, cliffs, views of the islands.
We actually missed this earlier in the day on the loop drive on a busy Sunday in August. But were staying in Dingle, so took a quick drive back that evening, with no traffic, and were rewarded with spectacular photos!
Beautiful rock formations, cliffs, views of the islands.
We actually missed this earlier in the day on the loop drive on a busy Sunday in August. But were staying in Dingle, so took a quick drive back that evening, with no traffic, and were rewarded with spectacular photos!
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsKCIreland
Ireland276 contributions
Sept 2020
Had a lovey stop off here one evening whilst on the Slea Head drive. It was very quiet which made it all more special. It was lovely to walk down the narrow little road to the pier and enjoy the amazing view all around it and have the opportunity to get some photos without feeling the need to move on. It was nice to enjoy and take it all in at our own pace.
Only negative, the walk back up to the car park!!
Only negative, the walk back up to the car park!!
Written 27 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveller4576
Dublin300 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
Dun Chaoin pier (or more commonly known as Dunquin pier) is a small launch point for the inflatable ribs to get to the boats (anchored 200 yards out) that go to the Great Blasket Island. It is really only a launch site for ribs / small boats (I don't think that a larger boat could actually tie up at the Dunquin pier side).
Path down is only 15 mins and has very beautiful scenery (one of the most photographed sights in the area). While the path down to the pier itself is very safe (full concrete walls on either side and concrete ground) it is very steep. Very unfit people (or people of very poor disposition) might find it too hard going back up.
What made this pier famous was a photo taken of sheep coming up the narrow steep path from the pier (google Sheep Highway, Dunquin Pier) which became one of the most popular Irish postcards in history (and repeated by many tourists).
The pier became (in)famous again this summer (Aug 2016), when a black SUV tried to drive down it at 9pm at night and got stuck between its lower narrow concrete walls (google Sheep Highway Car Stuck Dunquin Pier). Do not attempt this.
Well worth taking in if in the area - beautiful on a fine evening
Path down is only 15 mins and has very beautiful scenery (one of the most photographed sights in the area). While the path down to the pier itself is very safe (full concrete walls on either side and concrete ground) it is very steep. Very unfit people (or people of very poor disposition) might find it too hard going back up.
What made this pier famous was a photo taken of sheep coming up the narrow steep path from the pier (google Sheep Highway, Dunquin Pier) which became one of the most popular Irish postcards in history (and repeated by many tourists).
The pier became (in)famous again this summer (Aug 2016), when a black SUV tried to drive down it at 9pm at night and got stuck between its lower narrow concrete walls (google Sheep Highway Car Stuck Dunquin Pier). Do not attempt this.
Well worth taking in if in the area - beautiful on a fine evening
Written 30 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tauseef Sarwar
Dublin, Ireland138 contributions
Jul 2018
Must Visit place in Ireland, I was fortunate enough to capture the stunning sunset in July This year (2018)
Written 16 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janne H
Ontario, Canada71 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
Aka Dunquin pier. Quite an adventurous drive to get to on some rather narrow winding roads, but scenic. A very beautiful drive. Lots of scenic lookouts on the way down the Dingle Penisula. Dun Chaoin has a decent amount of parking (free) at the top with a short walk down to some breathtaking scenery. There is a small amount of room for a couple of vehicles to drive right down to the beach for those who might find the walk down to strenuous. I’d guess the walk is about 100 meters or so from the top lot to the beach.
Amazing surf going on (no swimming allowed due to strong currents). Beautiful rock formations, cliffs, views of the islands.
Amazing surf going on (no swimming allowed due to strong currents). Beautiful rock formations, cliffs, views of the islands.
Written 4 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sennockred
Sevenoaks, UK619 contributions
Jul 2019
Get here late in the day or early in the morning before its mobbed by coach loads of tourists. It really is a sight to behold and does not take long to walk to from the parking above. Not for the immobile or unfair though! Its a steep climb.
Written 19 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. I'd like to ask if April is a good month to visit Dunquin/Dun Chaoin Pier. Is this a good month for getting blue skies with great clouds or is it mostly overcast during April. Any recommendations for staying overnight near Dunquin Pier? Thanks. JP (Culpeper, Virginia, USA).
Written 23 March 2024
How far is this from the town of dingle? Can you get a cab there?
Written 5 November 2018
I agree, it's about a 30 minute drive if you do not stop along the way. Keep in mind the road is very windy and narrow.
Written 6 November 2018
If catching an eco tour boat from here, where can a rental car be left/parked? Is there somewhere semi close and convenient?
Written 18 September 2016
You can park at the top of the pier. That is where the ticket office / shed is for the Blasket trips and there is plenty of places to park around it
Written 3 October 2016
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