Leaving the Bailey's and porridge at the Friar's was difficult but we hopped back on our bus with Pascal to head to Dingle today. Dingle is a town in County Kerry, Ireland. The only town on the Dingle Peninsula, it sits on the Atlantic coast, about 50 kilometres (30 mi) southwest of Tralee and 71 kilometres (40 mi) northwest of Killarney. Well known for Fungie, a dolphin who had lived in the harbor for about 30 years now.
On the way we made a lunch stop in the Tidy Town of Kenmare where once I aquired a bite to eat (yes, another egg/mayo sandwich!), I was pointed in the direction of the Stone Circle which was very cool and I had to myself once I took a photo for the two folks who were enjoying it when I walked in.
On the way we made a lunch stop in the Tidy Town of Kenmare where once I aquired a bite to eat (yes, another egg/mayo sandwich!), I was pointed in the direction of the Stone Circle which was very cool and I had to myself once I took a photo for the two folks who were enjoying it when I walked in.
After lunch we were back on the bus to make one more stop at the Kinsane Sheep Farm for a demostration of the herding dogs and of course shearing of the sheep. The dogs were lots of fun to watch and the sheep were surprisingly fast, but the dogs are smarter so managed to keep them going in the right direction! Watch shearing VIDEO.
We also spent time in Killarney National Park getting to see the grounds of Muckross House. Some of the tour members choose to walk the grounds solo, but some thought it would be more fun to hire a "jaunty cart" and go for a tour of the grounds and see the Torc waterfalls. I think we made the right choice!
After a long day arrived in Dingle with a pit stop at the "Siopa Ceoil an Daingin" music shop where we were treated to a short demonstration of a some traditional Irish instruments (pipes, wooden spoons in one piece and the bodran) and they were having a concert in the shop that night so we got tickets...irish dance guy...Dinner was at Danno's, a train themed restuarant in the heart of Dingle. Then we were off again the the "Siopa Ceoil an Daingin" music shop where we got to listen to traditional Irish music (for some VIDEO) and were treated to the dancing of David Geaney, who is a world class Irish dancer. I still am unsure how he moves his feet so fast!
We also spent time in Killarney National Park getting to see the grounds of Muckross House. Some of the tour members choose to walk the grounds solo, but some thought it would be more fun to hire a "jaunty cart" and go for a tour of the grounds and see the Torc waterfalls. I think we made the right choice!
After a long day arrived in Dingle with a pit stop at the "Siopa Ceoil an Daingin" music shop where we were treated to a short demonstration of a some traditional Irish instruments (pipes, wooden spoons in one piece and the bodran) and they were having a concert in the shop that night so we got tickets...irish dance guy...Dinner was at Danno's, a train themed restuarant in the heart of Dingle. Then we were off again the the "Siopa Ceoil an Daingin" music shop where we got to listen to traditional Irish music (for some VIDEO) and were treated to the dancing of David Geaney, who is a world class Irish dancer. I still am unsure how he moves his feet so fast!
Breakfast at Heaton's WOW....amazing spread of food and porridge and Drambuie! Best thing for a rainy day ever! Today we headed out to see Sean cut some crystal at his workshop, then on to Beehive Huts, the Slea Head Loop and the Blasket Island Center, the Gallarus Oratory and Kilmalkeder Church.. What a day and so many great sites...Group dinner at Fenton's tonight and my luggage arrived so I have clean clothes to wear!! The goup broke into applause at dinner since I had my bag finally - or maybe they were just happy I had new clothes on for dinner! For those keeping score, it has been 9 long days of not having luggage.
For those who are interested in the porridge click for VIDEO. We had a group dinner at Fenton's before walking over to St James for some folk and traditional Irish music concert. It was suprising how much it sounds like County music in the U.S. There is also a VIDEO of the a part of the concert.
For those who are interested in the porridge click for VIDEO. We had a group dinner at Fenton's before walking over to St James for some folk and traditional Irish music concert. It was suprising how much it sounds like County music in the U.S. There is also a VIDEO of the a part of the concert.
Guess what I had for breakfast? Yes, porridge and Drambuie! Today is our break from our vacation. We strolled around town and inquired about a boat trip to see Fungie, but instead hung out in the Dingle Crystal shop with our guide for a bit and then the owner, Sean. What a wonderful artist in glass he is and so very personable, And we purchased some lovely pieces to be shipped home - lovely, but heavy stuff. I think half the group had stuff sent home! We mangage to get in to see the windows at the An Diseart visitor center but sadly they had been vandalized during the night and so the place was a bit messy...we were happy to get in as the windows were breathtaking. Also stopped in at the little cheese shop for a fresh sandwich that we ate under the awning in the rain people watching. Wandering about town led us into Murphy's Ice Cream for a taste and then we headed back to Fenton's for dinner of lambchops (finally)! and then we hung out in An Droichead Beag aka the Small Bridge Bar for some trad music and craic! At the pub we enjoyed our bartender Tommy and another patron who was also named Tommy. Nothing like a nice pint of Guiness to end the day with some great music. We also met a father and daughter traveling in Dingle all the way from Austraila. They were lovely to chat with and we all enjoyed the time together. It was windy today, but only a little wet.