Historic Dingle Drive

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a leisurely drive along Slea Head, a circular route around the Dingle Peninsula that passes through traditional villages and presents one absolutely stunning view after another. Of the thousands of archaeological sites on the peninsula, the beehive huts may be the most remarkable. These cone-shaped stone dwellings were built without mortar and are estimated to date between the 8th and 12th centuries. Other medieval remains include standing stones with inscriptions, sculptured crosses and earthen ringforts – also known as fairy forts – which were used as family dwellings and to house livestock at night to protect them from wolves. You will eventually stop at the Gallarus Oratory, an even older dry masonry stone structure that may have been a Christian chapel. The building is still famously watertight. While passing Blasket Sound, you will hear about a Spanish Armada ship that took shelter there in 1588, but still sank leaving only one survivor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy some of the most dramatically beautiful scenery in Ireland while traveling Slea Head road.
• Pass through traditional villages and along the rugged, yet gloriously green coastline.
• See curious, cone-shaped beehive huts that were built in medieval times.
• Stop at the Gallarus Oratory, a stone structure that may have been a 6th-century chapel.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.