DINGLE

• IEDIN
• Latitude: 52.1377
• Longitude: -10.2773
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in Ireland

Location: Ireland

Dingle Harbor (An Daingean) - Ireland

General Overview: Dingle Harbor is a traditionally quaint yet functionally modern port located in Dingle, a picturesque town on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, southwest Ireland. The port is nestled within a sheltered natural harbor, benefiting from the protective embrace of the land formations surrounding it.

Geographical Coordinates:

• Latitude: 52.1408° N
• Longitude: 10.2715° W

Port Specifications:

Harbor Infrastructure:

• Commercial Quays: The port has berths available for commercial fishing vessels and other marine traffic. The infrastructure supports the local fishing industry, with facilities for offloading, storing, and transporting catches.
• Recreational Docks: There is also a marina dedicated to leisure and recreational sailing, accommodating yachts and smaller pleasure craft.
• Depth: The depth of the harbor varies but generally supports vessels with drafts up to approximately 4.5 meters.

Facilities and Services:

• Fueling Stations: Diesel and petrol availability for maritime vessels.
• Maintenance and Repair: Basic repair services are available, with more comprehensive facilities accessible in larger nearby ports.
• Fishing Industry Support: The port has provisions for the fishing industry, including cold storage, auction facilities, and equipment supplies.
• Customs and Immigration: Relevant for international vessels; however, the facilities are relatively streamlined given the port's size and primary focus on local and regional traffic.

Navigation and Pilotage:

• Navigational Aids: Buoys, lights, and markers guide vessels into the harbor safely, especially critical given the Atlantic's changing weather conditions.
• Pilotage: Generally not mandatory but available upon request to aid larger ships or those unfamiliar with the harbor.

Environmental Considerations:

• Waste Disposal: The port is equipped with waste reception facilities, and measures are in place to handle various types of maritime waste, promoting eco-friendly operations.
• Marine Conservation: The surrounding waters of Dingle Peninsula are environmentally sensitive and support a rich marine ecosystem. The port adheres to national and international regulations to minimize ecological impact, including sustainable fishing practices.

Connectivity and Access:

• Road Access: Well-connected through regional roads leading to the national road network, facilitating the transport of goods.
• Nearest Airports: Kerry Airport is the closest, providing domestic and limited international flights.
• Public Transport: Limited but available, with bus services connecting Dingle to other major towns and cities.

Tourism and Community Engagement:

• Fungie the Dolphin: The harbor is famously associated with Fungie, a bottlenose dolphin who resided in the waters nearby and became a major tourist draw.
• Water-based Activities: The port and surrounding waters are popular for sailing, kayaking, and eco-tours, contributing significantly to local tourism.

Economic Role:

• Fishing Industry: Integral to the local economy, providing employment and supporting ancillary industries.
• Tourism: A cornerstone of Dingle’s economy, with the port acting as a gateway for marine-based tourism activities.
• Transport: Although not a major commercial shipping hub, it supports regional shipment and logistics operations.

Dingle Harbor, with its blend of traditional charm and essential modern facilities, plays a vital role in the economic and cultural life of the region, balancing its marine activities with the robust local tourism industry.