We rented a car yesterday for 2 days so that we could explore the Dingle Peninsula. What an experience! In Ireland we had to adjust to driving on the “other†side of the road. Not only that, but the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car and you shift with your left hand! Lisa was a bit nervous because she gasped several times and mumbled something about being too far on the left side of the road and it looked like we were going to fly over the cliffs.. The roads were quite narrow and had a speed limit in most places of 100km per hour (about 62 miles per hour). These were supposed to be two lane roads, maybe for two small European cars! It seemed like there were many close calls. That would explain Lisa’s anxiety on the road!
The peninsula has several beautiful seaside towns and views that can take your breath away. Along the route we discovered several stone-age forts and bee hive huts. They were quite beautiful and were located on land that had amazing views as well. Each of these forts or bee-hive huts were on a farmers land so we paid the small fee (€1-3) to get in, but it was well worth it.
More than once we encountered a Dingle traffic jam of herds of sheep crossing the road! Some had a herder among them but most were just free roaming sheep. No problem, we just turned off the engine and enjoyed the views while they moved across the road.
Dingle town is a wonderful seaside village with many shops, restaurant, and tourist sites. The biggest draw here was Fungi the dolphin. He has been a presence in this little town for about twenty years. We did not attempt the boat ride to see Fungi (which is fully refundable if you do not see him while touring the Dingle harbor) – mainly because it was cold and a bit rainy.
Our last stop on the tour was in front of a castle we “found†on a small side road where we had our lunch that we packed from the hostel that morning. I can’t imagine a better view for a picnic!
Notes from Ireland – make friends with the folks behind the bar. While telling us of his mountain climbing adventures, a local gentleman from the Dingle Peninsula fell off his stool. A bit embarrassed, he left that bar to walk to another one down the beach. Our bartender was telling us a little about this regular when she noticed he left his sweater so she promptly ran out the door and down the street after him to return it. There is just something about a small town!