Lispole / Lios Póil
Todays viewing of Lispole is that of a stretched village on a winding road. In previous years, the Tralee to Dingle steam train used to stop here. A visual relic from this past is the railway viaduct that spans the Owenalondrig River which was built around 1890. It is also of course a reminder that the once narrow-guage rail line was in its time, an engineering marvel.
Lispole is known as the "gateway to the Gaeltacht". Not only does this mean that more people can be found speaking in Irish the further west you go but is also means that signs and town names will be written in their original Irish form. Recent developments have seen the changing back to the use of wording on signposts, so it is important to bear this in mind when comparing names on maps to what is written on roadsigns.
Although there is no restaurant in the village, a meal can be secured in the local pub. What is also worth noting is that there is Internet access available in the Post Office. This of course means getting there during opening hours.
Baile na Saor Cabs / Paudie O'Shea (087)131 4391
Dingle / An Daingean
Dingle was once notorious for being the location for the country's bouyant smuggling trade, it served also as base for trading with Spain and France. These days though, people flock to Dingle for its vibrant social scene; traditional Irish music, dancing and a vast array of restaurants, many of which specialise in seafood for which the town is famous.
This compact town makes a great rest day for browsing through numerous craft shops and enjoying the lively ambiance in general.
Curiously, the most famous resident in Dingle is actually a dolphin named "Fungi" who lives alone in Dingle Bay. He has spent over 15 years enjoying the surrounds of Dingle and is responsible for a huge proportion of the tourist revenue that comes into the area. Regular boat trips depart from the pier with some offering money back to the customers that don't get to meet Fungi.
Baile na Saor Cabs / Paudie O'Shea (087)131 4391
DingleWay.net recommends the following accommodation:
O'Flahertys Bed and Breakfast
Mainstay Guesthouse
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