25 Awesome Restaurants In Dingle Ireland With Kids

Dingle may not be top of mind when visiting Ireland, but Dingle restaurants have really upped their game in recent years. This city is a must-eat destination for foodies.

Dingle, Ireland is a musician’s paradise with multiple music festivals throughout the year, and restauranteurs swooped in to answer the call for something other than traditional pub food.

Read our complete guide to Things to do in Dingle Ireland

Updated 2023: Between our trips in 2018 and 2023, the restaurant scene grew even more, so I’ve updated our favorites and added in a few new ones you will want to check out.

What to Eat in Dingle Ireland

You can still get classic fish and chips, and Irish stew (my favorite) with brown bread, but local chefs are also pairing duck with cherries, and local cheese and pears.

The best news of all, they are always coming up with something new to do with the local lamb being raised just down the road.

The culinary scene in Dingle Ireland has definitely gotten better and travelers are starting to notice, for better or for worse. While great food has moved in, so have the price increases.

When to eat in Dingle

Your best bet is to dine early, before the traditional music sessions start, when you can take advantage of the early-bird menu.

The prix-fix menus typically offer two courses and a limited number of choices.

Alternately, enjoy breakfast or lunch in Dingle, and then make dinner back at your vacation rental or grab takeout to enjoy at your Dingle hotel.

Coffee Shops in Dingle Ireland

Ok, so coffee is generally for grown ups, unless you are my kid who loves a decaf vanilla latte (its better than Coca-Cola people- way less sugar and caffeine!). If you have kids who happen to like coffee, are a parent who NEEDS coffee to get going, or you want a hot tea or hot chocolate on a rainy day in Dingle, you need to know that you are covered when you are in town.

Bean in Dingle

Address: Green St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Some would argue that this is the best coffee in town, but you will just have to try it out for yourself. This local roaster has been serving up simple brews and specialty coffees since 2015.

They also carry Ashe’s Annascaul Pork and Black Pudding Sausage Rolls, and you can bring some beans home to enjoy after your trip to Ireland.

Beatha Bakery

Address: Green St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 KV18, Irelan

Load up on breads and pastries to eat on your road trip or enjoy at your hotel or Ireland vacation rental. Get there EARLY so you are able to buy what you want or it will sell out.

The Hatch

Address: Strand St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Coffee and baked treats to get your morning started off right. They have a walk up window right near the harbor, which is very convenient if you are headed out for the day.

Pig and Leaf Restaurants in Dingle Ireland

Pig and Leaf Coffee and Sandwiches

Address: Main St, Grove, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 N448, Ireland

Grab a cup of coffee (discount if you bring your own takeaway mug), and pick up sandwiches and salads for a picnic later in the afternoon. This Dingle coffee shop also offers alternative milks (oat, almond, soy) for no additional cost.

Dingle Coffee House

Address: Strand St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 XR86, Ireland

Probably the best deal, and most convenient coffee in town, is at the Dingle Coffee House. It’s more of a “hut” but that doesn’t stop them from brewing up a specialty coffee for you to enjoy while you look out at Dingle Harbour.

Best Dingle Ireland Restaurants With Kids

The Hare’s Corner

Address: Main St, Grove, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 DK72, Ireland

We loved grabbing smoothies, smoothie bowls, or a full breakfast at Hare’s Corner before we started our daily wonders. In fact, this is my sister’s favorite spot to hang out on a sunny day. The people watching is lovely, as is the food and staff.

Murphy’s Ice Cream

Address: two locations
- Strand St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland (original location)
- The Pier (also located on Strand Street, but closer to the marina)

While my sister will argue that Murphy’s ice cream is too expensive, I have a soft spot for their gin ice cream with a side of raspberry sorbet. They have unique flavors that are made in batches, so the quality is always on point.

Kool Scoops- ice cream shop in Dingle Ireland

More ice cream shops in Dingle Ireland

Kool Scoops of Dingle: Strand St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 Y79T, Ireland

Harrington’s Restaurant (yes, they sell ice cream to go if you are in a pinch): Strand St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland

The Half Door Restaurant

Address: John St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 AY98, Ireland

Known as a haven of Irish gastronomy that highlights organic Irish products, The Half Door is a must for any foodie headed to Dingle.

