The Dingle Way: Annascaul to Dingle

Thursday, 15 September 2022 (16.1 miles)

This was the longest day of hiking. Once we got to Dingle, we had another 1+ km (uphill) to go to get to our B&B. And then we had to walk downtown and back to have dinner (total miles for the day, 17.3).

The ruins of Minard Castle are on the Dingle Bay coast not far from Annascaul (which is a few km inland).

Minard Castle was built in the 16th century and destroyed by Cromwell's troops in 1650.

Much of our travels were over farm roads such as this one - one vehicle wide and lined with 6- to 8-ft high hedgerows of fuchsia, blackberry, and such.

A few minutes later a tractor came by showing just how narrow these roads are. The red flowers are fuchsia. In my experience, fuchsia is a fussy plant. After doing some research, I found out that fuchsia does not like hot weather (above 70°F), so it's perfect for Ireland, but not so good to grow in the US.

Lon climbing a stile separating a pasture from a farm road.

Lon took this picture from the top of the stile, looking back at Dingle Bay.

Looking towards Dingle - "just around the next hill!"

The number of stone walls and other stone structures suggests how difficult it is to farm in Ireland.

The final approach to Dingle was another straight-line 2-mile descent into town.

Overnight (for two nights!) at the Lighthouse B&B. Very comfortable. Very nice!