Dingle Peninsula

On an Ireland vacation, to the north of the Ring of Kerry is the Dingle Peninsula, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean in southwest Ireland. It is about 48 kilometres/30 miles in circumference and must be driven in a clockwise direction on an Ireland vacation. It is a mountainous peninsula containing Ireland’s second-highest peak. The coastline consists of steep cliffs together with sandy beaches.

The town of Dingle is traditionally Gaelic in character and has the claim to be the most western point in Ireland. This fishing port is quaint where many pubs double as shops so you can enjoy a Guinness along with purchasing hardware items. As you travel around Dingle, on an Ireland vacation, you experience amazing panoramic views of the ocean. The dramatic Connor Pass is the highest mountain pass in Ireland. There are wonderful views here of the coastal cliffs while on an Ireland vacation.

The Blasket Islands, which lie off the west coast, are famous for the literary and linguistic heritage of the former inhabitants. However, these remote islands have been uninhabited since the 1950s following an evacuation. Parts of the Dingle are extremely bleak and godforsaken. The pounding waves against the cliffs give The Dingle Peninsula character. 

The Gallarus Oratory is a 1300-year-old stone church and a rare sight as it stands on a lonely spot on the hills. There is also Gallarus Castle built in the 15th Century. Then there is the Celtic & Prehistoric Museum with its collection of prehistoric artifacts including a 40,000-year-old cave bear skeleton.