This is a most historic site. This is an ancient fortress. It is now a ruin. One can climb all over…read moreit and it appears to be safe. It is surrounded by a wood and it is near to a forest. It is most atmospheric and well worth a visit even if one does not tarry for a long spell. There is little information given there - a couple of plaques in English and Irish. It is not very wide or tall. It withstood a siege in 1602. Rebel forces under the O'Sullivan Beare held out here for a few weeks until they withdrew to Leitrim - the march of the O'Sullivan Beare. How did they hold off their besiegers and how did they break out? Some who did not escape were captured by Crown Forces and executed.

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!

The Crucifix Shrine is a life size scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is made of white…read morestone and it jumps out in contrast against the dark cliffs. The shrine is popular landmark along Slea Head Drive. Some people call it the Slea Head Crucifix. The exact area is named the "Cornerstone of the Peninsula" because it marks the boundary between two Parishes of the Dingle Peninsula. It was funded by an Irish-American and erected before the1960"s. It stands as a memorial to the fishermen who have lost their lives at sea. I visited the Shrine while driving the 33 mile Dingle loop. The road is very narrow but there is a turn out in front of the statue that will allow you to comfortably access the shrine and take photos. It is pretty popular so you may have to wait your turn to visit.

This mass rock is perhaps 50 m from the road over broken ground. One has to trek a little way up a…read morehill through heather to get there. It is signposted yet very seldom does anyone venture there. This is a good spot to reflect on times past. Not a house is in sight. The rock is on the landward rather than the seaward side of the road. The rock is like a natural altar. One can turn about and look over the heights before the raging sea. A hill looms over one. It is atmospheric. One can picture unshod peasant piously kneeling around whilst a hunted priest intones the blessed sacrament in mediaeval Latin. In Penal Times the churches were occupied by the Church as by law established - that is to say the Church of Ireland.

Amazing!!! This is one of the prettiest drives that I have ever experienced... not to mention FUN!…read moreThese winding roads were a blast to drive, but be on the lookout for jaywalking sheep! It was worth the trip!

This is a castle that was put in the 19th century - it would be more accurate to dub it a stately…read morehome since it was not intended for military defence. One can see that it was huge and magificent house commanding a beautiful vista over the sea and Bere Island. The Puxley family was an upper class lot who owned the copper mines in Allihies. They grew rich. Daphne du Maurier wrote a novel in the 1940s that was thinly veiled retelling of this family's tales entitled Hungry Hill. Hungr Hill is a real life nearby geographical feature. The castle was burnt down in 1920 by the IRA in reprisal to the burning of IRA owned houses by the security forces. The ruin underwent much reconstruction. The aim being to turn in into a luxury hotel. Work has stopped owing to the credit crunch. Well worth a visit - one can imagine oneself back in that gilded age.

It was an easy drive off the main Ring of Kerry road to get to the fort…read more It ended in a turnaround/parking lot. A bathroom was located here though it wasn't in very good shape. A push gate and voluntary admission box was the only gating items before walking towards the fort. There was limited information posted about this fort so most of what we did learn was via online searches. The fort itself was in very good condition and we were impressed with its construction. This dry walling method has withstood thousands of years in almost its original configuration. There were a couple of openings at the base of the wall that a person could duck inside. It was a bit larger than expected maybe used for storage or shelter but definitely warmer in here. Worth the drive out if you have the time. I thought this fort was more accessible versus the ring forts near Cahersiveen and cheaper than Caherconnel.

If you didn't know it was there, you would never stumble across Staigue Stone Fort. Which is a…read morereal shame, as it's considered one of the greatest examples of Iron Age fortresses still standing in all of Ireland. It's located approximately 4k off N70, the Ring of Kerry, after the town of Sneem and very near Castlecove. You pass through farm fields of sheep and cows as you jostle towards Staigue. And when it comes into view, it's breathtaking: huge, thick stone walls rise before you with rolling, imperfect tops that have been chiseled away over the nearly 2,500 years that Staigue Fort has been standing. You'll probably be alone on your visit to the Fort. Again, a shame, but also a wonderful and eerie way to enjoy your time there. Climbing up the "steps" to the top of the fort walls, you have 360 degree views of the surrounding, gorgeous Irish landscape. It's just amazing to be able to stand on the very stones that were laid by hands thousands of years ago, and amazing to see that the Fort has remained in such fabulous shape. An incredibly worthy visit when you're on the Ring, for sure.

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.

THE BEACON (BALTIMORE)…read more Been in Baltimore quite often but never made it out as far as the famous beacon until last Saturday. Built as part of a series after the 1798 rebellion, the landmark is also known as Lot's Wife. It wasn't there when the village was sacked by Algerian pirates in 1631 but over the centuries has been a welcome sight to home-coming seafarers. It is visible from the village and once you exit to the east is easily found. You park in a small cul-de-sac or even on the road before you come to it. The climb up is quite steep but, if you start further back, you will find an easier route to walk to the Beacon. Once up by the white-painted pointed pillar, you have views all around you, most notably to Sherkin Island across to the right and then the coastal cliffs on your left. Worth the short detour if you do call to Baltimore (which is the ferry port for the many islands on that beautiful stretch of coast).

Great view from the beacon. We brought lunch and had the world's windiest picnic. It was lovely! It…read moredoes contain about 20 steps of hiking though, so be aware.