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Published: March 14th 2011
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Today we had a full day traveling the Dingle Peninsula and exploring that area of Ireland. We left Limerick around 8:30am and did not return until 9:30pm. Exhausted! Good news, this post will be short. 😊
The Dingle Peninsula is a loop around and over and through hills with breathtaking views of the snow capped mountains and various bays, harbors, and the Atlantic. Once we landed in Dingle, we were unsure of what to do. So we went off exploring the area and attempting to arrive at the foot of the hill that holds the Eask Tower. After a few u-turns and a stop at Holden Leathergoods (where I spent way too much money on a coin purse, but wanted to spend way more on their gorgeous handbags.... holdenleathergoods.com check it out!), we were directed by the friendly owner up a road and finally found the bottom of the 1 mile climb to the summit of Carhoo Hill where the tower and incredible views awaited us.... This climb was through someone's farmland that held quite a few sheep and was completely muddy due to all the rain that Ireland gets this time of year. My poor Steve Madden boots barely
survived.
It took us a good 10-15 minutes to make it to the top, but we were happy we did it. Amazing view of Dingle Harbour, Connor Pass, Skelig Micheal and a ton more we didn't know we were seeing.
After getting back down the hill without falling (major feat), we headed out to take on Shea Head Drive, a gorgeous streatch of road known for it's collection of acient sites. This road travels along the coast at the southwestern edge of the peninsula and covers around 30+ miles or so. We stopped several times along this road to take pictures of the coast and enjoy the view. We also got to experience the Beehive Huts - which have nothing to do with Beehives. These ringforts are the most numerous and widespread field monumnet sin Ireland and date back from ancient times to 1200 AD. They were where free farmers of the early Christian Period lived and were able to protect their families and animals.
On our way out, because I was starving, we stopped at a pub that made it's own beer! I did not really enjoy the beer, so I ordered a Guinness. Greg felt
bad so he suffered through a beer. This is where we learned what a Toastie is (yummy ham and cheese sandwich), and we enjoyed some blackeyed bean soup. The bartender here was also really friendly and gave us some tips for trying to see some rugby in Dublin. 😊
Off we went driving for 2 hours to make it to Blarney, where the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone exist. This castle is by far the most impressive we've seen thus far. The square tower is 82 feet tall and the Blarney Stone is at the very top where you have to lay on your back and grab a couple bars while the attendant (who you better have tipped) is holding you. Kiss the stone and come up! You are supposed to get increased elequence. After kissing the stone I have not noticed any eloquence in Greg's speech, but it may need time to set in. 😊
We roamed the gardens and Greg took a ton of pictures and then we were able to meet up with Jose and Carrie for a pint in Blarney.
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Stacy
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Blarney Stone
Why do you have to kiss that part? Is there something more special about the lower part of the wall vs. the top? Makes it more interesting that way? I've wondered this...