The South West:Layout 1 03/05/2007 16:59 Page 121
CAHERDANIEL Given the quality of the food, it is also good value (average evening
The coasts of Caherdaniel were once among the most notorious starter about €10; main courses from about €17). Call and reserve a
smuggling havens in the south of Ireland and most of the contraband table to avoid disappointment.
trade was organised by the O’Connells, former owners of the house
and parkland now known as Derrynane National Historic Park. The CASTLEISLAND
parkland has an attractive sandy beach, and nearby Abbey Island can The small town of Castleisland is situated 10km east of Tralee on the
be reached on foot across the sand. Tel: (066) 947 5113. N21. Here you will find Crag Cave, a unique natural attraction. View
The 2,000-year-old Staigue Fort, with its 5m-high and 4m-thick the incredible miracle of the stalactites and stalagmites formed in this
walls, is one of the finest drystone buildings in Ireland. It is similar in cave, which was only discovered in 1983. Tel: (066) 714 1244.
many ways to the Grianan of Aileach in County Donegal and is well Castleisland is also famous for the internationally-prized Kerry Blue
worth a visit. In its day, it may have been either a royal residence or a terrier, which originated here.
place of refuge. Either way, the remains are a testament to the skill of
its builders. Admission to the fort is free. publicbuilding places of interest
Crag Cave, Castleisland, Co. Kerry. Tel: (066) 714 1244;
CAHERSIVEEN Email:
info@cragcave.com; Web:
www.cragcave.com. Crag Cave is a
Cahersiveen is your next stop. Located at the foot of Beentee colourful wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites discovered in
Mountain on the River Fertha, halfway around the Ring of Kerry, it 1983 and thought to be over one million years old. Guided tour takes
overlooks Valentia Harbour and is the capital of the Iveragh Peninsula. 30 minutes. Restaurant, Gift Shop & Crazy Cave - Indoor children’s
Daniel O’Connell was born here in 1775 and there are plenty of adventure centre (priced separately). Open daily from 10am–6pm.
attractions dedicated to this great hero, including the 19th century (January & February, telephone for opening times). Last tour 5.30pm.
Daniel O’Connell Memorial Church, the Daniel O’Connell Birthplace
and the Abbey of the Holy Cross, where O’Connell was buried. There CONNOR PASS
are many other important heritage sites in Cahersiveen, including Connecting the Dingle Peninsula with Tralee, the viewing point from the
Ballycarbery Castle and several ancient stone forts nearby. Every year top of the Connor Pass is one of the most spectacular in the region.
in early August, the Celtic Music Festival takes place here over the Driving the Pass is not for the faint-hearted or the inexperienced.
bank holiday weekend. Tel: (066) 947 2043
DINGLE AND THE DINGLE PENINSULA
guestrooms accommodation Dingle is an attractive little town, popular with scuba and sea-fishing
The Watermarque Hotel, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry. Tel: (066) 947 2222; enthusiasts and filled with cafés, pubs and restaurants. About 10km
Email:
info@watermarquehotel.ie; Web:
www.watermarquehotel.ie. to the south of Mount Brandon, it’s a perfect base from which to
Savour the beauty of the Ring of Kerry from the luxury of the new explore the Dingle Peninsula, which, along with its ringforts and high
Watermarque Hotel and Spa Cahersiveen. Located on the Ring of crosses, has all the scenic beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Dingle’s most
Kerry in a place of incredible natural beauty we offer gorgeous rooms, famous resident is Fungi, a bottle-nosed dolphin who has made his
and luxurious spa in a beautiful setting. Our restaurant features the home in the waters around Dingle since 1983, and who has since
finest of modern Irish cuisine while the Ivy Bar is the ideal venue to become an international celebrity. Boat trips are available to take
relax after a day touring. visitors to see Fungi and these depart daily.
A spectacular landmass jutting out into the sea in the Kingdom of
dining dining & entertainment Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula is renowned for its rugged beauty. Majestic
QC Restaurant & Bar, Main St, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry. Tel: (066) 947 rolling mountains, sparkling lakes, haunting woodlands and golden
2244; Email:
kate@qcbar.com; Web:
www.qcbar.com. Kate and sandy beaches can be enjoyed in this most westerly coast of Europe.
Andrew Cooke’s sensitively renovated bar and restaurant has some Home to craftspeople like potters, knitters, jewellers, woodworkers,
great original features, such as a rugged stone wall and an enormous candle-makers, curragh-makers, painters and writers, the Dingle
fireplace. The bar counter is also over a century old and there are Peninsula is rich in culture. With world-renowned restaurants and the
numerous pictures of local interest and nautical antiques, reflecting finest accommodation ranging from hotels and guesthouses to self-
Andrew’s special love affair with the sea (he runs a yacht charter catering cottages and campsites, the Dingle Peninsula has everything
service as well as the bar). The most pleasing aspect of the food is its for an unforgettable holiday.
immediacy – everything is ultra-fresh, simply prepared and full of zest. Some of Ireland’s greatest writers in the Irish language lived on the
Traditional irish fishing boat – the Curragh, Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry.
the south west 121
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