If you were going to Dingle...

If you have a pretty day you could take the boat out to the Great Blasket Islands. They are no longer inhabited but there is wonder history there and the views are spectacular. This is all weather dependent!!! While driving the Slea Head Drive be sure to spend some time at the end (or midway point if you are doing the full circle) at the heritage center. Take time to pull over so the driver can enjoy the experience as well....

The village of Ballyferriter is wonderful. There is the Gallarus Oratory which is fascinating. Inch Beach on a nice day is great. Second the trip to the Blaskets - that's in our plans this coming trip.....weather intervened last time. There are wonderful pubs with great trad music. There are also amazing hikes available for all levels of difficulty. Plenty of ancient sites - Dun Beag, Reask Monastic site etc. A GREAT place to spend a few days. Some spectacular driving beyond Slea Head to ! Have fun !

I was there in April and I enjoyed a half day private tour with Denis Ryan. He drove my wife and I around Slea Head, gave a great running commentary of the area, it's history, and stopped at some cool spots for photos. I drove for our ten day trip to Ireland but the two hired private tours we took, one on Dingle and one around the Ring of Kerry, were truly highlights. email for Denis [email protected] You'll have no problem finding pubs to hang out and hear good music!

You could visit Anascaul, stop in at the South Pole Inn, and learn the story of its founder, Tom Crean.

Go to the Dingle Crystal Shop ! The actual workshop is right outside town. We went there as part of the RS tour so not sure if you can go as individuals but it is really interesting and won't take up the whole day.

"If you were going to Dingle, what would you do if you had 2 days in the area?"

I would wish I had 2 more days.

See the Diseart Windows by Harry Clark. It's right in town and a quick stop to be introduced to a very interesting master of stained glass windows.
Attend a Trad concert at St James Church, they tend to be earlier than the pub musicians. Afterwards you can still get your beer & music.

What Eric said about having two more days. :)

Definitely the St. James Church concert - great way to hear traditional music without the clinking of beer glasses. Then go to O'Flahertys after for a pint and music and the clinking of beer glasses.

We loved our stay at the Milestone House. Barbara and Michael were invaluable resources. Barbara had a lot of insider info on the Dingle Loop drive that made our trip special. They also shared a lot of helpful suggestions about where to go in town, and made arrangements for us to see the folk concert at the church. The breakfast was great! We could not find better bread than Michael's the rest of our trip across the country. If you don't spend time talking with them and tapping into their knowledge of the area, you are missing out on some amazing experiences. We can't wait to return!

We loved our stay at the Milestone House. Barbara and Michael were invaluable resources. Barbara had a lot of insider info on the Dingle Loop drive that made our trip special. They also shared a lot of helpful suggestions about where to go in town, and made arrangements for us to see the folk concert at the church. The breakfast was great! We could not find better bread than Michael's the rest of our trip across the country. If you don't spend time talking with them and tapping into their knowledge of the area, you are missing out on some amazing experiences. We can't wait to return!

First I'd stay at Milltown House - it's just a few hundred yards out of the main town of Dingle, so it's quieter when you want it to be. It's the best place I've stayed in Dingle (and i'm there often). AND it's run by a Rick Steves guide! if you see the video they posted where music was in a glass enclosed patio, it was there.....!

Annauscoule is nice, but certainly not touristy if that crowd of craic is what you're looking for..... When you do Slea Head, check the tides before you depart..... the beach at the end is MUCH nicer at low tide (aren't all beaches?). And don't overlook the north side of the peninsula..... spectacular beaches, not touristy like Inch.....

Susan
Expat living in Waterville

Hike, drive or take a trap through the Gap of Dunloe. Pint or two at Foxy John's.

thanks everyone!

I agree with everything Molly said about Milestone House.