Crystal CuttingAfter breakfast, we visited Dingle Crystal for a crystal cutting demonstration. It was amazing! This owner is a true master, and he cuts the lead crystal with seeming ease. We especially liked his unique Celtic loop pattern that he designed. To top it off, he was as gracious and friendly as he was talented.
Slea Head DriveAfter being amazed by the crystal cutter, we boarded our bus for a tour around the Dingle Peninsula on Slea Head Drive. It did not take us long to see why Rick considers this the most beautiful drive in Ireland. We stopped at several breathtaking overlooks on our way to the Great Blasket Island Interpretive Centre. The centre was a treasure trove of history, language and literature as well as a glimpse into the daily life of a traditional Gaelic Blasket community. It was intriguing and beautiful, and we really enjoyed it despite this being our first all-day rain of the trip. We didn't let the rain stop us from venturing down to the water. We got a bit wet, but it was worth it!
There were several other highlights of our drive around the peninsula. We saw the Skellig Islands where Star Wars: Last Jedi was filmed, and we stopped to see some dry rubble masonry. These structures built by early Christians were an architectural wonder, and we were grateful that this one survived the Vikings and Normans who destroyed most of these structures. According to our guide, this structure is the most photographed place in Dingle. Very cool! |
An Evening of Music and Fun in Dingle
For such a small town, the quantity and quality of things to do in Dingle is truly amazing. There is excellent live music every night in many establishments. This evening, our entire group booked tickets to a folk concert at St. James Church, featuring local talent. Among the musicians were two first-generation women from the Blasket Islands. The four musicians treated us to two hours of fantastic, traditional Irish music.
After the show, a group of us went to the Court House, a bar owned by Tommy O'Sullivan, one of the musicians from the folk concert we had just left. We were pleased to see that Tommy and two others continued their night of performing with an intimate show in their bar. After a few drinks, we took a taxi home to save us from the rain. It was another fabulous day. We love Dingle!
After the show, a group of us went to the Court House, a bar owned by Tommy O'Sullivan, one of the musicians from the folk concert we had just left. We were pleased to see that Tommy and two others continued their night of performing with an intimate show in their bar. After a few drinks, we took a taxi home to save us from the rain. It was another fabulous day. We love Dingle!
People and Culture
A Master CraftsmanThis amazing artist lives in the small town of Dingle. His talent is incredible, and he is gaining world-wide attention for his work.
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New FriendsOnce again, we enjoyed a night out with our new friends. It's amazing how quickly strangers can bond on a Rick Steves' tour.
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Local ExpertsWe received a very informative orientation at the Great Blasket Centre in front of its impressive stained glass windows!
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Places and Sights
Ireland GreenThe drive around the Dingle peninsula was breathtaking, and we were treated to many pastoral scenes of Irish green!
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Dry Rubble MasonryThese stone structures were built by early Christians, and thankfully, this one survived invasions by the Vikings and Normans.
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The Sleeping GiantThis island is aptly named The Sleeping Giant since it resembles the profile of a giant sleeping on his back.
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Music and the Arts
Cut GlassThis glass was so amazing that we made it a souvenir from the trip. We picked out our favorites and had them shipped home!
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Folk ConcertOur entire group chose to attend the Folk Concert at the local church, and we were not disappointed. The local music was fantastic!
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Live Music in the Court HouseI suppose you could consider this an encore since we followed Tommy O'Sullivan back to his bar for even more traditional Irish music.
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