Page 66 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

64 BACK ROADS IRELAND

1 Tralee 3 Inch Point
Co Kerry Co Kerry
Tralee (Trá Lí) is the administrative The setting for much of David Lean’s
capital of County Kerry. A busy market 1970 movie Ryan’s Daughter, Inch
town, it is probably best known for (Inse) Point is a splendid sand and
the international pageant, the Rose of dune spit that curves out into Dingle
Tralee, celebrating Irish womanhood, Bay – popular for water sports and
which takes place here each August. swimming. When the tide is out, it is
Though the town is principally the perfect place for a bracing walk
19th-century in character, there are along its 6-km (4-mile) strand. Look
some fine Georgian buildings. For a out for sea otters, seals and dolphins
pleasant family outing, visit the Tralee in the bay. There are splendid views
Above Steam train that once ran Bay Wetland Centre, which offers an across the bay to the Macgillycuddy
from Tralee Activity Zone (with canoeing and Reeks, the highest mountain range in
cycle paths) and a Nature Zone (with Ireland (see p57).
viewing towers and safari tours). ª From Inch Point continue west on
VISITING DINGLE ª From Tralee take the N86 along the the R561 signed for Anascaul. Soon
northern flank of the peninsula. Cross after leaving Inch, look out for a lay-
Parking the stone bridge by the Blennerville by from which there are great views
There is a pay-and-display car park on
the waterfront, adjacent to the pier. Windmill, follow the undulating road of Dingle Bay. Further along, there
and fork left after Camp. On reaching will be a T-junction. Turn
Tourist Information a farm building, head up the narrow right here onto the N86
Strand Street; 066 915 1188;
www.dingle-peninsula.ie; open road to its left. At the next junction for Anascaul.
Mon–Sat turn left, which leads over the
Pass of Caherconree. 4 Anascaul
Co Kerry
2 Pass of Caherconree In Anascaul is a pub called
WHERE TO STAY Co Kerry the South Pole Inn. Its former
This is a little-known pass owner was Tom Crean, a
AROUND TRALEE through the Slieve Mish member of both Scott’s and
Camp Junction inexpensive Mountains to the southern South Pole Inn Shackleton’s expeditions to
This B&B, 5 minutes’ walk from the flank of the peninsula. Near pub sign the Antarctic, known to locals
beach, has six ensuite bedrooms and the summit of the pass is a as “Tom the Pole”. The pub is
two apartments. Rooms at the front sign for the Caherconree Iron Age full of memorabilia, as well as photo-
overlook Tralee Bay; those at the back
have views of the Slieve Mish mountains. Fort. It’s worth a scramble up a graphs of visiting dignitaries. There is
Camp; 066 713 0848; boggy path to see it on a fine day. a Memorial Garden, with a bronze
www.campjunctionhouse.com At the brow of the pass there are statue of Crean holding the sled dog
fantastic views over Castlemaine puppies of which he was so fond.
INCH POINT Harbour to the south. ª Return to the main road and turn
Inch Beach Guest House inexpensive ª Descend into Aughils and turn right, following the N86 to Dingle.
Smart B&B in a lovely scenic location
only 3 minutes from Inch Beach, with right on the R561 for Inch. Park in waterfront car park by pier.
spectacular views across the bay.
Inch Beach, Dingle; 066 915 8118; Below Fishing boats moored in front of St Mary’s Church in Dingle’s pretty harbour, seen from the bay
www.inchbeachguesthouse.com
DINGLE (AN DAINGEAN)
The Hide Out Hostel inexpensive
Located in the heart of Dingle, this
friendly, well-run hostel caters for the
independent traveller and for families.
There is a mix of private and dormitory
rooms. Michael, the owner, is a fount
of wisdom on the whole area.
Dykegate St; 066 915 0559
Ballintaggart Manor House
moderate
Affording beautiful views across the
harbour, Ballintaggart House is an
ideal base from which to explore the
peninsula. This family-run manor
house manages to combine boutique
hotel style with homely charm.
Race Course Road; 066 915 1333;
www.ballintaggarthouse.com
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

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