Dingle Peninsula

Long delays at Pavement Improvement Programs or PIP's (roadworks) gave my chauffeur just that! Further north we happened upon a Pavement Improvement Scheme - slowly exiting Dripsey, over from Finane. He was that too! Phil doesn't deal well with unscheduled interruptions to his holiday program!

Sunshine! Momentarily!

The wet weather made for hazardous driving conditions for much of the day. Low cloud added to our challenge while crossing the highlands through Ballaghbeam Gap. Following heavy rainfall, river rapids & waterfalls have been added to nature's misty canvas.

Today our journey took us to Blarney, Dripsey, Macroom, Clonkeen, Kenmare, Moll's Gap, Glencair, Killorgin, Castlemaine,  the recorded birthplace of Jack Duggan, the legendary Wild Colonial Boy & to Dingle.

The Dingle Peninsula boasts the greatest number of archaeological sites in Ireland. Dated from the Iron Age, Dunbeg Fort, a well preserved promontory fort, is fighting the ravages of the Atlantic Ocean tides, gales & resultant cliff erosion.  Recognised as a National Monument, it is in the care of National Heritage.

The Slea Head Famine Cottages, built in 1840, were inhabited through the Potato Famine years from 1845 to 1850. While furnished, the interiors lacked authenticity of the era. A bit like the caretaker, who claimed to be a descendant of the original owners.  His lack of knowledge raised questions about his authenticity.

The nearby Fahan Beehive Huts, believed to have been built for pilgrims visiting the area, are the most numerous & widespread field monuments in Ireland. From ancient times until 1200 AD it is believed the Beehives were inhabited by farming families.  These relics are protected & managed by National Heritage.

Dunmore Head, Ireland's most westerly point, offered views of the Blasket Islands. Despite the descending cloud, in the evening's fading light, the views were stunning.

Reasc was an excavated monastic settlement dated from the sixth century. The enclosure contained the remains of an oratory, several cross-inscribed slabs and an inscribed pillar of stone. Reasc is protected as a National Monument.

Gallarus Oratory, a tiny, dry-stone church, is a relic of early Irish Christianity. Built in the seventh century, so perfectly formed, it stands as an amazing engineering feat from a time past. It too is protected as a National Monument.

Tomorrow is a very personal journey for me. We travel to Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, the birthplace of my Great Grandparents, Manus Salmon & Mary Neagle.