Day 9, our first day in Killarney, began with a spectacular morning view of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountains in Ireland, and Muckross Lake. from our B&B. We opted to take the tour of the Dingle Peninsula, and were not disappointed with either the weather, dramatic changes, but mostly clear and mild, or the spectacular view of beaches and cliffs along the south side. We went on to the southwestern most tip of Ireland which includes views of the Blasket Islands and the Dunquin area. A highlight was the Gallarus Oratory, an 8th century stone meeting house, so perfectly built that it has never fallen or even been renovated. Back to Dingle for a very late lunch. Leaving Dingle, we were awed by a double rainbow over Ballyferriter Bay. Our return trip took us through Tralee, and the Slieve Mish Mts. The day ended with a dazzling sunset and moonrise.
There is much controversy over the signage in Dingle. A few years a law mandated that all the names be changed to Gaeltecht, but this was costly for the merchants who depend on the tourist trade. Some locals took matters into their own hands by spray painting "Dingle" on road signs that only bear the Irish version of the name.
Gallarus Oratory dates from the 6th century., and has withstood the buffeting of the Atlantic for over 1200 yrs without repair. It is made entirely without mortar, using fitted stones.
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