A Day in Dingle - June 14, 2025

 

 Today was a much-needed day of rest. We only walked 3.5 miles all day.   

 

We started with an amazing breakfast made by Maggie who is a terrific cook. I had salmon with a poached egg. Jecca had eggs with tomato, pancetta and parmesan. We both had a yogurt/fruit compote for a starter. So far - the best breakfast and best accommodations of the trip.

   

In the morning we walked around town checking out the shops. Jecca bought a few things including a gorgeous woolen scarf. We got some cheese and crackers to keep for tomorrow's hike. 

 

 We had coffee and then set off to Dingle Dolphin Boat tours for a 3.5 hour trip out Dingle Harbor to the now-deserted Blasket Islands.

The cliffs going out the harbor are truly amazing and could really only be appreciated from the water. Blasket island looks a bit eerie and forlorn with its abandoned buildings. We would have needed to book a tour land on the island in advance.

   

  We saw many birds - including razor bills, fulmars (new for me, I think), guillemots, shearwaters, kittiwakes, cormorants, oyster catchers and one peregrin. But, the highlight, toward the end of the trip when we thought we might not see any - puffins! Definitely a first for me. Impossible to get a photo, though.

      And, amazingly dozens of dolphins accompanied the boat, some cruising at the bow. It was magical and enchanting and we understand now why there are so many references to dolphins in Dingle. And, we also saw two minke whales, but they were fleeting glances and they never resurfaced.

   

  When we docked, we were really hungry and we went back to the Fish Box where we ate last night as it was so good. I had fish without chips and had a salad instead. Jecca had fish tacos. Again - all good.

   

  We then walked next door to Dick Mack's Pub where we saw in the garden and listened to a bit of music by two men - one on guitar and the other on accordion and harmonica. It was not Irish music, which was disappointing and mostly music from the likes of Dylan and Jim Croce. Then - back home to get packed and ready for tomorrow's hike.

        We know that members of our family participated in today's No Kings Protest and just heard about the assassination in Minnesota of a state senator. We are horrified.

Joann on Nantucket

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