After a full breakfast (eggs, bacon, tomato, mushroom, black & white pudding and we're at a real B&B) we set off to the Dingle Peninsula. There was a bit of rain as we set off but it was clearing by the time we got to Inch Beach. Rose told us to call in at the beach so that we could compare it with our Australian Beaches. The first thing we noticed was that there was a parking area on the beach and quite a few motorhomes obviously camping. That was different.
A little further along we drove through Dingle (very crowded and we later found out that there we horse races today) and headed along the Slea Head Drive which compared very favourably (in our opinion) with the Ring of Kerry – maybe because it was fine today.
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| Inch Beach |
Lots of beautiful scenery and at one stage we stopped to have a look at a Lios also called an early pre-Celtic ring fort, and a fairy fort or a rath – very interesting and similar to those we saw some years ago on Dartmoor common. Very few visitors here as the site is not heavily marketed as a tourist stop. In short, the early Pre Celtic inhabitants of Ireland told stories of fairies and fairy forts. These structures were believed to be imbued with 'Druid Magic'. There are many legends associated with such places, and it's a fascinating look into ancient beliefs. The circular structure is well preserved and definitely worth a visit if you appreciate ancient sites
Around lots of cliffs and through pleasant little villages and we were eventually back at Dingle.
We found a park and went for an explore, looking for somewhere to have a light lunch. Eventually found a lovely little establishment with a garden out the back. Just what we were looking for.
We headed off from Dingle towards Tralee via the Conor Pass, at 456m high the highest mountain pass in Ireland. From the top we looked down a glaciated valley towards the coast. Very spectacular. The road down the other side was very narrow and hugged the cliff. Lots of stopping in passing bays to let those coming up the mountain pass.
Bed tonight is at the Castle Hostel where we have a much better room than the previous hostel. Even a double bed. Steve, at reception, suggested we go to The Brogue Inn for dinner. Good choice but unfortunately we are not attuned to the Irish way of life as yet. Live music doesn't start until after 9:30pm. Too late for us!!
