The South West:Layout 1 03/05/2007 16:59 Page 123
haunting Blasket Islands, whose legend continues to inspire today’s
artists, writers and poets. The Blasket Centre in Dunquin is dedicated
to the literary achievements and the lives of these islanders, while
regular boat trips to the Great Blasket allow the visitor to walk in their
footsteps. During the summer, children and adults from all over
Ireland flock to the West Kerry Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region) to
learn the language.
The peninsula also plays host to a plethora of activities and
pastimes suited to all members of the family. Ireland’s second highest
mountain, Mount Brandon (2,700ft), provides an exciting challenge
for the walker. Dramatic mountains and flat valleys can be found all
over the Peninsula. For the ornithologist, there is a chance to observe
choughs, falcons, barnacle geese, gannets and puffins. The Dingle
Way Long Distance Walking Route makes a complete circuit around
the mountainous Dingle Peninsula from Tralee. The route is mostly
along fairly easy paths, tracks and minor roads, but there is one high-
level stretch crossing a gap on the shoulder of Mount Brandon.
Organised horse-riding treks or week-long equestrian holidays are
available through quiet mountains and lowlands and along sparkling,
sandy beaches. Under the shadow of the Three Sisters Mountains and
looking across at the Blaskets is the most westerly golf course in
Europe, and probably Ireland’s most beautiful, Ballyferriter’s Ceann
Sibeal 18-hole Championship Links. The 9-hole Castlegregory Golf Western end of the Dingle Peninsula, Ballyferriter, Co. Kerry.
Course is set in the view of Tralee Bay and Brandon Bay. The prolific
waters around the Blasket and Maharee Islands and Brandon Bay are features Paudies Bar and Longs Restaurant, both very popular with locals
rich in shark, tope, dogfish, whitefish, and sometimes rare and holiday-makers alike. Paudies Bar presents a polished refinement,
Mediterranean species caught in the warm Gulf Stream. Deep-sea with its large leather seats, elm and walnut wood and traditional stone,
angling boats operate out of Dingle, Ballydavid, Ventry and Brandon. and an extensive bar food menu, with seafood a speciality. Live modern
For local family fun, visit the Oceanworld Aquarium in Dingle, one and traditional music is a regular feature. Relax and savour the luxurious
of Ireland’s premier aquariums. Open year round, the aquarium has surroundings and delightful ambiance of this fabulous hotel.
undergone a major facelift and includes an even bigger variety of fish, Dingle Benners Hotel, Main Street, Dingle, Co. Kerry. Tel: (066) 915
a new jungle theme and a new jellyfish laboratory. Tel: (066) 915 1638; Email:
info@dinglebenners.com; Web:
www.dinglebenners.com.
2111. Nearby in Lispole is the unique Freshwater Experience. An Dingle Benners Hotel is a classic 3-star hotel in the heart of Dingle.
outdoor park which features a wildfowl reserve, a variety of wildlife Favoured for its old-world charm, the hotel has been recently transformed
and examples of ancient Celtic monuments, including an Ogham offering guests authentic Irish antique furnishings, blended with the best
stone, wedge tomb and Crannog (a medieval lake dwelling). This is of contemporary design. Each of the 52 bedrooms is luxuriously
certainly a unique attraction that will put you in real touch with appointed providing an intimate cosy atmosphere ensuring a relaxing stay.
nature. Open daily from March to October. Mrs. Benner’s Bar welcomes you with an open fire and sociable
Dingle’s sheltered harbour has a new marina offering a safe-haven atmosphere and as Dingle’s oldest hotel, its charm reflects the history
for all sail/motor boats from ocean-going yachts to the smallest dinghy. and uniqueness of the town and peninsula.
Windsurfing provides an alternative activity for water-sport enthusiasts. Dingle Harbour Lodge, The Wood, Dingle, Co. Kerry. Tel/Fax: (066) 915
The clean, clear waters of Dingle Bay, Smerwick Harbour and the Skellig 1577; Email:
harbourlodge@eircom.net; Web:
Rock offer an undersea world of fascinating flora and fauna to the diver.
www.dingleharbourlodge.com. Dingle Harbour Lodge offering Bed &
Beneath the waves, you encounter a unique flora and marine ecology Breakfast accommodation is tucked away in the cosiest corner of Co.
that includes seals, dolphins, whales and even tropical species like Kerry, Ireland on one of the most spectacular coastlines in Europe (The
turtles. You can also avail of the exciting opportunity to dive with Fungi! Dingle Peninsula), against the picturesque backdrop of the Connor Pass
and Mount Brandon. The Bed and Breakfast Lodge is within a short stroll
guestrooms accommodation of Dingle town centre itself, offering a multitude of award-winning
Dingle Bay Hotel, Strand Street, Dingle, Co. Kerry. Tel: (066) 915 pubs and restaurants, buzzing with live music and entertainment.
1231. This is a newly built luxury town centre hotel situated by the Castlewood Guest House, The Wood, Dingle, Co. Kerry. Tel: (066) 915
pier and marina in the picturesque town of Dingle. The 25 bedrooms 2788; Email:
castlewoodhouse@eircom.net; Web:
have been designed and furnished to the highest standards. The hotel
www.castlewooddingle.com. This luxurious 4-star guesthouse located
in the shores of Dingle Bay, has become synonymous with exceeding
guests’ expectations, offering outstanding luxury at an affordable
H
price. The mood of the house is warm and welcoming where modern
EATONquote.single.rightS
facilities go hand in hand with antique and period furnishings. Nearly
guesthouse
all of the 12 spacious guest rooms have a view of Dingle Bay, be it
king, twin or family accommodation. Renowned for their breakfast,
choices range from smoked salmon omelettes, pancakes with maple
syrup, porridge served with Baileys and of course not forgetting the
full Irish breakfast. All floors are elevator accessible. Free internet
access.
Heatons Guesthouse, The Wood, Dingle, Co. Kerry. Tel: (066) 915
The Wood, Dingle, Co. Kerry.
2288; Email:
heatons@iol.ie; Web:
www.heatonsdingle.com. Heaton’s
Tel: (066) 915 2288 Guesthouse is an award-winning 4-star guesthouse which is just a 5
Email:
heatons@iol.ie minute walk from the town marina and is situated on the shore
Web:
www.heatonsdingle.com looking out on Dingle Bay. The rooms are individually decorated with
French furniture and breakfast is served in the dining area where
Award Wining Four Star Guesthouse
guests can totally relax and watch the fishing boats head out to sea.
the south west 123
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