A Fantastic Sea AdventureToday was a full free day in Dingle, and it was a treat to take in all the town had to offer. Nine of us chose to book a boat tour with Sea Adventure. We had the option of a shorter boat ride or roaming around town, but we wanted to explore all the way out to the Great Blasket Island. We were not disappointed. The day was beautiful, and we were treated to the extraordinary beauty of the Dingle Peninsula.
There were many highlights on the boat tour, but one had to be hanging out with Fungi, the dolphin who has lived in the harbor for over 30 years now and is a major tourist attraction. We pulled up alongside the other tour boat and the girlfriend of our local bartender sang us a beautiful acapella song on the water. After her mesmerizing performance, we set out for our longer tour. We sailed along the shore, went into sea caves, saw the western-most point of Europe (a cross marks the spot) and the location where Star Wars was filmed. |
On the ride out to the Great Blasket Island, we saw a pod of about 14 dolphins which was really cool. At the island, we saw a large colony of seals who were as interested in us as we were in them. We followed that up with about a 20 minute ride out to a group of puffins and more beautiful islands.
More Dingle Fun
After our sea adventure, we stopped by the music store, so I could buy a brass whistle. I do music recording in my basement at home, and I wanted an Irish whistle to add to my music. Buying it at Dara's music store was an added bonus! While it was not a group supper night, about half the group ate together. We really enjoy each other's company.
Then we headed over to the music store for another concert. The two local musicians played button accordion and classical guitar, and they were excellent! I still can't believe how much local music talent this little town has. During intermission, Dara's cousin's played some music of their own. They are on their way to being the next generation of Dingle musicians!
During intermission, I stepped outside for some fresh air and ran into a family from our town back home in Minnesota! What an incredible coincidence! After a fantastic concert in a very personal setting, we finished off our Irish coffees and headed back to the hotel where Matt, the bartender, and I took turns playing guitar and singing our own original music in the bar. It was a great way to channel the Dingle spirit and finish off the night!
Then we headed over to the music store for another concert. The two local musicians played button accordion and classical guitar, and they were excellent! I still can't believe how much local music talent this little town has. During intermission, Dara's cousin's played some music of their own. They are on their way to being the next generation of Dingle musicians!
During intermission, I stepped outside for some fresh air and ran into a family from our town back home in Minnesota! What an incredible coincidence! After a fantastic concert in a very personal setting, we finished off our Irish coffees and headed back to the hotel where Matt, the bartender, and I took turns playing guitar and singing our own original music in the bar. It was a great way to channel the Dingle spirit and finish off the night!
People and Culture
The Siren of the SeaWe were treated to beautiful acapella music on the serene waters of the Dingle Harbor. What a spot of an impromptu concert!
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What are the chances?It seems impossible, but half a world away from home, we ran into a teacher colleague and her family from Minnesota. Crazy!
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Dara and his DadDara continues to be an unbelievable guide, and his personal connections to Dingle have made our time here even more special.
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Places and Sights
Peninsula BeautyThe sights and scenery of the Dingle Peninsula are stunning. Every direction we turned felt like a post card.
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Great Blasket Island & Seal ColonyWe were welcomed to the Great Blasket Island by its colony of seals. They were curious creatures.
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The Music ShopI was able to purchase my brass whistle at the Music Shop, and it was the location of another fabulous concert of Irish music!
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Music and the Arts
Local Talent!We were treated to an incredible duo performing at the Music Shop. We were inches away in this intimate setting.
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More from the CousinsDara's cousins filled intermission with their own performance of great, traditional Irish tunes! The music never stops here!
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Meeting the ArtistsIt seemed less like a concert and more like friends around the campfire. We enjoyed meeting the friendly performers!
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