5/18 – Sunday
We began our journey around the Ring of Kerry in County Kerry at our typical 9 am departure time. Our first stop was a replica village of a small village in County Kerry.
Leigh loves rocks. Check out his rock pile in the pics!
Bray Head and Coman Chiste were just 2 of several beautiful, scenic stops along the Ring of Kerry.
We witnessed hundreds of famine fences and famine huts and road to nowhere built as part of the work relief program during the famine. Ireland lost millions of people during the famine due to starvation and emigration.
As we neared Dingle we made a stop at the Torc Waterfall in the Killarney National Park. After a brief uphill hike one was rewarded with the sounds of running water and a beautiful waterfall.
When we arrived in Dingle we checked into the Dingle Harbour Lodge and then set out to explore and find our dinner spot. We ended up at the lively Dingle Pub (one of Lee’s recommendations). The food was good, the music was entertaining, and we engaged in great conversation with fellow travelers from the US who were staying in the Dingle Inn above the bar for 3 nights – a bit noisy!
Time to head home to bed.
5/19 – Monday
It is Monday morning and time for our drive along the curvy Slea Head Drive (part of The Wild Atlantic Way).
Our first stop was at the “bee hives” which were home to families dating 2000 BC. Their homes became known as bee hives because of their construction that gave the appearance of a bee hive.
Our next stop was at a “bee hive” village that is dated 3200 BC. This village had a very unique design. The village was constructed in order that two times each year the entrances were aligned with the sunrise in order to get maximum light into the hives…amazing!
After the “bee hives” we continued our drive along the Slea Head Drive to The Blasket Center/Museum, a beautiful center that celebrates The Island of Blasket and its hearty residents who are well-known writers, poets, historians, musicians, composers, philosophers, etc.
Our afternoon today was designated as “free time” to fill as we wish. Our choice was the Dingle Sea Safari Rib Ride. It was a 3 hour tour in a speedy boat with a maximum capacity of 12 tourists out on the open water with a skilled “Captain Colm” who navigated the choppy waters of the Atlantic. We were able to see many dolphins, seals, Puffins, and Cormorants. The return journey was a bit chilly.
Upon our return to Dingle Bay, we went in search of warm food. We found a pub offering hot Vegetable Soup & hearty brown bread. When my soup was set down in front of me I immediately thought I had received the wrong order…it looked liked tomato soup. I learned that most soups are pureed. It was both different & delicious.
Our return to our accommodation was a windy, chilly walk. Was glad to take a hot shower!
5/20 – Tuesday
Off on another adventure day. Our first stop was meant to be at a sheep farm demonstration at 9:30 am. When we arrived the gate was closed and we learned we were a bit early and would have our demonstration at 10 am. With time to kill we visited a nearby, unique Windmill that was built to be able to rotate 360 to catch the wind from any direction.
Time for the sheep farm:) We met Bridget, the “master of ceremonies” for our sheep farm visit. We were instructed as to how the Border Collies are trained with both verbal commands and whistle commands – left, right, forward, back, lie down, come. The demonstration of the dog response to these commands and their ability to corral the sheep was quite impressive. Even more impressive was the demonstration of what happens in a competition – the handler has their dog that is expected to corral 5 sheep unfamiliar to both dog and trainer and guide them all together through gates and toward targets. Points are deducted if unsuccessful. After watching the dogs and sheep perform we were introduced to the family pet sheep and told what tools are used in caring for the sheep and the timing of mountain grazing, mating, labeling, sheering, etc. We were able to offer the sheep some biscuits that they devoured!
The highlight of the entire video was bottle feeding the baby sheep, holding the sheep, and holding the adorable 4-week old Border Collies.
Time to leave the sheep farm and ferry across the longest River in Ireland, the Shannon River. After a quick loading process, we set out across the river and soon we were headed to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most popular sites in Ireland. We hiked up to the viewing areas, photographed spectacular views, and hiked along the shore as much as possible. Much has been closed off due to deaths of persons not respecting the danger presented by the cliffs. The museum was interesting and offered an opportunity to photograph yourself on the cliffs and send yourself an email with picture attached.
Following our visit to the Cliffs of Moher we headed to our overnight accommodations in the small town if Lahinch.
2025-Ireland.France.Portugal 