Dunkellin River

The weekend in Dingle went by so quickly and we realized that this is our last weekend in Ireland. How sad that even over 3 weeks just doesn’t seem like enough!
Weather has been much cooler, windy in the 60’s, down in 50’s at night. Everyone has been complaining that they have not had any warm days but grateful for the sun when it shines, no matter the temperature.
We drove the Slea Head route out past Dingle to the far west. Stopped at an archeological site with Ft Dun Beag ruins that you can walk through. This area is very restricted now as the weather has damaged some of it. Our last trip, it was wide open to walk through. Grateful they are doing what they need to do to preserve the remains. The drive was extremely tight in spots, we went later in the afternoon to avoid the tour buses and we were very lucky. Stopped at several places for pictures. So much more development since our last visit. Homes and businesses all along the road. Some businesses haven’t survived the lockdown.
On Sunday, we decided to drive through Conor Pass, hitting the most remote area of the peninsula. Some amazing places that we have never been, stopped for a hot chocolate ( it was so cold!) At Murphy’s Bar in Brandon Point. The kind young lady made an awesome hot chocolate and told us to not miss the hike up the rocks to see the lake above the waterfall on our way back. So we did - one more hike and rock climbing adventure! It was challenging for these old folks but we did it and no falls or mishaps! The views were as promised.
Dingle evening are pretty much a repeat. The bars have music, so you roam from one to another, hoping to find some traditional stuff. The streets are busy with big groups of “hen” parties as well as bachelors too. Never a dull moment, even on a Sunday night.
We have enjoyed walking the waterfront and people watching. A little bit of shopping and Mass at the local church. Stunning large old church. Our host said it was renovated in the 60’s and her husband was very involved in it.
Off to Tralee tomorrow to see if we can get more info about Eileen’s grandmother. Nanny was Margaret Reidy from Tralee. She was sent to the DC area when she was 16. We have her birth and baptism certificate so we plan to try the church office and cemetery.
Lots of pictures, should be marked.Read more