Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Day 4 Day in Dingle
October 20, 2021 Wednesday
A day in Dingle.
We could sleep in today but we don't. We're up early and have a lovely breakfast in the hotel dining room that faces Dingle Harbor. Jay has the full Irish Breakfast and I try the Belgian Waffle.
We decide to explore (and walk off some of that yummy breakfast) with a hike out to the lighthouse. We find the trail that starts at the Coastguard Station and follow it through the fields and farm gates as best we can, while avoid lots of puddles and muck.
The bay is at a really low tide and we spy lots of birds pecking in the exposed seaweed. We make our way to the lighthouse and see that a mural has been painted on it commemorating Fungi the Dingle Dolphin.
The locals had a celebration last week for the anniversary of the last sighting of Fungi and Ciara @KeyRogue has created a lovely mural of the dolphin.
Some of our fellow travelers signed up to kayak in the bay this morning. As we make our way back to the hotel grounds we spot them out in the water, paddling along, heading to towards the lighthouse.
Jay and I walk into Dingle to grab a bit to eat. At The Dingle Diner, Jay orders a BLT and I order a Cajun chicken panini.
When we arrive back at the hotel we meet up with Bébhinn who introduces us to Deirdre who will be taking me to a horse farm and Jay and the couple from Wisconsin for a walk along the beach while I'm horseback riding. Deirdre drops me off at Long's Horse Riding Centre in Ventry.
I meet Katherine, my guide, and my horse Oriole. We mount up and off we go down the lane to the beach.
Back on the beach then back up the hill. The hour ride went by way too fast.
Dee picks me up and takes us on Slea Head Drive, one of Irelands most scenic drives. It's a circular route that begins and ends in Dingle. The views are stunning. We can see the Blasket Islands, The Sleeping Giant and the Skelligs off in the distance.
We snap a few photos at the western most point in Ireland.
And keep exploring the beautiful roadway. I'm not sure I'd want to be on it during the summer with all the BIG tour coach buses but during this quiet time of the year it's quite nice.
We pass by a ringed fort, a beehive hut, Dolores O'Riordan's house and recording studio.
Next we're off to Gallarus Oratory. This structure was built around the 7th or 8th century and represents an inverted boat. It's quite an amazing structure.
We finish the loop back at the Dingle Skellig Hotel and say our goodbyes to Dee. She's been a very entertaining guide. Did I mention she has a lovely voice.
After a quick cup of tea, Jay and I walk into town and hit the SuperValu for another carpet picnic. A couple of healthy salads and a tub of cookies and cream gelato. Delicious!
Then it's early to bed-we're biking through Killarney National Park tomorrow so we need our rest. We have a 9 a.m. lobby call.
View more photos from this Wild Irish Rover adventure by scanning this QR code
or by visiting: https://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Ireland-2021/Day-4-A-Day-in-Dingle/
Next up: Biking through Killarney National park, take away sandwiches at Jack's Bakery, a very special picnic, Cahergall Stone Fort visit, photo op at Ballycarbery Castle ruin, The Moorings Hotel (Star Wars Fans love this place!)