| Cork and South West |
| The Dingle Peninsula |
| Northwestern Kerry |
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The Dingle Peninsula - Seaview
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The Dingle Peninsula - The road to Dingle
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| The Dingle Peninsula is world apart in county Kerry. |
DINGLE itself as the main town of the peninsula is a charming port with a lively atmosphere. The local hero happens to be a dolphin called Fungie and you will have no problem finding a boat at the pier to go on a tour and try to spot him.
Dingle Oceanworld (call 9152111 for information) is quite a nice experience with a walk-through tunnel and a touch pool. Apart from the many local species on display, there is a tropical fish and coral section. The Trintiy Tree is a famous feature of |
Dingle as it has three trunks and has been carved with characters from the Bible. At the end of August the Dingle Regatta is held, when currach canoes race against each other.
For modern celtic jewellery, pay a visit to Brian de Staic’s shop on The Wood. In the same location is the colourful Craft Village, groupe multiple workshops.
North of the peninsula, the small town of CASTLEGREGORY is a very good spot for wind-sailing and surfing. From the village a road goes to Rough Point between Tralee Bay and Brandon Bay. North of the village the Maharees Islands are unfortunately privately owned. On the islands are the ruins of an early monastic settlement.
The small village of CLOGHANE has a great beach and the amazing foreshore will make you want to stay. If you want to climb up Mount Brandon, the best way actually departs from Cloghane. Mount Brandon is the second-highest moutain of the country, culminating at 951m. To climb up the mountain and back will take the full day and requires serious preparation and equipment. Connor Pass is the highest pass in Ireland at 456m, from where you will enjoy magnificent views of Dingle Harbour and Mt Brandon.
On the Killarney to Dingle via Castlemaine route you will be able to stop by a number of sites such as the 6km long beach of INCH which is a very popular surfing spot.
The Slea Head Drive will take you through the West of Dingle, another Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area). Kilmalkedar Church is what remains of a 12th-century ensemble of religious buildings. On the grounds stands an Ogham Stone pierced by a hole. The Gallarus Oratory is a dry-stone oratory which has remained in nearly pristine condition. Ballyferriter and Dunquin are two small villages, you can take the boat to the Blasket Islands from tiny Dunquin. On the road from Dunquin to Slea Head many beehive huts, forts, inscribed stones and church sites can be visited. At Slea Head you will have the nicest views of the Dingle Peninsula and will be able to take a good walk. A little further, Dunmore Head is the most westerly point on the Irish mainland. Close to a sandy bay lies the tiny village of Ventry where you will be able to visit the Celtic & Prehistoric Museum (call 915 9941 for information). |
| PS : 5km out into the Atlantic are the most westerly islands in Europe: the BLASKET ISLANDS. It is noteworthy that Great Blasket Island has a great literary tradition. |
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