Well maintained, quick but interesting stop. Don't enter via the official entrance. Instead go…read morearound and entry via the back for free.

As we were leaving Dingle on what turned out to be a marathon drive to Galway, I convinced Jamie W…read more that we should at least take a peek at the rest of the peninsula before heading northeast. It is a beautiful pastoral area, but what I remembered the most was this landmark from my last visit here 24 years ago and how I could drive right up to it, take a look, and bolt out pretty quickly. This time it wasn't that easy as we had to park in front of a visitors center where we paid €5 to visit it. In an adjacent building, they show a dated seven-minute video which doesn't lend much insight into the building's history. Then we followed a rather lengthy gravel walkway to see the building where a large group of German tourists had already swarmed and gathered for a multitude of photos (photo: http://bit.ly/2p6ZK7v). Once they left, it was much easier to enjoy the simple design of this early Christian church which was built sometime between 600 and 1100 A.D. (photo: http://bit.ly/2oD9qVJ). No one really knows, but everyone says it looks like an upturned boat with a lone window in the back which suggests a certain modernity in its structure (photo: http://bit.ly/2ojbxdW). The space inside is small, just 15 by 10 feet, and there were no artifacts to study. It's considered Ireland's oldest intact building, a tribute to both its design and construction which consisted of carefully stacked rocks with no mortar used. There's a cross marker next to the building with a unique circle-cross pattern (photo: http://bit.ly/2oM7pqQ). And that's it other than the striking view of the harbor at Ard na Caithne which we could see over the hedge wall (photo: http://bit.ly/2oj4ylj). A large group of Chinese tourists were quickly making their way on the walkway, so it was time to go. I can't honestly say this is a must-see stop in Ireland, but if you happen to be tooling on the peninsula, it's at least a bathroom break. I mean at the visitors center.

I loved the history behind the Famine Cottages and can not believe that they are still in such good…read moreshape considering they were built in the mid nineteenth century. The cottages has been preserved so that when you step inside you get a good idea of how people had to live in this difficult time. I do think that they took things a little far when they placed mannequins in the bed and by the fireplace. It is creepy and I don't think added anything to the site. You have to walk up a step hill to view the cottages. Once you arrive at the top the view will take your breath away. On a clear day you can see as far as Skellig Rocks. There is a large farmer's cottage and three smaller cottages, The large one has outhouses attached for the horse and cow. These cottages were made from mud and stone and any wood used was washed up from shipwrecks. There are burials on the property that are sectioned off and protected. The last person to live in the cottages moved out in the 1950's.

The Irish Famine Cottages are a neat piece of history: as close as one can come to understanding…read moresome of the living conditions of the Irish in the early 19th century. FYI, admission is listed in travel books as €4, but we were quoted €3 at the entrance. Ask for feed to feed the donkeys, sheep, and ponies in the Animal Park on your ascent. (Though the greedy buggers only want your food: no pets after you oblige!) The first cottage is "Pat's House": a peasant laborer. The second is the Kavanaghs. The cottages were built using mud and stone, and had thatched roofs (though no longer). The latter has multiple rooms with furniture and information. It also has an adjoining cow house/outhouse and stable. Finally, there is a beehive hut that was used to house the pig. There is also a path that leads you to an old (non-Catholic) burial ground, though it's not accessible and can only be viewed from the fence. Still very neat! Overall the Irish Famine Cottages was an interesting historical look into one of the most trying times for the Irish! It's worth a visit if you're in the area seeing the other ancient attractions!

Rahinnane Castle was one of my favorite places we visited while driving the Dingle Peninsula. We…read morefollowed our GPS to get to the general area (the roads are unnamed but Google Maps recognizes the name) and then saw it in the distance across a field. We followed some homemade signs that directed you to park next to a barn. As we tried to figure out what to do next, a lady came out and told us it was 2 EUR each to see the castle. We paid and then she told us to walk through her yard, through the fence, and across the field. The field was extremely muddy and is home to livestock so watch your step (unfortunately I discovered that part the hard way...not my proudest moment). I don't think the castle actually resides on this family's land but they seem to have a monopoly on the access. Even after walking over, we didn't see a better way to have arrived. If you are using a GPS to navigate, the GPS coordinates are 52.143510, -10.382297. The castle itself is breathtaking and it looked pretty sturdy for being in ruins. We were the only ones there at that time. It was so peaceful as we were free to explore the castle without anyone else to disturb us. There is an information board sitting outside that gives you a brief history. I really didn't want to leave but we wanted to explore more of the peninsula before sunset so we only spent about 15 minutes looking around. This was probably the sketchiest place we visited but it was worth it. The 2 EUR admission was pretty standard for other more established looking destinations. 5 stars.

Conor Pass, situated on the Dingle Peninsula, is a twisty and narrow mountain passage that connects…read moreDingle with Brandon Bay and Castlegregory. This 3.5 mile drive is considered as one of Ireland's prettiest drives. The scenic road leading to the pass weaves around the edges of coastal cliffs and past blue glacial lakes. Prior to our visit we heard the horror stories of how dangerous this drive was. The drive really isn't that bad; although this was our third day of driving on the left side of the road! There were a few spots that were too narrow for two cars to pass at once, but we would just pull off the road in a passable spot and there were no issues. We approached several sheep in the middle of the road so be cautious as you make each turn. There is only one spot to pull off the road and take photos. It was very foggy on the morning that we were on Conor Pass, but I think the fog adds an eerie and romantic touch to the photos we took!

