We pick up from the last post in Ireland with a day trip to the Dingle Peninsula. The sun was shining (for once) and we were in for an epic day of sightseeing. This drive is a great reason to rent a car and brave those narrow Irish roads!
From Killarney, our route went up and over Conor Pass, one of the highest roads in Ireland. Thank goodness it wasn’t raining so we could see the views! We met up with some rogue sheep along the way and then we found ourselves in Dingle. The town is super cute with colorful buildings, quaint shops and a small harbor. It was bustling with people for the start of summer season.
We followed the signs for Slea Head Drive, a 30-mile scenic loop. The road is mostly one lane (no surprise there) and twisty so they recommend driving it clockwise. After a few miles, we were intrigued by a turnoff for the Fahan Beehive Huts. These stone dwellings are perched high on the hill and while their exact age is uncertain, the sign said 2,000 BC. The meticulous stonework is impressive, and also that there is no mortar holding them together.
Moving along, the road winds along the coast with amazing panoramic views of the Atlantic. We stopped off at Dunmore Head and Coumeenoole Beach, which may be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And the scenery just continues on, with rocky cliffs, beaches and lush farmland.
We were hungry and with few choices, we lucked out spotting a sign for Krugers, Ireland’s most westerly bar. We had a late lunch of local fish and chips, which was delicious. I still don’t understand the tradition of serving it with the mushy peas! 😉
It was a long day but we all agreed one of our favorites. I got a sunburn, in Ireland of all places! The next morning, we hit the road for Cork, where we would be flying out the following day. This lined up perfectly for a visit to Blarney Castle, which was the busiest tourist spot we went to. We opted not to wait in the hour-long line to “kiss the stone,” which allowed us more time to explore the grounds. Who wants to kiss a moldy old stone anyway?! There was much to see including the Poison Garden, Carnivorous Courtyard, Rock Close and Blarney House.
Our overnight in Cork was just fine and worked out well to prepare for the long trip home. We had to connect back in Heathrow and then a 9-hour flight from there. We made it back although a bit sleepy and missing my suitcase! I’ll remember to follow my own rule next time and carry-on only 😉
I am so thankful to have been able to take this trip and share these memories with my Mom and Sister. Thanks to both of them for the trip of a lifetime!
Brooke Cary 
Great
Beautiful pictures. That coastline was incredible. My favorite day in Ireland. Brooke I’ll travel with you any day.
Thanks Linz, let’s plan the next one!
It was definitely a trip of a lifetime and I loved spending the time with my girls
We did too, love you!