Dingle is the
most westerly town in Europe and the chief town of the peninsula. It is an
excellent centre for the visitor and though a progressive town, it still
retains much of the old-world atmosphere of a fishing village.
Dingle is a Irish speaking
fishing port, and is home to Ireland's most famous dolphin "Fungie". Fungie who
is a bottlenose dolphin, has been swimming with the boats and tourists in
Dingle harbor since 1984. You can take a one hour boat trip in summer months to
see Fungie up close. The trips cost £6 but the fee is refunded if Fungie
does not show up for the appointment.
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| Photograph: Donegan, Maurice |
The town has recently
erected a bronze statue on the Pier to its most famous aquatic visitor.Mara Beo
- the Dingle OceanWorld Aquarium is set overlooking the scenic Dingle harbour
and reveals the fascinating species that live in the waters around the
magnificent Dingle Peninsula, but this expierence is also a journey through the
Peninsula's ancient sea culture and its people's interface with the sea from
the pre-Christian era to the present time - Be sure not to miss the Tunnel Tank
and Shark Tank. The town is an ideal base for exploring the Dingle Peninsula,
attractions include Gallarus Oratory which is located 3 miles north west of
Dingle - probably the best preserved early Christian Church in Ireland. It was
built in 7th century and is a classic example of dry-stone corbelling. The
structure is still watertight after more than a thousand years.
The Dingle
Way comes through the town by way of the Connor Pass. This mountain pass offers
spectacular views of Brandon Bay, Tralee Bay and Dingle Bay if the weather is
clear. It was from Brandon Bay that St. Brendan discover North America in the
6th century. St. Brendan was the person that inspired Christopher Columbus to
rediscover the New World almost 900 years later. Just about every bar in Dingle
offers music during July and August. Try O'Flaherty's by the roundabout.
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