You have arrived in the South West corner of the island of Ireland the extremely attractive county of Kerry, and you're packed and ready to go. However where to go and what to do? No traveller or visiting traveller should embark on a grand tour of the Dingle Headland without a plan and a good map; and the responsible traveller might want to include some convenient Gaelic phrases as this area of Eire is essentially Gaelic speaking. It's generally accepted as one of the best loved places of any tour in Ireland.
The Dingle Headland is a point of land jutting out into the Atlantic and with its back to the Slieve Mish mountains. Its view is ever-changing and on your tour you will see dramatic dark mountains, unsullied coastline and busy towns and villages. The population of this quite traditional area of County Kerry grows in summer as visitors from the island of Ireland, UK and further out travel to enjoy the sun and space of Dingle. Take your tour in spring or autumn and you will be assured peace, tranquillity and your own space doubtless the right way to see this spectacular place.
There are three ways to tour the Headland "from the comfort of your car, hiring a taxi to take you or through the hard graft of walking the Dingle Way "179km of lanes, trails and mountain trails. The majority will start their Dingle Tour at Tralee, the county town of Kerry. Famous around the world for the 'Rose of Tralee ' festival where young women of Irish descent compete to be crowned The Rose, Tralee is a busy modern town but with a firm sense of history. It's the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula and a great place to stock up for your grand tour.
Setting out south west of Tralee you work your way toward Camp and Castlegregory. Whether you're driving or walking you'll see the pretty Dingle cottages and homesteads that dot this area. Once you've dipped your toes in the sea at Castlegregory it is time to go west toward Cloghane. Head westward and you come to Ballycurrane and Dunquin sitting close on the western end of the Dingle Promontory, both typical Irish coastal villages. Or if you are wanting to 'cut corners ' you can take the Conor Pass out of Cloghane direct to Dingle, but this short-cut isn't for the feint hearted.
On the final leg you travel toward Anascaul. The landscape is breathtaking and you are not far from the gorgeous Inch beach with its golden sands and impressive views out to the Atlantic and the McGillcuddy Reeks. The 180km round tour can be done in a few days but we'd recommend that you plan some stop overs. Book into an uncatered cottage around Dingle "that way you could have the freedom to come and go as you please and experience living in this absolutely stunning region.
The Dingle Headland is a point of land jutting out into the Atlantic and with its back to the Slieve Mish mountains. Its view is ever-changing and on your tour you will see dramatic dark mountains, unsullied coastline and busy towns and villages. The population of this quite traditional area of County Kerry grows in summer as visitors from the island of Ireland, UK and further out travel to enjoy the sun and space of Dingle. Take your tour in spring or autumn and you will be assured peace, tranquillity and your own space doubtless the right way to see this spectacular place.
There are three ways to tour the Headland "from the comfort of your car, hiring a taxi to take you or through the hard graft of walking the Dingle Way "179km of lanes, trails and mountain trails. The majority will start their Dingle Tour at Tralee, the county town of Kerry. Famous around the world for the 'Rose of Tralee ' festival where young women of Irish descent compete to be crowned The Rose, Tralee is a busy modern town but with a firm sense of history. It's the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula and a great place to stock up for your grand tour.
Setting out south west of Tralee you work your way toward Camp and Castlegregory. Whether you're driving or walking you'll see the pretty Dingle cottages and homesteads that dot this area. Once you've dipped your toes in the sea at Castlegregory it is time to go west toward Cloghane. Head westward and you come to Ballycurrane and Dunquin sitting close on the western end of the Dingle Promontory, both typical Irish coastal villages. Or if you are wanting to 'cut corners ' you can take the Conor Pass out of Cloghane direct to Dingle, but this short-cut isn't for the feint hearted.
On the final leg you travel toward Anascaul. The landscape is breathtaking and you are not far from the gorgeous Inch beach with its golden sands and impressive views out to the Atlantic and the McGillcuddy Reeks. The 180km round tour can be done in a few days but we'd recommend that you plan some stop overs. Book into an uncatered cottage around Dingle "that way you could have the freedom to come and go as you please and experience living in this absolutely stunning region.
About the Author:
If you'd like to stay in one of over 1500 Irish Self Catering Cottages or perhaps stay in a selection of 113 Kerry vacation cottages, Imagine Ireland offers the widest choice.Ian Bowland works alongside ImagineIreland.com in Britain - helping build sales for their net site.
