Dun Chaoin Pier
Dun Chaoin Pier
5
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5.0
108 reviews
Excellent
92
Very good
15
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
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.
Jennifer D
San Diego, CA263 contributions
May 2019
Wish we had more time here then the time we had to stop by! You start by driving down this one lane road to the coast. Just the drive there was already amazing but when arriving to the pier, wow. Just Wow!!! The sun was going to set in about an hour and the sun just glowed off the water. Watch your step when approaching to get your iconic shot!
Written 8 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.
Sarah v
68 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
Saw this place on Pinterest and thought I NEED to see this with my own eyes! Beautiful place and so unique looking compared to anywhere else. Located along Slea Head Drive not too far from the crucifix point. Park in the dirt spot and walk to your left. Best photos taken from up top along the grass hill edge looking down on the walkway. Be careful it's a little windy! The ferry wasn't in service while we were there but locals told us that they used to transport sheep via ferry from the mainland to the Blasket Islands which explains the one famous photo of sheep walking along the concrete ramp. Great views out to Blasket Islands as well.
Written 4 October 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.
Carson W
408 contributions
Sept 2016 • Family
Warning! You may enjoy this and burn some calories in the process.
If you aren't taking a Blasket trip or are and want to watch the zodiac low tide boarding process, the check it out!
This is a famous pier and you may recognize from viral memes of tourists who test the off road capabilities of their hire cars.
I highly recommend this for health nuts and in shape seniors who like to prove to their spouse or children, how fit they are.
Local authorities recommend that everyone complete 10 calf raises and 20 toe touches first.
Wellies or $300 Helly Hanson climbing boots are not required, it is concrete the whole way.
Have fun.
If you aren't taking a Blasket trip or are and want to watch the zodiac low tide boarding process, the check it out!
This is a famous pier and you may recognize from viral memes of tourists who test the off road capabilities of their hire cars.
I highly recommend this for health nuts and in shape seniors who like to prove to their spouse or children, how fit they are.
Local authorities recommend that everyone complete 10 calf raises and 20 toe touches first.
Wellies or $300 Helly Hanson climbing boots are not required, it is concrete the whole way.
Have fun.
Written 26 September 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.
Travel_Bug81
Waterloo, Canada941 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
The Dun Chaoin pier is the most dramatic and picturesque part of the Slea Head Drive. To reach it, one has to go towards the Blasket Island visitor centre and park in the parking lot area for boat tours to Blasket Islands. There is a coastal cliff walk one can do around the pier and be able to look down on the windy tiny road that leads to the pier. The pier is surrounded by two imposing, uninviting, sharp triangle cliffs, which give the entire site an even more mystical feeling. On a clear day you can see the Blasket Islands in the distance. A very nice place to enjoy the view and have some picnic.
Written 22 September 2015
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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