Ireland day 9

[kmusser]

Dingle is also known for its friendly resident dolphin, this morning we do a short hike around the edge of the bay to see if Fungie will oblige us, and are pleased to report that he did! After waving to the dolphin we head out on the Slea Head Drive around the end of the peninsula. We stop to take a look at an iron age fort and there should be views of Skellig Michael (aka Luke Skywalker's island), but alas it is too foggy for that. We do get some nice views of the Blasket Islands and stop at the visitor center for them. Now uninhabited they were of interest to anthropoligists as they were home to one of the last purely Irish speaking populations - and they encouraged the islanders to write about themselves before they had to abandon the islands. Also viewable in this area are traces from the great famine, abandoned houses and fields. Continuing on the drive we also visit several early church sites: Reask, the Gallarus Oratory, and Kilmalkedar. Having completed the loop quicker than planned we stop in Dingle's aquarium, which is much larger than it appears from the outside. We enjoy watching the penguins and otters especially. Dinner is at the South Pole Inn, founded by Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, who was a certified BAMF. The evening is more traditional music, this time at An Droichead Beag. We didn't like the bar quite as much as the Courthouse, but the music was excellent and we were in a better spot for hearing them. I should be able to add some clips later.

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/karl.musser/media_set?set=a.10155487235887247.534887246&type=3