You will want to make a reservation, especially if you are visiting in the summer or on a weekend, as this is the “fancy” place in town that many go to celebrate or just enjoy a great glass of wine with their meal.

The Diner

Address: Holyground, Dingle Town Centre, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland

If you are missing American food, then you need to pop into The Diner for breakfast (they have pancakes kids!) or a hamburger to kick that craving and get back to eating a full Irish breakfast, fish and chips, and lamb stew.

Bob’s Beer Garden

On our last trip to Dingle, the Sour Dough Pizza Pop Up was in Bob’s Beer Garden, but it may or may not be in this courtyard space when you visit. However, when it comes to kids and food, pizza is usually a safe bet.

But if the adults want something a little nicer, this pizza pop up (along with other summer pop up restaurants) is the place to check out.

More Pizza in Dingle Ireland

Forge Wood Fired Pizza (top rated): The Quay, Farrannakilla, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 TC93, Ireland
Little Italy Pizzeria Cafe Gelateria: 2 Orchard Ln, Main St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 ER82, Ireland

James Ashe - restaurants in Dingle Ireland

James G Ashe

Address: Main St, Grove, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland.

If you are looking for fresh, local seafood, pop in the door and grab a seat. This restaurant is much larger than it looks. Don’t be fooled by the front room.

There are non-fish options for those looking for veggies and red meat. There are usually signature cocktails available, a rarity in Ireland, outside of the larger cities. Make sure you ask about the specials. Many times they are worth it. If you are craving mussels, arrive early. They often sell out.

The Dingle Pub

Address: Main St, Grove, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland.

The Dingle Pub is pretty much a staple in town. Year-round you can find music playing. If you are really lucky, local dancing legend David Geaney will be at home.

His family has owned this pub for decades, and yes, he works the bar and waits tables when he is home. He will also do some Irish step dancing when he isn’t on tour. So, if you see a young guy taking your order, say hi to David.

He is super nice, will take a photo with your kids, and even joke with you a bit when you don’t recognize him… at all (yup, happened to us!) The food is your typical pub fare, but the company is great and the music and dancing is worth the cost of a pint.

Global Village

Address: Main St, Grove, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland.

While a bit pricey, the dishes are well portioned and the flavors are beautifully paired. The décor is fancy, which may make you feel uncomfortable bringing your kids in the door, but the staff is very friendly and happy to provide a half portion of anything on the menu for the kids in your group.

Go early if you have a rambunctious crowd so you don’t have to worry about noisy little ones.

Random Restaurant

Address: Dykegate St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland.

One of the most celebrated restaurants in Dingle and for good reason. Book a reservation no matter how quiet you think the town will be when you visit.

Random serves up delicious food at reasonable prices with a quality you will find in big food cities like London and San Francisco. If duck is on the menu, order it. Picky eater on your hands? Grab some cheesy garlic bread. Local and imported beers and wines are on the menu. The bartender is happy to help you navigate your way to your perfect sip or pour.

My Boy Blue

Address: Holyground, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland.

Rumer has it that My Boy Blue has the best grilled cheese sandwich on the planet. While I can’t attest to that, a friend swears by this place and her tastebuds are pretty darn good, so I’m prone to agree with her.

Cais

Address: Green St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 FF25, Ireland

Speaking of grilled cheese– if you are in the mood, head over to Cais for grilled toasties in the Dick Mack’s Pub Food Yard in the summer months. There are always people around this hot spot in Dingle, so grab a seat and enjoy a gooey bite along with your pint.

John Benny’s Pub and Restaurant

Address: Strand St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 N207, Ireland

Ok, if you need to have a burger, my dad swears this is the place to be. Adventurous eaters do not have to worry. Yes, there is seafood (the oysters are huge and the mussels were good), but the food is pretty basic.

Treehouse Café (Permanently Closed)

Address: 5 Orchard Ln, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 XW24, Ireland.

