How to Visit Gallarus Oratory
Read our travel guide on how to visit Gallarus Oratory, Ireland, for free. Includes tips on where to park, what to expect, how to get, where to stay, or when to go.
If you're interested in history, Gallarus Oratory is one of the best things to do on the Dingle Peninsula.
Furthermore, this tiny archaeological site is also among the best stops on Slea Head Drive, the most scenic route in this area.
However, visiting this fine example of early Christian history is not as straightforward as you might expect.
Well, it's still very easy, but there is one little caveat you should know about.
Basically, there are two ways to see Gallarus Oratory.
And while it might initially seem that you need to pay to enter the site, it's entirely possible to explore this site for free.
So without any further ado, here's everything you should know about Gallarus Oratory before you go.
How to Visit Gallarus Oratory
After Minard Castle and Inch Beach, Gallarus Oratory was another place on Dingle that took us by surprise.
As mentioned above, Gallarus Oratory can be visited for free via a public trail or, alternatively, through a private visitor center that requires a small admission.
The choice is, as always, yours.
Despite the fact that this is a very simple structure, we were glad we included it in our Ireland road trip itinerary.
Gallarus Oratory - Free Public Access
If this is not your first time on our blog, you already know which option we went for.
We traveled around Ireland on a budget, so we couldn't pass up the opportunity to save some money.
For instance, we loved the visitor's center experience at Cliffs of Moher, but this one felt not worth it, as you can find plenty of information about its history online.
Directions
A relatively small and not well-marked public parking that serves as an entry point to Gallarus Oratory is about 8 kilometers from the Dingle Town.
Parking
It's easy to miss, so here are the exact coordinates you can use in Google Maps - 52.171417, -10.350403.
This parking lot is right next to the road and half-enclosed with a stone wall.
The public entrance is marked by a brown sign with the text Gallarus Oratory - Public Right of Way (Aireagal Ghallarias) on it.
There should also be a small OPW logo.
Gallarus Oratory
From here, we went through a metal gate and took a wide and flat path that was only 150 meters long and led all the way to the actual site of the Gallarus Oratory.
The oratory itself is quite tiny and not as spectacular as some other ancient ruins we've seen so far in Ireland, at least at first sight.
It really isn't a Rock of Cashel or Blarney Castle. But that's not important.
Upon closer inspection (and after reading the small information board), we learned it was constructed sometime between the 7th and 8th century CE.
It was the dry stone technique, meaning they didn't use any mortar during the process.
The roof has an inversed boat shape giving the structure a unique feel. One of the most striking features of Gallarus Oratory is its waterproofness.
We visited this site in the pouring rain, and the floor inside was dry.
It is a testament that the oratory is well preserved, even after all those centuries.
A local legend also says if a person climbs out of the oratory through the window, their soul will be cleansed.
If you stand inside the oratory, you will quickly realize that the window is tiny (18cm x 12cm), so it is physically impossible.
If one of the large tour buses arrives, be patient, as the site gets quickly crowded. In these situations, we usually wait it out, as they often leave after a few minutes.
From here, we walked rather quickly back to our car, drove to Dingle, and eventually continued toward the Conor Pass.
Gallarus Oratory Visitor Center - Private Entry
In case you want to use the private entrance, drive another 100 meters up the road to Gallarus Oratory Visitor Centre.
Here you will have the opportunity to learn more about Gallarus Oratory, see some displays, watch a short movie, have a cafe, or use the toilet if needed.
Obviously, this is a paid experience. We believe it's not worth it, but that's just our opinion.
Opening Hours
Gallarus Oratory is open 24/7. Obviously, the visitor center has regular opening times.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Gallarus Oratory if you use the public path. A small fee is charged at the visitor center.
But once again, you can visit Gallarus Oratory for free.
How Much Time Do I Need
If you enter the site via the public path and don't go inside the visitor center, you will need less than 30 minutes for Gallarus Oratory.
If you're in a hurry, you may need as little as 10 to 15 minutes.
And if you go through the visitor center, allow yourself about 45 minutes for this site.
When to Go
Gallarus Oratory is open all year round, so you can enjoy it regardless of the season.
If you're still not sure when to visit Gallarus Oratory, we believe spring and autumn are fantastic seasons to visit Ireland.
Summer is the most popular season to visit Dingle Peninsula, but the most famous sites get busy during this period.
Before you go, make sure to read our guide on when to visit Ireland.
What to Pack
This is a quick stop, so just make sure to have comfortable footwear and a rain jacket in your daypack.
Though the daypack is not really necessary for this short walk, we try never to leave it in our car for safety reasons.
Here you can check out our Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
Gallarus Oratory is located on Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. The easiest way to get to Gallarus Oratory is by car, though you could also take a taxi from Dingle, join a private tour, or cycle there.
Having a vehicle for your Ireland road trip is a huge advantage, and not just in this area. Luckily, renting a car in Ireland is not difficult.
Dingle is less than a 10-minute drive from here, but we suggest doing the Slead Head Drive clockwise so that it will be one of the last stops on your itinerary.
Gallarus Oratory is about 70 kilometers west of the famous Killarney town, known as the gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry.
Both Cork and Limerick are about two and a half hours drive from Gallarus Oratory. You can get there in about five hours from Dublin.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Where to Stay
The most obvious place to spend a night before or after a visit to Gallarus Oratory is the little town of Dingle.
You will find a few hotels, seafood restaurants, and traditional Irish pubs in the town.
In case you want to stay in the countryside, there are plenty of bed and breakfasts along the way.
However, these accommodations have limited capacity and fill up quickly in the peak season, so book early.
In case everything is booked out, search for accommodation in Killarney.
Ballyferriter Village | Hotel Ceann Sibeal - One of the few hotels in the area, this accommodation offers spacious rooms with lovely decor, an ideal location, ample parking, and helpful staff.
Dingle | Dingle Bay Hotel - Situated right in the center of Dingle, this hotel is one of the most popular choices in this area. It has nice rooms, delicious breakfast, welcoming staff, and free parking. Great value for your money.
Killarney | Earls Court House - Set in a quiet suburb, this hotel features spacious rooms with stylish decor, rustic charm, and an extensive buffet breakfast.
Staying Safe
Gallarus Oratory is a tiny tourist attraction in the Irish countryside, so it is very safe to visit.
Driving in Ireland is a bit harder, but it's not that bad.
Remember to stay on the left side of the road, and drive carefully, as the rural roads are often narrow in this area.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Gallarus Oratory Worth Visiting?
If you make it all the way to the Dingle Peninsula, Gallarus Oratory should not fly under your radar.
It's one of the finest examples of early Christian history in Ireland, and it's super easy to visit.
Other reasons to include it in your Ireland road trip itinerary, besides its historical value and significance, are that there is no entry fee and it's a relatively quick stop.
Sure, it's not a Bru na Boinne, Clonmacnoise, or Glendalough Monastic Site, so keep your expectations reasonable.
Other than that, it's a great addition to your Wild Atlantic Way itinerary.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
