Hotel review: Colourful townhouse in the heart of Dingle is more than just base level 

Base is located in the picturesque tourist-heavy town of Dingle

Base Dingle

Bridge Street, Dingle, Co. Kerry

Our rating: 8.25/10

Location

Dingle occupies some of the most in-demand tourism turf in the country, so booking a base in the heart of the town takes the experience to the next level.

Located along Bridge Street (just adjacent to the local SuperValu as a point of reference), that setting will take the step count out of every potter about town, with the marina just around the corner, blockbuster names like Dick Mack’s pub just 250m away, as well as the Slea Head Drive virtually on your doorstep. When it comes to Dingle bases, Base is pretty prime.

• 9/10

Style & design

Reception at Base Dingle

Walking in off Dingle’s bustling streets to a colourful, quirky reception area featuring signs like “Bíonn siúlach scéalach” (“the traveller has stories to tell”) sets the branding tone for the property’s vibrant travel hub, almost digital-nomad-wooing brand.

A bright reception deck with neon signage is flanked by a residents’ lounge with artsy-rustic interiors, from súgán wicker chairs to cow-print rugs, striking pops of wall art from glitter balls to retro Kerry prints. It all creates a fresh (and comfortable), youthful space and one I’d be glad to linger in.

• 8.5/10

Service

The Base team are friendly. Local receptionist Rebecca is a friendly face and a great insider asset when it comes to all the best local food spots and attractions. There are few interactions beyond reception, but I appreciated how efficiently housekeeping notified reception that I had forgotten a cap in my room; I received a call about it before I had even reached my car.

• 8.5/10

Guest rooms

A double room at Base Dingle

Base offers 30 rooms and guests can expect a colourful blend of contemporary design with mid-century and industrial touches. My ground-floor, street-facing double is centred around its statement wood-panelled wall in a warming yellow (a trim that continues throughout), while a pretty plush leaba with an accent cushion is backed by a smart charcoal headboard.

Opposite, a walnut desk with a leather-backed chair, egg-shaped mirror and smart TV offers a pleasant counter view.

There are some neat touches too, from built-in downlighting by the bed, colourful Ikea crockery and, quite uniquely, a water cooler with a built-in iPhone charger. A stylish forest-green en-suite with herringbone tiles maintains the bold character.

It’s actually all so pleasant, I’m left pondering if the name “Base” does the property an element of a disservice. From the website and branding I’d expected a bit of a stripped-back, spartan affair, and while the reception does have the air of a high-end designer hostel, the rooms aren’t dissimilar to what I’ve experienced at the likes of The Dean.

• 8.5/10

In-room perks

The hotel offers a Nespresso machine, Barry’s Tea, and bottled water.

• 7/10

On the menu

A 'Grab & Go' station at Base Dingle

Base offers “a room-only concept”, but there’s a handy grab-and-go station at reception featuring the likes of oats, breakfast bars, and Peak & Wild coffee. The website states that you can also pre-book a coffee, juice, yoghurt, banana, pastry, and protein bar pack, though I couldn’t find this option online. In any case, who needs a breakfast pack when you’ve Dingle on your doorstep?

I went to The Hare’s Corner... a beautiful mezzanine-style breakfast spot (every town should have one) with excellent breakfasts and delightful staff. Other spots like Piccolo and My Boy Blue offer great settings for coffee and pastries. For dinner, following a recommendation from Rebecca at reception, I booked a table at Doyle’s, an absolute beaut of a bar-restaurant where I enjoyed a loaded local bouillabaisse, cois tine, the perfect rainy summer’s evening fare.

• 6/10

Activities & amenities

An aerial view of Dingle town

Base may not offer any on-site amenities, but you’ve a pick of the best local attractions right outside, from a West Kerry Brewery or Dingle Distillery tour, Dingle Crystal or Holden Leather Goods workshop visits, Louis Mulcahy Pottery or, for more outdoor adrenaline, excursions with Dingle Sea Safaris and Dingle Boat Tours or Irish Adventures Kayaking. Upcoming 2026 events, including the Dingle Food Festival, Dingle Literary Festival and Other Voices, make excellent reasons to book a stay in this evergreen town of appeal.

• 9/10

The bill

B&B from €130

Room to improve?

The website and the brand could do with sharpening. There’s also an element of sustainability hype online, but my room still included single-use plastic water bottles.

Access for guests with disabilities? Two ‘No Limits’ rooms are fully accessible.

Family-friendly? Family rooms that sleep up to four are available.

Dogs welcome? Only service dogs.

EV chargers? No. Note there’s also no on-site parking, though I found street parking with ease.

• basedingle.com