Every town should have a Treehouse Café, that warm breakfast spot that serves eggs, pancakes, scones and perfectly brewed tea until they close mid-afternoon. On a rainy spring day the windows will fog up with steam from the tea and coffee being poured and the lovely chatter coming from the tables.

Our Favorite Restaurants Outside of Dingle

Stonehouse Café and Restaurant

Address: Fahan Ventry Dingle, Fahan, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland.

Stonehouse hours and offerings depend on the time of year. What you can always get are clean restrooms if you buy a coffee and scones during a quick stop as you explore Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula.

Ceann Sibeal Hotel Bar and Restaurant

Address: Gortmore, Ballyferriter Village, Co. Kerry, V92 Y4EK, Ireland

You can’t miss this hotel restaurant when you are cruising along Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula. It’s in a TINY town you will pass through… with a Darth Vader statue out front.

This pub attached to the hotel has decent food, vegetarian options, great beers on tap (unless you are driving– then no booze for you as Ireland and the UK take drinking and driving VERY seriously and have a lower tolerance rate than the USA), and friendly staff that are happy to get you warmed up and on your way to the next stop on your Wild Atlantic Way itinerary.

South Pole Inn

Address: Main Street Lower Main Street, Annascaul, Co. Kerry, Ireland.

A fascinating restaurant worthy of a leisurely lunch. If it is warm, make sure you factor in time for the kids to play by the river while you enjoy a pint sitting on the picnic benches. Order the beef stew if it is on the menu, no matter what time of year you visit.

This restaurant is called the “South Pole Inn” because it holds collectibles and memorabilia of the town hero, Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. There is a cabinet in the pub that even lets you step into the south pole. Make sure your kids find it. They will have a blast… literally.

Outside of the history held on the walls, the staff is friendly and the food is good. There isn’t much else to the town of Annascaul, but it is a great place to load up before you head to nearby Inch Beach to play in the sand and try your hand at some Atlantic surfing.

Ready to plan your Ireland trip? Read This First!

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Things to do in Ireland

Ireland National Park Guides

Our Favorite Places to Visit in Ireland

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Best Dingle Restaurants in Dingle Ireland with Kids

Best Dingle Restaurants in Dingle Ireland

Flying to Ireland?

Looking for the best flights to Ireland? We love to track flights via Expedia.com. Not only do we find great rates, but we earn points to use on future travel too.

You can also keep an eye on GOING deals, which is how we got to Ireland roundtrip from LAX for under $500 each. The free version is good, but the paid subscription will save you way more than the cost per year.

DON’T FORGET YOUR ESIM CARD!

We all love our smartphones, but we don’t love those international roaming charges. Even if you have a travel pass, you could max out your service, which is why we always grab an eSIM card to pop into our phones. It’s especially great for the kids, as it limits what they can do and how much data they can use, but still allows them to text friends back home.

Check out Airalo, our preferred eSIM card store for the best prices on eSIM cards and international data plans.

NEED A RENTAL CAR?

We use DiscoverCars.com to get the best rates and availability on rental cars. Find your car HERE, along with all of the extras you may need (insurance, car seats, ski racks, etc.)

VACATION PHOTOS

Don’t forget to book your Flytographer session to capture awesome memories from your trip. We do it as often as we can, even though I’m a photographer. Sometimes, this mom just wants to be in a few photos with her kiddos.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do NOT forget to buy travel insurance for your cruise, even if you booked through a travel agent. Things do and will happen and it’s cheaper to buy travel insurance ahead of time instead of paying out of pocket later.

Check out Travelex for rates on a single trip or an annual plan that could be right for you if you take more than one or two trips a year.

Madonna Grill

I’m heading to Ireland this fall, and after reading your post, I want to add Dingle to my itinerary. The farm animals are so cute. Looks like your family had a lot of fun in Dingle!

Keryn Means
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We had the BEST TIME! Stay at Pax House if they have an opening. It was truly amazing! I have so much more to share and a full itinerary I’ll be putting up.