At this point of my travels, my plans were pretty much messed up. Ireland is known for it’s beautiful landscapes but not so much for it’s food culture. I wanted to visit West Cork for their Taste of West Cork food festival because I figured that would be the best place to showcase a large variety of the offerings. I reached out to the organizers about 3 months prior, but they were not so responsive, and by the time they finally gave me a response, it was too late. Ah well…I was sorely disappointed, but life goes on.
With nothing else planned, I decided to drive down to Dingle. That was the sketchiest + scariest drive ever. The drive to this town from Cliffs of Moher should come with a warning label! First of all, Google maps, led me to a town right outside Dingle, so when I got there around 7pm, I thought I had arrived just in time. Nope! I dropped by the nearest gas station for directions to the most central B&B or hostel in Dingle, and I was told that I had to drive much farther to be in Dingle…almost 3 hours farther. Shet.
I had Google maps re-route itself and I started following the directions up a mountain (Connor Pass), through some narrow windy passes wondering if I was going the right way and with the quiet darkness as my company. About 1 hour and 30 minutes into my drive, I reached the top part of the mountain, and I started seeing lights twinkle at me from a valley far down below. I kid you not, I started singing songs of praise and worship in the car. The final 30 minutes stretch down the mountain was certainly less stressful and I no longer had to wonder if a bear would come out of hiding and guzzle me up or push me off the mountain. My imagination was on overdrive going up the pass!
Most rental accommodations close up shop by 10pm, and because the trip was impromptu, I did not have reservations booked for the night. Luckily, I found a hostel 5 minutes short of closing time and I crashed like a baby almost immediately.
My impression of Dingle is, America’s home away from home while in Ireland. I think I met more wealthy Americans here than anywhere else in Ireland. I could also liken it to a quaint version of Southampton. From the golf courses, to the over priced fishing trips, to the pricey bar drinks, I felt the sting of the Naira crisis the most here, but I tried to make the best of it.
I reckon that if I did not have to worry so much about the exchange rate, my experience here would have been far much richer in every single way. The little I did get up to are still noteworthy. Check out my pictures and let me know if you agree.
Quick tip, for those keen on fishing, skip the boat bit and just rent a fishing rod. Ask a local for a good spot to fish from and you will be just fine. The view of the Island from the boat trip was not so special…I went on a hike after a beautiful lunch of mackerel, pasta, and wine and I got pretty much the same view without the cost and motion sickness.
