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Weave the Winding Roads of Ireland's Dingle Peninsula
Not yet published by Scottie Bakes, Writer
Country: Ireland 
The Experience
"The most beautiful place on earth" This is how National Geographic dubbed Ireland's Dingle coast. It's a very bold statement, but deserves the recognition and accolades it's been given. Located in the southwest of Ireland, it's as far from Dublin's tourist commotion as possible. On the other hand, the culture and relaxed feel it has is years behind... which is perfect. The two closest towns before embarking on this drive are Killarney and Tralee, and it doesn't take long to pass through them. Before you know it they're disappearing in the rearview mirror and replaced with the rolling emerald hills Ireland is so famous for. This rural landscape filled with vast farms and fields, fits so perfectly together it's as though mother nature played tetris for a very long time... and won. As the roads get more narrow and the landscape more beautiful you begin to get lost in this land that doesn't appear to have changed in centuries. Until an on-coming truck flies past clipping the mirror; very quickly everyone snaps back.
Further down, the road begins to weave up and down and around the hills of Dingle as it leads to the coast. As the rocky cliff faces begin to emerge the only thing between you and falling off these marvelously constructed cliffs is a very nicely constructed two-foot stone wall centuries old. At this point all passengers should take a break from sight-seeing and watch in amazement at how your friend in the driver seat has suddenly become a professional rally racer. So be kind and take many photos so they have more memories than just the adrenaline rush they're experiencing.
Slae Head. This is the goal. It may not get as much tourist attraction or recognition as the "Cliffs of Moher" or the "Dunloe Gap", but this staggering coast (along with the drive to get there) completes any trip to Ireland. On the west coast of the island it's Europe's most western point. So if you're from North America it's as close as you'll get to home without getting wet. Although it's only 40 miles from Tralee it will take a few hours to get there, but once there it's hard to say how long you'll want to stay. From Slae Head there's an amazing view of the Blasket Islands and the crashing waves attacking the coast. Being out there with the ocean wind, fresh air, a panoramic view of the Irish Sea and the sound of sheep (because there are a crap load of sheep) will surely rejuvenate any tired traveller... and fill up the memory card in your camera.
Finishing the last part of the loop along the southern part of the peninsula there are long smooth beaches and many old relics from the Stone Age and the Bronze Age... And did I mention, there's lots of sheep.
Further down, the road begins to weave up and down and around the hills of Dingle as it leads to the coast. As the rocky cliff faces begin to emerge the only thing between you and falling off these marvelously constructed cliffs is a very nicely constructed two-foot stone wall centuries old. At this point all passengers should take a break from sight-seeing and watch in amazement at how your friend in the driver seat has suddenly become a professional rally racer. So be kind and take many photos so they have more memories than just the adrenaline rush they're experiencing.
Slae Head. This is the goal. It may not get as much tourist attraction or recognition as the "Cliffs of Moher" or the "Dunloe Gap", but this staggering coast (along with the drive to get there) completes any trip to Ireland. On the west coast of the island it's Europe's most western point. So if you're from North America it's as close as you'll get to home without getting wet. Although it's only 40 miles from Tralee it will take a few hours to get there, but once there it's hard to say how long you'll want to stay. From Slae Head there's an amazing view of the Blasket Islands and the crashing waves attacking the coast. Being out there with the ocean wind, fresh air, a panoramic view of the Irish Sea and the sound of sheep (because there are a crap load of sheep) will surely rejuvenate any tired traveller... and fill up the memory card in your camera.
Finishing the last part of the loop along the southern part of the peninsula there are long smooth beaches and many old relics from the Stone Age and the Bronze Age... And did I mention, there's lots of sheep.
When to Go
Because the winters there are not extreme this trip can be taken year-round (I went in December). However, if it's raining do allow yourself more time as the roads will be tricky.
Other great destinations (aside from the Cliffs of Moher and Gap of Dunloe) are "Trim Castle" located in Trim about an hour northwest of Dublin... this is where parts of Braveheart were shot. On that note, Far and Away and Ryan's Daughter were also shot in the Dingle Peninsula. Back to the point, outside of Dingle is Killarney were there's many hiking trails in the Killarney National Park.
Other great destinations (aside from the Cliffs of Moher and Gap of Dunloe) are "Trim Castle" located in Trim about an hour northwest of Dublin... this is where parts of Braveheart were shot. On that note, Far and Away and Ryan's Daughter were also shot in the Dingle Peninsula. Back to the point, outside of Dingle is Killarney were there's many hiking trails in the Killarney National Park.
Odds n' Ends
Although there are tours that are offered, the best way to do this is to rent a car as there will be many opportunities to wander off the main road. Not to mention you can take you time to enjoy the drive.
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