Family Holidays in Dingle
The Parents' Guide to Harriet's Cottage
Traveling with children is a delicate balancing act. You crave the wild adventure of the Dingle Peninsula, but you also need the logistics to work. You need a sanctuary where the stroller rolls easily, the grocery store is just around the corner, and the environment is safe, secure, and serene.
At Harriet's Cottage, we specialize in that balance. Named after our own daughter, this home was designed through the eyes of a parent. We aren’t just a place to sleep; we are your family’s operational basecamp for the Wild Atlantic Way. Located just a short walk from Dingle’s main supermarkets yet tucked away for a peaceful night's sleep, Harriet's Cottage offers the independence of a rental with the curated care of a boutique hotel.
For our Ultimate Kids Guide to Dingle- Click Here
Navigating Dingle with Kids - An Insider's Guide
Dining with Kids in Dingle
Dingle is the foodie capital of Ireland, and that extends to the little ones.
The Ice Cream Ritual: A trip to Dingle is incomplete without Murphy's Ice Cream. They use Kerry cow milk and offer free tastes—sea salt is a local favorite. It’s a 5-minute walk from the cottage.
Family-Friendly Pub Grub: The Dingle Diner and The Marina Inn are renowned for being welcoming to children, offering robust kids' menus (goujons, pasta, roast of the day) and a relaxed atmosphere where a little noise is forgiven.
Fish & Chips: For a casual night, grab fresh fish and chips from Reel Dingle Fish and bring them back to your private patio at Harriet's.
Delicious Pizza: It begins and end with The Blue Zone, the best pizza, great salads and a nice wine list for the parents.
Harriet's Cozy Afternoon:
Switch on the fire, break out the board games, and watch the weather roll over the hills from the comfort of your living room.
Adventures for Little Legs (Toddler Friendly)
Sandy Feet Farm: A 35 min drive away, this is more than a pet farm; it's a sensory agricultural experience. Kids can feed animals and explore in a safe, rural setting.
The Harbour Walk: The walk from Harriet's Cottage along the marina is flat and paved (stroller friendly). Watch the fishing boats unload their catch and look for the statue of Fungie the Dolphin.
Dingle Playground: A free, enclosed outdoor playground located near the harbor. It has equipment suitable for toddlers through pre-teens and is a great place to meet local families.
Visit Oceanworld: Dingle Oceanworld has sharks, otters, penguins, and giant fish tanks. You can watch the penguins play and even touch some sea creatures in the rock pool.
Adventures for Teenagers & Active Kids
Dingle Sea Safari: For a thrill, take a high-speed RIB boat tour along the cliffs. It’s exhilarating and offers the best chance to see whales and dolphins.
Slea Head Drive: While a drive, there are stops like the Beehive Huts where kids can hold a baby lamb—a photo op that defines the trip.
Soccer Golf: A very fun day out, like golf but with a soccer ball.
Stand Up Paddle: Fully experience the coastline in a whole new way while discovering a new adventure around every corner. Paddle into sea caves, on hidden lagoons and up secret rivers.
Suggested Family Dingle Itineraries
Option A: The "Toddler Pace" (Relaxed & Easy)
09:00: Pancakes at Harriet's Cottage (ingredients from SuperValu).
10:30: Stroller walk to Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium. Spend 2 hours exploring the shark tunnel.
13:00: Lunch at a harbor café.
14:30: Nap time back at the Cottage (utilizing the quiet location).
16:00: Afternoon treat at Murphy's Ice Cream and a play at the Dingle Playground.
18:00: Simple dinner at the cottage and early bedtime in the Hideaway Loft.
Option B: The "Wild Atlantic" (Active & Outdoors)
09:00: Drive the Slea Head Loop (counter-clockwise to avoid buses).
10:00: Stop at Dunquin Pier and the Blasket Centre.
12:00: Picnic lunch at Coumeenoole Beach (filming location of Ryan's Daughter).
14:00: Take a Dolphin Boat Tour from the marina.
17:00: Return to Harriet's to wash sandy clothes and relax.
19:00: Family dinner at The Blue Zone
Why Parents Choose Us
The Hideaway Loft
Unlike standard hotel rooms where children feel confined, Harriet's Cottage features our signature Hideaway Loft. This unique feature captures the imagination of our younger guests. It serves as a "secret den" where they can read, watch TV, play games on teh PlayStation or do some coloring.
Culinary Flexability
The Self-Catering Advantage. Eating out with tired children can be stressful. While Dingle has incredible restaurants, sometimes you just need a simple pasta night. The Kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances, allowing you to prepare anything from a quick breakfast to a tasty dinner
The Safety Circle
For parents of toddlers, the phrase "Enclosed Garden" is the most beautiful sentence in the English language. Our private rear patio s fully fenced, creating a secure "Safety Circle." You can enjoy a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine on the patio while the little ones play safely in the fresh Kerry air. There is no traffic access to the rear, meaning you can truly relax.
The Supply Line
We are located a short walk from Fitzgerald's Centra supermarket. This proximity is a game-changer. Forgot the milk? Need emergency diapers? A specific snack to avert a meltdown? You are minutes away. No car seats required. If you can hop in the car both Lidl and Garvey's Super Valu are a 3 min drive away.
The Laundry Lifesaver
hTe Wild Atlantic Way is an element-rich environment. Between muddy hikes at Glanteenassig Forest and sandy adventures at Inch Beach , clothes get dirty. Our home includes a full-size washer and dryer. This isn't just an appliance; it's a strategic advantage. It allows you to pack lighter (saving on airline baggage fees) and ensures that you always have dry, warm layers ready for the next day's adventure.
Digital Peace
We understand that downtime is essential. Harriet's Cottage is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs. Whether it's streaming a movie on a rainy afternoon or allowing teens to stay connected with friends back home, our digital infrastructure supports the modern family's needs.
Baby Gear
To make your stay with us as stress free as possible we supply ,at no additional charge, a baby high chair and a portable Pack n play crib.
FAQ's for Parents
Q: Can we walk to the supermarket from Harriet's Cottage?
A: Yes! One of the biggest advantages of staying at Harriet's Cottage is that you are minutes away from Lidl and SuperValu. You don’t need to load everyone into the car just to buy milk, diapers, or snacks.
Q: Is the property safe for small children?
A: We pride ourselves on being family-safe. We offer a fully enclosed garden so children cannot wander onto the street.
Q: What if we have a medical need?
A: Grogan's Pharmacy and Walsh’s Pharmacy are both located in town, a short distance from the cottage. Dingle Doc (SouthDoc) is also available for out-of-hours medical assistance, providing peace of mind.
Q: Is there parking?
A: Yes, Harriet's Cottage offers off-street parking. This is a significant luxury in Dingle Town where parking can be scarce and difficult to navigate with a large family vehicle.
Q: I am bringing my child, what do you provided?
A: We can provide a highchair, a pack n' play cot, a bed guard and a stair guard at no additional charge upon request.