When we researched the destinations, many have suggested doing the scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry.

Having a limited time for travel and a fixed schedule we had to optimize our journey and we did that by skipping the so-called Ring of Kerry and did Dingle peninsula ride instead. And what a treat that have been.

Surrounded by sandy beaches and steep cliffs on Ireland’s southwest Atlantic coast, Dingle peninsula is officially recognized as a bastion of Irish language and culture.

The peninsula is the location of numerous prehistoric and early medieval remains but it was also a location for a mansion of deceased singer Dolores O’Riordan and her husband.

Riding along the way we have stopped at the small petting farm, to cuddle some sheep and alpacas for just as 2 euro per person.

 

It turned out that the farms was set on so called ringforts.

Dunmore Head, the westernmost point on the Dingle Peninsula was the filming location for Star Wars. No wonder why. Just look at these scenic photos.

 

 

Way in the distance off the west coast lies The Blasket Islands.

The group of island were abandoned after 1950ies due to the population decline. The island life was very tough and extreme weather conditions were a constant hazard, so much of the islanders left after Irish government decided that it could no longer guarantee the safety of those left on the islands. Mostly older and ill villagers.

Due to the islands isolated position the islanders kept their traditions and language intact and they have been the subject of much anthropological and linguistic study around the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries especially from writers and linguists.

 Some of the most gifted writers who brought vividly to life their harsh existence and who kept alive old Irish folk tales of the land were born on the Great Blasket Island.

I doubt that anyone heard or have read something about them, but if you’re wondering what life looked like back in the day there’s a great movie with similar location and life conditions.

A movie about nothing set in the most spectacular Irish countryside, to simply put it.

But that’s all you need sometimes, just a spectacular views for a great story.