I will always remember the panoramic scene in David Lean's "Ryan's Daughter" when a giddy Sarah Miles holds her parasol upright and greets a smitten Robert Mitchum on an expansive beach as the wind carries their respective hats away. About a quarter-century ago, I sought the beach out on my first trip to the Dingle Peninsula and found it looking as magical as it did in the movie. Earlier this month, I returned with Jamie W. knowing full well that it was on our way to our overnight stay in Dingle. The magic was there still (photo: http://bit.ly/2ehwPGZ). It was close to sunset and the perfect time to enjoy the three-mile stretch of flat compacted sand that looked so visually stunning you would have thought someone intentionally designed the beach that way. It was fairly empty except for random tourists and hardcore surfers. All we did was walk out into the sand and enjoy the calm of the sea cradled by Brandon Bay. There were two stray orange cats next to the outhouse rather indifferent to our presence but somehow in tune with the peaceful environs (photo: http://bit.ly/2fc3yLz). I hope it's not another 25 years before I return. read more