Melissa2Ireland
Registered User
Posts: 18
(8/3/05 7:07 pm)

Best "Ring" (Peninsula) in SW Ireland??

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What is your choice for the best "Ring" or Peninsula in Southwest Ireland? And tell us about why it's your favorite. What did you enjoy about it? What time of year was your visit?

Ireland is so full of treasures, those of us planning our first trip to Ireland don't have time to explore more than 1 or 2 of these peninsulas.

Thanks for your vote!






Dingle Peninsula

Inveragh Peninsula (Ring of Kerry)

Beara Peninsula

Sheep's Head Peninsula

Mizen Head Peninsula

Show results

irisheyes
Unregistered User
(8/4/05 10:24 pm)

trip question

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Perhaps this question should be on the other section
"Trip Report."

Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3302
(8/5/05 12:35 am)

Re: Best "Ring" (Peninsula) in SW Ireland??

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Melissa,

I have been there, done that at all different times of year and in all sorts of weather. So I will just list them in the order that I like them best.

Dingle
Beara
Mizen
Iveragh ROK
Sheep's Head

They all have their own rewards for those who can take the time to explore as opposed to rushing through. For instance few people visit the Skellig Ring on the tip of the ROK. No tour buses there! The only traffic is sheep and cows. Also, Abbey Island (walkable at low tide) near Derrynane House is as serene and picturesque as it gets. Then there are boat trips out to Skellig Michael. There are many little dead end roads that reveal their own special wonders. If you see a sign that says "Tra" it means beach and many interesting experiences unfold by following signs like that.

Dingle really packs in a lot of the WOW factor. Especially on Slea Head drive every curve you go around is another spectacular seascape. Where else would you find a bridge where the stream goes over it instead of under it? You can wash the dirt off your car tires there. I suggest watching the rather sentimental movie Ryan's Daughter just for the scenery of Dingle.

Beara is more rugged with mountains, Healy Pass, waterfalls and a more far from the madding crowd experience.

I like Mizen for its fabulous Barley Cove Beach, cliffs, the bridge at Mizen Head light and the 99 steps (yes I did them all!)

Each place has its own particular atmosphere and much can depend on weather and the time of year you visit.

Michele

Melissa2Ireland
Registered User
Posts: 23
(8/5/05 1:06 am)

Re: Michele's Ring list

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Michele, WOW, great info on the "Rings"! You should write a book! (Wait, you did. And I will soon have it in my hands.)

Thanks. You are clearly the Ring-leader. Sorry for the bad jokes, have to make myself laugh tonight. It's really great to hear from someone who has actually done it all, and more than once!

It will be interesting to see how the votes add up. These polls on your web-site are a cool idea.

Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3305
(8/5/05 1:52 am)

Re: Michele's Ring list

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Melissa,

Keep those jokes coming. We all need as many as we can get! BTW, I am currently preparing a new forum. It has polls too but is a bit different. Soon this one will be an archive. Just too many problems with the EzBoard.com host. So look for an announcement soon.

Michele