Corca Dhuibhne derives its name from the Celtic godess Dhuibhne and this is the historical name for the Dingle Peninsula. Renowned the world over for its magnificent scenery, Corca Dhuibhne was the setting for films such as Ryan´s Daughter and Far and Away. Many and varied are the delights of this popular area.

The stunning scenery of the peninsula offers the perfect backdrop for many activities. There are two excellent links courses, shore-angling, diving, and cycle tours. There are also two long-distance walking routes.

The peninsula boasts the greatest concentration of archaeological sites in Ireland, among them the fine Gallarus Oratory. Corca Dhuibhne is also a Gaeltacht region - the Irish language is in daily use. The Great Blasket Island, just off Dunquin, has produced several noted authors. This rich culture attracts musicians from far and wide - and so you can enjoy the very best of jig and reel and hornpipe while quaffing a glass of the ´black stuff´. Sláinte! Your health!

There is just so much to do, go for a swim with Fungie, the famous Dingle Dolphin; go pony trekking in the hills; go and see Gallarus Oratory, perhaps a game of golf at Ceann Sibéal or maybe pack a lunch for the Blasket Islands!

There are only two things you have to do here, take plenty of time and plenty of film and of course ... tóg a bog é agus bainn taineamh as (relax and enjoy it).

Corca Dhuibhne is Ireland´s most westerly peninsula, the last outpost of Europe and the next parish to the USA. Stretching westward from the town of Tralee for 30 miles, the peninsula has a backbone of mountains, the highest being Mount Brandon, 3,127 ft (952m). During the Silurian period, about 410 million years ago, the area was submerged in shallow seas. Active volcanoes at that time produced rocks such as rhyolite, which has been found in the form of stone tools at Ferriter´s Cove, the earliest known human settlement on the peninsula. Recent carbon dating at the site shows the first visitors to Dingle arrived over 5,500 years ago.

The modern Corca Dhuibhne is conscience of its history and prehistory yet forward-looking, funloving, and constantly finding new ways to enjoy itself and entertain the visitor.

Life on the Far Side

There is a real sense of peace and tranquillity along the north of the peninsula. The days drift gently by in neat fishing villages and peaceful farmsteads. Enjoy the magnificent beaches; dive in the clear waters; swing a club at Castlegregory Links; check out the bird life at Lough Gill; go walking at Glanteenassig Forest Park, Loch a´Dúin, or Brandon Head.

Language of the Celts

The Irish language - an Gaeilge - belongs to the Celtic family of languages once spoken in central and southern Europe. Brought to Ireland by the Celts in 600 BC, it soon became dominant and was first inscribed on stone in the form of ogham writing. Standing stones inscribed with ogham script can be found all over the peninsula. The ancient script lives on in art and jewellery, notably that of Dingle´s Brian de Staic.

Many placenames are anglicised versions of the Gaelic. Common elements are baile (town) and cill (church), as in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh (Ballyferriter, The Town of Ferriter) and Cill Áirne (Killarney, The Church of Sloes).

There are many famous Kerry characters but few more versatile than Dunquin´s Kruger Kavanagh. Soldier, agitator, Hollywood agent, bodyguard to President de Valera, Kruger was also proprietor of the pub in Dunquin that still bears his name. Robert Mitchum and Sarah Miles were regulars here while filming Ryan´s Daughter. Writer Brendan Behan was also a friend of the great man. Why not check out Kruger´s? ´Sure isn´t it a great excuse for a coffee - or even a pint!´