If you dream of vacationing among stunning natural scenery, old-world charm, and charming bed and breakfasts, then the Dingle Peninsula the in Southwest of Ireland is the perfect destination for you.

The Dingle Peninsula was once cited as “the most beautiful place on earth” by National Geographic Magazine. It was voted among one of the top 100 places to visit in the world by the website Trip Advisor, and CNN listed it as one of the best winter destinations.

With all of these accolades for one little place, there is no doubt that you will fall in love with the Dingle Peninsula. The movie “Ryan’s Daughter” was filmed there as well as the movie  “Far and Away.”  If you’ve enjoyed either of these films, you’ve witnessed a small glimpse of this area’s rugged, otherworldly beauty.

One of the most popular attractions that brings people to this area of the world is the amazing archaeological tours. There is evidence of human history on the Dingle Peninsula that dates back as far as 6,000 years. You can view artifacts from the hunters and gatherers of the Mesolithic period all the way through modern times.

Because of the peninsula’s remote location and lack of specialized agriculture, there is a remarkable preservation of over 2,000 monuments. Some of the most amazing historical sites are complete buildings that still remain from the Viking and Medieval periods.

Another attraction that is much newer in history but every bit as exciting to tourists is the Dingle dolphin, who is known as Fungie. In 1984, the Dingle Harbor lighthouse keeper first began to notice a lone dolphin who was escorting the town’s fishing boats to and from port. The dolphin has come to be extremely well loved as he is very friendly to humans whether they are swimming, canoeing, diving, boating, or windsurfing in the waters of the harbor.

Fungie is a full-grown male bottlenose dolphin who weighs about 500 pounds. He is particularly unique because dolphins rarely take on a solitary way of life. During the summer months, Fungie is often seen eating garfish in the harbor.

One of the most gorgeous places on the Dingle Peninsula is Slea Head, which is a rocky and rugged spot that overlooks the Blasket Islands. There is definitely a reason that Slea Head is one of the most photographed places in all of Ireland. In ancient times this was thought to be the edge of the world.

The Slieve Mountains rise up between two valleys at the tip of the peninsula, then plunge downwards into the Blasket Sound. This dangerous and foamy stretch of water is infamous for its treacherous undertow, which sucks shipwrecks right down into its dark waters. The sight of the steep earth rising right up out of the brilliant water is quite breathtaking.

If you wish to create your own “Far and Away” picturesque scene, try embarking on a horseback adventure. The Dingle Peninsula provides the ideal location for the freedom experienced while riding on horseback You can explore mile after mile of soaring mountains, grassy hills that slope gently into the sea, sparkling golden beaches, and narrow country roads lined with flowering red fuchsia.

You’ll feel refreshed and at one with nature. In fact, I’m quite certain that the only thing you won’t love about your trip to the Dingle Peninsula is when it’s time to come home.

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