SHAMROCKER ADVENTURES: DINGLE PENINSULA & BLARNEY CASTLE
The last 2 days of the tour were very unexpected and we had the best weather for it. The bus drove down a winding one-lane road along the coast to the Dingle Peninsula. We stopped at the most scenic Irish beach called Slea head beach. I was not expecting Ireland to have amazing beaches, even though it still doesn't top Australian beaches :). Continue reading to see what I explored around Dingle, Ennis and Killarney. If you haven't read my other blog posts about my tour around Ireland with Shamrocker Adventures, check the post out here...BELFAST & BALLINTOY || GIANTS CAUSEWAY & CLIFFS OF MOHER || ARAN ISLANDS & GALWAY
If you are wondering which tour I booked in Ireland, it is the 7 day All Ireland Rocker tour with Shamrocker Adventures, through TourRadar!!. I got to see so many amazing Irish gems!! Inis Mór (Aran Islands), Cliffs of Moher, Galway, The Giant’s Causeway, The Dark Hedges and Ballintoy Harbour seen in Game of Thrones, Belfast, Derry, Slea Head Drive and Dingle Peninsula.
WHERE TO STAY
This hostel is located in Ennis and is a great quality budget accommodation in a fully restored 17th-century Georgian building. Ennis is a vibrant town in the west of Ireland. It is a town known for its lively pubs and great Irish music scene. Light breakfast of toast and beverages is provided and free wi-fi is available.
The rooms are bright, airy and very spacious with comfortable beds. The hostel offers private, family or dorm rooms, with shared bathroom facilities.
Location: Harmony Row, Lifford, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 KX92, Ireland
This hostel is located in the centre of Killarney, only 5 minutes from bus and train stations. It is a family run hostel and offers free Wi-Fi, luggage and bike storage, laundry service and other services. There are full kitchen facilities available and a communal lounge with a TV.
The rooms are small but very comfortable and the hostel has exceptional Irish hospitality. The hostel offers private or dorm rooms, with shared bathroom facilities. Neptune's Hostel serves breakfast each morning, with cereal, toast and jam, juice, tea and coffee.
Location: Bishop's Lane, New St, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
John Benny's is a cute little Irish pub located in Dingle, County Kerry. Dingle is a small seaside town and looks exactly like what you would think Ireland looks like. The pub has a traditional Irish feel and offers delicious food and beverages. I was in Dingle on a weekend and this pub was full to the brim. They offer a range of dishes from burgers to sandwiches and traditional Irish meals.
Location: Strand St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland
The tour guide organised a dinner at the restaurant next to the hostel. We all ate here as a big group and had a tour family dinner. This restaurant offers Mediterranean dishes from pizza, pasta to food off the grill. The food is very delicious, I highly recommend that you dine at the Rowan Tree Cafe Bar, even if you're just passing through Ennis.
Location: Harmony Row | Access via Abbey street car park, Ennis V95 V446, Ireland
WHAT TO DO
Dingle
Dingle is a little seaside port town on southwest Ireland's Dingle Peninsula, which is known for its sandy beaches, trails and rugged scenery. In the centre of the town, there is a statue of the towns long-time resident Fungie the dolphin. There is a lot of sea life in dingle and also an aquarium that hs penguins, otters and sharks. Out tour stopped in Dingle for a lunch stop. I went with some of the other people from the tour for lunch at John Benny's Pub, it had really yummy food and would go back there next time!
Location: 52.1409° N, 10.2640° W
This was one of the most unexpected destinations on the Shamrocker Tour. Dingle Peninsula is a very scenic and beautiful area in Ireland. There is something new and different every turn you take, winding country lanes to wild hedgerows, endless skies and cosy thatched pubs. The tour bus drove down a winding one-lane road along the coast, the bus was literally taking up the whole lane and I thought we would go off the edge of the cliff!!!. We stopped at the most scenic Irish beach called Slea head beach. I was not expecting Ireland to have amazing beaches. We also stopped randomly at little petting farm with baby lambs!! The Dingle Peninsula is a must see if you are travelling to Ireland.
Location: 52.2041° N, 10.1243° W
Slea Head Beach
Slea Head Beach is an amazing beach on the Dingle Peninsula. I was there during summer and the weather was amazing! it made the beach look even better. The crystal blue water, green landscape, the sand and even the freezing ass water were made my trip to Ireland that much better!. To see something different that I wouldn't normally see without travelling on a tour. Slea head is at the end of the coast before you head back inland. It is well worth it!!
Location: Slea Head Drive, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Killarney
Killarney is a town on the shores of Lough Leane in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry. It’s a stop on the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, and the start and finishing point of the 200-km Kerry Way walking trail. We spent our final night of the tour in Killarney, we all got ready and went out to one of the local pubs. There was a great atmosphere with live music and lots of drinking haha.
Location: 52.0599° N, 9.5044° W
Blarney Castle is situated in Blarney Village which is 8 km northwest from Cork city in the South of Ireland. Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland, and the River Martin. The castle is known for the Blarney Stone, which is located at the top of the Castle. Millions of people have climbed the stairs to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence. Its powers are unquestioned but its story still creates debate. Kissing the Blarney Stone is said to give you the gift of the gab. You can also walk around the castle and the beautiful gardens that are all around.
If you want to see the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone a ticket will cost you €16. Buy your tickets on the Blarney Castle & Gardens website. Your ticket includes access to the Blarney Castle and Gardens, but it does not allow access to Blarney House.
Location: Monacnapa, Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland
IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE ALL THIS AND MORE, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHECKING OUT THE 7 DAY TOUR I DID IN IRELAND WITH TOURRADAR.