The promontory north of the Kerry Ring is the Dingle peninsula. Not as famous as its southern neighbour it still offers compelling sights and history lessons combined with its namesake hopping tourist town.
The formal name is Slea Head Drive and like the ring it is strongly suggested one drives in a clockwise direction to limit encounters with other idiots errr, tourist cars and buses.
We set off in a very heavy rain storm with Peter at the wheel despite it being his birthday. We learned another aspect of the Irish road system. The “N” has been previously described. Below that is the “R” series which generously includes, most of the time, a painted centre line albeit with an inconsistent road width for two cars. Today it was welcome to the next level down, the “L”, which is lineless, one point something cars wide and challenging. We endured a short L spell just to get onto the peninsula and thought, whew, that’s done. Little did we know!
The weather alternated between rain and sunshine which only emphasized the incredible pallet of different greens on the hills and valleys.
With the changing conditions it meant quick photo stops and then back into the car.
Past the town of Dingle, which is the start and terminus of the Slea Head Drive, the roads became more narrow as we went. Imagine nearly losing the outside mirror on the right to a rock cliff while a small stone wall on the left is the only barrier between you and the north Atlantic. Add in an intentional fording of a small stream running down the mountain just because.
We stopped at the Blasket Island information centre to learn about this cluster of small islands three miles off the coast. It is difficult to imagine the challenges and hardship of living in such a place but generations did so until 1953 when the last of the villagers left. A short film captured how these rugged individuals found joy through song and storytelling while dealing with the ravages of the sea and weather.
A commemorative statue at the Center captures this in part.
The drive continued and as the sun broke through some incredible views emerged.
Our the way back to Dingle was delayed by another unique road hazard.
We celebrated Peter’s birthday in Dingle with a most amazing dinner. The building exterior would give you pause but inside is a Michelin rated restaurant that is outstanding.
I wouldn’t normally post pictures of food but it was that good.
A fun day capped off by a great meal. Tomorrow the long drive back down to Waterville GC at the tip of the Ring of Kerry. Fingers crossed given the weather forecast.
The Bennetts On Tour 