Hafen
Dingle

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a leisurely drive along Slea Head, a circular route around the Dingle Peninsula that passes through traditional villages and presents one absolutely stunning view after another. Of the thousands of archaeological sites on the peninsula, the beehive huts may be the most remarkable. These cone-shaped stone dwellings were built without mortar and are estimated to date between the 8th and 12th centuries. Other medieval remains include standing stones with inscriptions, sculptured crosses and earthen ringforts – also known as fairy forts – which were used as family dwellings and to house livestock at night to protect them from wolves. You will eventually stop at the Gallarus Oratory, an even older dry masonry stone structure that may have been a Christian chapel. The building is still famously watertight. While passing Blasket Sound, you will hear about a Spanish Armada ship that took shelter there in 1588, but still sank leaving only one survivor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy some of the most dramatically beautiful scenery in Ireland while traveling Slea Head road.
• Pass through traditional villages and along the rugged, yet gloriously green coastline.
• See curious, cone-shaped beehive huts that were built in medieval times.
• Stop at the Gallarus Oratory, a stone structure that may have been a 6th-century chapel.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Travel along the staggeringly beautiful Ring of Kerry, into ruggedly mountainous Killarney National Park and on to the Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian-style mansion built in the mid-1800s. The views will be spectacular the entire way, especially as you behold the Lakes of Killarney, three bodies of water in such an idyllic setting that they have become almost legendary. Overlooking the middle lake, you will find Muckross House, whose elegant rooms and period furnishings reflect the lifestyles of the landed gentry that once lived there. Downstairs you can see where the former servants worked. Time will also be allotted to stroll the adjoining gardens and browse the crafts store, which carries fine merchandise such as clothing and ceramics. Then, it is on to the town of Killarney, the touchstone against which all other beauty spots in Ireland are measured. During free time, you might drop by a pub and shop for Irish knitwear and crystal.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in some of Ireland’s most breathtaking scenery, including part of the Ring of Kerry.
• Browse the 19th-century Muckross House and gardens within the Killarney National Park.
• Explore the town of Killarney on your own and at a pace that you find comfortable.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Drive through the Dingle Peninsula following the gorgeous Slea Head loop and enjoy free time in Tralee, a wonderfully authentic center of culture. The natural beauty along Slea Head will be inspirational, which is why so many revered Irish writers lived along the peninsula’s beautifully rugged coast and on the Blasket Islands just offshore. While browsing the Blasket Centre, you will learn about the unique subsistence fishing and farming community that lived on those remote islands until their forced evacuation in 1953. Artifacts include wicker baskets used to carry turf and heather on the backs of donkeys and dried seaweed that was boiled in milk as a cold remedy. Historical photos and documents reveal just how self-reliant the islanders had to be. In contrast, Tralee is the bustling capital of County Kerry and although it is more urban, it is no less down-to-earth. You will find plenty of exquisite Irish woolens in the shops.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow the circular Slea Head road around the spectacularly beautiful Dingle Peninsula.
• Browse a cultural center that shows what life was like on the remote Blasket Islands just offshore.
• Discover why the fiercely independent people that lived on the islands were forced to leave.
• Spend free time exploring Tralee, the capital of County Kerry.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Gain an understanding of the joys and struggles of life through the centuries on the Dingle Peninsula, beginning with an impressive demonstration at Dingle Sheepdogs. It is quite the show to watch the border collie sheepdogs effortlessly herd the sheep by following simple commands and whistles. You can’t help but be amazed by the connection between the trainer and the sheepdogs. But living on this gorgeous peninsula wasn’t always so carefree, as you will see firsthand at the Famine Cottages, home to the Kavanaugh family when the Great Famine struck. Some of the cottages have been left exactly as they were during the 19th-century potato famine. Living in the remote Blasket Islands off the tip of the peninsula could also be challenging, so much so that the remaining population of 22 were forced to evacuate for their health and safety in 1953. The Blasket Centre offers a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of those last remaining inhabitants.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch border collie sheepdogs demonstrate their prodigious herding skills.
• See desolate cottages left exactly as they were when the potato famine struck in the 19th century.
• Browse a cultural center that shows what life was like on the remote Blasket Islands just offshore.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Two hundred years ago, Ireland had over a hundred officially recognized distilleries; by the turn of this century there were only two. When Dingle Distillery launched in 2012, it was the first purpose built privately owned distillery to open in over 150 years in Ireland, it has rekindled the tradition of independent distilling in Ireland. Dingle Distillery is the only distillery in Ireland at present that exclusively produces and bottles its own whiskey.

After a short walk to the distillery, enjoy a guided tour and learn about their story. You will have the opportunity to sample their whiskey as well as their Dry Gin which was named the World's Best Gin at the 2019 World Gin Awards.

Arrive at the Blasket Centre, located on the tip of the Dingle peninsula. This is a fascinating heritage center/museum honouring the unique community who lived on the remote Blasket Islands until their evacuation in 1953.

The Blasket Centre tells the story of island life, subsistence fishing and farming, traditional life including modes of work and transport, home life, housing and entertainment. The Centre details the community’s struggle for existence, their language and culture, and the extraordinary literary legacy they left behind- classics such as ‘The Islandman’, ‘Twenty Years A-Growing’ and ‘Peig’. Their story is told using a variety of means - exhibitions, interactive displays, artefacts, audio visual presentations and artworks. Learn about island life in this remote part of Ireland.

The Dingle Peninsula is without a doubt one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland.

Transfer via coach to the small village of Annascaul, a birthplace of Tom Crean the Antarctic explorer nicknamed the Irish Giant, and begin your hike encompassing the three peaks of the Brackloon. Enjoy spectacular views of Slieve Mish Mountains, the Com Dubh river system, majestic Dingle Bay, and Inch Beach.