We got lucky with clear skies and were rewarded with majestic views as we traversed the cliff side…read moreroad to a summit that allowed us to see as far as the eye would allow! Just. Beautiful. We had a driver. Truthfully, I'd be scared out of my wits if myself or a family member tried driving this. The lanes are super narrow and literally one lane in places. Plan to take your time and enjoy the views. Unless you're the driver... then, just plan to take your time, please. You need to keep your eyes on the road! ;) P.S. The ice cream bordered on custard and was the perfect treat!

Another ancient site along Slea Head Drive (R 559) in Dingle, County Kerry, is Dunbeg Fort. It was…read morebuilt in the Iron Age - wood excavated from the site was dated at 580 BCE. There is a ~16m defense wall and ditches still intact. The fort was built close to Dingle Bay and, as a result, has suffered damage when the cliff has eroded and parts have fallen into the sea. Visitors will see the steep, precarious drop near the fence line. Unfortunately at the time of this review, Dunbeg Fort is closed due to seasonal storms having again caused damage. Links to more information: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/future-of-precarious-kerry-fort-dunbeg-hangs-in-the-balance-1.3346234 http://www.thejournal.ie/kerry-fort-ancient-3781702-Jan2018/ Hopefully what is left will be preserved and made safe so visitors can continue to enjoy this ancient, impressive piece of history.

We paid 3 euro each, the keeper said we can only see the fort from the fence, and then go see the…read morevideo room. A storm a couple months ago damaged the fort so they no longer were letting tourists walk about it until repairs were done. We walked up to the fence and couldn't see crap. If the fort is still closed, SKIP THIS!!! I could've bought a pint and glass with those 6 euros!

The Fahan clocháin, or Beehive Huts, are one of many historic gems down Slea Head Road (AKA R559),…read moreacross from beautiful Dingle Bay. The huts are dwellings made of corbelled stone and without any mortar. They are impeccably constructed and are sturdy despite being ancient (2000 BCE)! We paid €3 apiece to tour the site. The small fee (with free parking) was well worth it! I highly recommend visiting if you're in/around beautiful Dingle: these ancient sites are unlike anything else and should be appreciated!

The beehive huts are worth a stop. They are so prevalent in the area and this is a great…read morecollection. There is one with a roof and another without as well as some other structures. When we visited, we were the only ones there which made it very peaceful. The admission is pretty inexpensive at 2 euro per person. The owner at the B&B we stayed at in Dingle said to look at the inside of the port-a-potty door that you pass on the way up. There's a little note on the inside that should give you a bit of a laugh. 4 stars.

This was the highlight of our time in Killarney! Such a beautiful, peaceful space…read more The abbey is gorgeous and the yew tree is breathtakingly beautiful. We spent a lot more time than I thought we would just taking it all in. It's a short walk from the car park. No toilets.

Love ruins. I found this place fun and interesting. Love arches and celtic crosses. Huge cool tree…read moregrowing in the center. Unfortunately today had crappy weather and lighting all day. But this might very well just been our bad luck that both days in area were awful weather. Still had good time and glad came prepared with layers, waterproof shoes. Most importantly hooded raincoat and hat with brim and chin strap. It was rainy coat and windy all week. We enjoyed walking around and exploring.

Hiking the Eask Tower Path is an absolute must when visiting the Dingle Peninsula…read more The tower is on private property. The landowners are incredibly friendly - I highly recommend allotting some time just to chit chat with them. They ask for a humble €2 entry fee per person. Bring coins! So for €2, you are permitted to traipse through their fields & through their herds of sheep. They trust you to close each gate properly behind you on the way up & down so that the sheep don't get out. They even offer their spigot & some brushes to clean your shoes off at the end of your adventure. The tower is constructed similarly to a barrel & it's fascinating. The panoramic views are breathtaking & the gentle breeze is so appreciated after the hike up. I would allow yourself 90 minutes for the whole adventure: - 10 minutes of chit chat - 30 minutes to the top - 30 minutes to enjoy the views & the tower - 20 minutes down LNT - Leave No Trace!

We did the tour here and enjoyed learning about the tower. No photos were allowed during the tour…read moreso photos are of the outside. Beautiful spot right on the water. Nice toilets, and plenty of parking nearby. This is a fun stop while exploring Killarney!

An iconic Irish castle on the shore of Lough Leane (the learning lake) that withstood repeated…read moreassaults until finally falling to Cromwell. Free to walk the grounds plus there's a free history exhibition on the main floor. Period guided tours of the structure are available for a nominal fee. It's also the jumping off points for periodic 1-hour boat tours of the lake (€15)-we reco lily of Killarney-nicer boat) or a junket out to the ruined monastery on a small island that was the seat of learning. Fascinating and worth a stop.