Dingle Dangle
The Route
A The Cottage
B Killimer
C Tralee
D Dingle
E Couneenoole South
F Slea Head
G Smerwick
H Ballydavid
I Connor’s Pass
J Kilrush
Distance 225 miles (363 km)
Onward we go; ever onward down the narrow lanes with a shear drop to our left were the sea meets the Slieve Mish Mountains of the Dingle peninsula. The road twists and turns clinging onto the edge with passing points to allow vehicles to get by each other. We pull in to admire the sea views from the side of the road whilst the large coaches struggle to get around the tight bend in front of us. We wait to let them get clear. The bend consists of stone cobbles with a stream running across and over the edge of the cliff. Lindsay decides to let Jim ride her bike across whilst I chose my route and go for it. Feet down just in case, I cross the stream to the other side. Slowly onward, behind the coach that was just clogging up the road. It had parked to allow the tourists off, blocking the way ahead with a line of cars behind. There was enough space to pass the line of traffic.
On arrival at Slea Head we discovered the life size statue depicting the crucifixion. The figure of Christ sculpted in white weathered stone, the nails at the hands and feet flow with rusty blood. In the distance I could see a car park situated high above a cove. It looked like a good place to stop. The beach below was surrounded by the high cliffs to create a natural sun trap for the sun bathers below. The surf comes crashing in on to the beach with only a few children brave enough to venture in. There was a small track leading down to the beach so Brian decided to take his bike and get some photographs. From our high vantage point he looked very small as he wandered taking his snap shots. He turned around and looked up at us all peering down at him from the cliff top. With camera in hand he snapped away. Only Lindsay would not venture too close to the edge, her fear of heights holding her back. Jim was having fun with his digital video camera. He was commenting that he couldn’t make out what was on the LCD screen because the sun was too bright so he was just pointing and shooting in a general direction. I think we could have stayed there all day but time had to drag us away. There was still a lot to see.
Extract from the book 'The Land of Diddeley Dee'
Next: Day 7 - Lough Derg