The Tony Mackness Web Site

DINGLE
(An Daingean)
IRELAND

Dingle, situated on the Dingle peninsular in Southern Ireland, and the most westerly town in Europe,
is one of the most beautiful area's I have ever been to.

If you want to step off the treadmill and drudgery of everyday life then this is the place for you.
The only shops you will find are mainly local arts and crafts, jewellers and a couple of supermarkets.
When it comes to pubs you never have far to walk from one to the next. I can't tell you exactly how many there
are but I would guess over 40, and i'm told there used to be 52 !

We used to stay at a lovely family run bed and breakfast called "The Archway Lodge", on Main Street

I think having stayed there three times shows how good it is - and can highly recommend it.

Unfortunately the owners, Marion and Justin have now retired and sold the business.

It is now the "Pig and Leaf Coffee and Sandwich Shop".

Main Street, is a busy one way street, lined with pubs such as "The Dingle Pub"

"The Small Bridge", "Foxy Johns" and "Adams" it's in easy walking distance of pubs,

shops and the harbour area. Most pubs serve food and have traditional music on seven

nights a week, sure to get your feet tapping.

There are also some restaurants, serving locally caught seafood.

Dingle is probably best know for "Fungi" a common bottlenose dolphin.

First seen in the harbour in 1983, Fungi lived a solitary life, but was a big tourist attraction, swimming along side the boats, and swimmers, kayakers and divers.

In October 2020 there was concern, as he hadn't been seen for several days.The last sighting was 13th October. Marine experts have said he either moved onto new water, or had simply died. Although it was not known exactly now old he was, he was at least 40 years old.

Drive out from Dingle and within a couple of minutes you can witness some
breathtaking scenery.

The Connor pass is not to be missed. A narrow winding road cuts through the
mountains to take you to the northerly side of the peninsular, where you will
find strands (or as the English call them, beaches) that go on for miles.

Today, 5th August 2023 I read that The Conor Pass is up for sale with a valuation of €10 million euro.
Apparently it is owned by an American, Mike Noonan.
I couln't believe that such a place would be in private ownership.

Head for Tralee Bay or Brandon Bay. Park the car and walk, take in the scenery
and beauty, and if it gets to much you can stop in the local for a pint and a chat !
The great thing is that you may find a village of only a dozen houses, but you can
guarantee that one will be a pub !!

Travel west from Dingle, and follow the Slea Head drive, stopping of at Dunquin
and taking the boat across to the Great Blasket Island. If you are lucky you may
see Dolphins swim along side the boat, jumping in and out of the water.
These islands were last inhabited in 1953, their deserted cottages now reduced to empty shells.
There are a few people who live on the Island during the summer months, and then return
to the mainland for the winter months.
A walk round the island will take you three or four hours but you will be rewarded by
breathtaking scenery.
Look down to the waves breaking on the rocks below, where seals and dolphins play.
Birds soar high overhead and sheep roam the green hillsides.
There are marvellous views of the Kerry coastline, and, although you can't see it, to the west the next land mass is America

Going East from Dingle you will pass through Inch.
Only a small place but it can boast what is undoubtably one of the finest beaches you will ever come across.
A mile of golden sand, Inch was the beach location used in the film "Ryan's Daughter"

Below are some photographs taken in and around Dingle.

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge and see what I mean.

Unfortunately the only way to truly appreciate the area, is to see it through your own eyes.

Murphy's Pub		View from the Conor Pass
Blasket Island Beach		Brandon Bay
On top of the Blasket Islands		Houses on the Blasket Islands
Dingle Harbour		Approaching Great Blasket by boat

	View from the Conor Pass		Traditional music session at Dick Mack's
	A view of Main Street		Dick Mack's
	Dingle		Foxy Johns
	Top of the Conor Pass		Adams