Dingle-An Irish little town Written and Photographed by Laci Chiodo
If you’re searching for that quintessential Irish town
by the sea, Dingle is the place. On a quest to fulfill my dream
of reading “Wuthering Heights” beside a fireplace
on a rainy day in Ireland, I boarded a bus and headed to the Dingle
Peninsula. Located in the south-western part of County Kerry,
the peninsula is brimming with millenniums of history and archaeological
sights to explore.
Indeed, stepping off the bus that evening was a bit like going
back in time. The street was lined with a variety of pubs from
lively joints hosting traditional Irish music to the quaint local
hardware store turning into a pub by night. Take a break here
and enjoy a pint amongst the hammers and screws and keep an eye
out for that old Irish man telling stories from times passed.
Dingle is filled with charming boutiques and craft fairs featuring
home made gifts and jams along with locally grown produce. A guided
horseback ride is the perfect way to see the countryside and a
panoramic view of the peninsula, or follow the footpath along
the marina for equally exquisite scenery. If you’re in the
mood for a film you must experience the town’s one and only
theater complete with dramatic gold velvet curtains and perfectly
worn seats. The theater shows only one movie twice a day so don’t
be late or you’ll miss it all together.
Another must is the Slea Head Peninsula tour, a two hour guided
tour along the Western part of the Peninsula. A local Irish lad
will drive you and your friends along a winding road lined with
rugged cliffs and a stunning view of the sea. The view alone is
worth the trip, but you will also encounter ancient relics such
as original beehive huts dating back thousands of years, fairy
rings, and houses made from intricately stacked stones. Aside
from these, your driver will provide you with the history and
folklore of the peninsula in his enchanting Irish accent, causing
everything to seem that much more exotic and alluring.
Dingle is also home to the infamous Fungie the dolphin who one
day appeared and has never left the area. Boat tours leave from
the Old Pier several times a day and you’re guaranteed to
see him or your money back. Across the water lie the Blasket Islands
where in the 1920’s and 1930’s they supported a small
community. Due to emigration in 1953 only 22 people were left,
hence it was sadly abandoned. Nevertheless, the island is still
open for exploration and is just a short ferry ride away from
the Dingle Marina.
A tiny gem buried within the island of Ireland, Dingle awaits
you. So grab your favorite book, find the perfect fireplace, and
experience real small town hospitality.
Laci Chiodo
obtained a degree in English-Creative Writing and is now working
as a freelance writer amongst other noble jobs to supplement
her travel funds. When she is not exploring the world she
is riding her moped through Maui, reading books, and floating
in the ocean.
