Dingle

Had a lovely visit to Dingle, County Kerry even though the weather was absolute crap. High winds kept us from enjoying a cruise of the peninsula, though we were able to cruise a protected area of the large harbor at idle speeds. We had probably the best seafood lunch of the trip at Fish Box restaurant. Would definitely go back there again. We shopped in the town and Andy bought new crystal glasses.

During the Norman invasion of Ireland, Dingle was developed as a port. By the 13th century, there were more goods being exported from Dingle than Limerick.

By the 16th century, Dingle was one of Ireland’s main trading ports, exporting fish and hides and importing wine. Many French and Spanish fishing fleets would use Dingle as a base.

Links between Spain and Dingle flourished due to trading, several houses in Dingle were even built in the Spanish fashion. Dingle was also an important embarkation port for pilgrimages visiting the shrine of Saint James in Spain.

In 1969, a movie called “Ryan’s Daughter” was filmed near Dingle which showcased the beautiful scenery of the town and peninsula to the world, helping put Dingle on the map and kick-start tourism in the town.Read more