A VINTAGE WALK IN DINGLE

DINGLE COAST WALK

The weather in Ireland is often rainy and cool, but not today, it was 70F and sunny, a perfect day for a walk in Dingle (pop. 2,000). We headed to the Tourist Information office to get a recommendation for nearby hikes. The woman at the desk immediately suggested a path along the water that started at the end of Coolen Street, a short walk away. It followed along Dingle Bay and then continued for miles on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. She also suggested a picnic and said that we could get our supplies at the Super Value across the street. It sounded perfect, and we were on our way.

HUSSY'S FOLLY

I will refer to the hike as the Dingle Coast Walk, however, some call it the Lighthouse Walk. It passes by an intriguing brick tower called Hussy's Folly that dates back to 1845. It was built during the Great Famine as a means of providing employment for the poor. 

The tower and nearby beach are also popular sites to view dolphins and Fungi. Fungi is the resident Dingle dolphin that was first spotted by fishermen in 1983 when he was said to escort the fishing boats out to sea and then back again. He continues to be popular with visitors who often take boat tours to get a close-up view of the little guy and sometimes even try to swim with him. 

DINGLE COASTAL WALK

The path extends for miles beyond the lighthouse and tower and offers a view of the Lighthouse along the way. Ron returned to town at the lighthouse, however, I continued on. The views of the Atlantic Ocean, with its steep craggy black cliffs, became increasingly more spectacular. My goal was to reach the top of a distant cliff that appeared to be the end of the trail. I stopped a few times to sit on the boulders and take in the views of Kerry Peninsula and the lush green low mountain ranges across the way. I felt fortunate to have it all to myself. 

DESERTED BEACH DINGLE COAST 

As I was walking back, I couldn't resist a walk down to a small deserted beach surrounded by cliffs and pointed rocks and boulders. The place was quiet today, but this will change soon as the summer season approaches. I stopped to collect some shells before continuing on. 

DINGLE HARBOR

The return walk also offers an expansive view of the entrance to the Bay, and the Dingle Harbor that was one of Ireland's main trading posts in the 15th century. Today it is a major fishing port. 

The path on this walk crosses through private property; a common practice in much of Europe. The entryways to the pastures are narrow with steps up to prevent the livestock from passing through. The cows just look on and don't appear to be bothered by visitors. When I did some research on it later, I discovered that Ireland, unlike England and Scotland, has a restrictive policy and in most cases, the walker has no right to be there. For more information click here.

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The harbor town of Dingle is the only town on the Dingle Peninsula and is the starting point of the famous Slea Head Coastal Drive. It is quite popular and advance reservations for tours and lodging during the peak summer months are almost essential. I booked Rory Brosnan's Dingle Slea Head Tour two months ahead, and it was a great tour. Unfortunately, the cruise to the Blanket Islands was sold out when we arrived—I wish that I had booked that one early as well.

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