The Gaelsaoire

Shaped by the surge of the Atlantic Ocean, the Dingle Peninsula is the most westerly point in Europe. The peninsula stretches dramatically westward from the county town of Trá Lí (Tralee) and the village of Caisleán na Mainge (Castlemaine) to the tip of Ceann Sléibhe (Slea Head) and Na Blascaoidí (the Blasket Islands). On its southern shore, the Gaeltacht area begins between the villages of Abhainn an Scáil (Aunascaul) and Lios Póil (Lispole), while on the northern shoulder the boundary is close to the welcoming communities of Bréanainn (Brandon) and An Clochán (Cloghane). The vibrant town of An Daingean (Dingle) is the peninsula's main centre of population with storied Gaeltacht place names like Ceann Trá (Ventry), Dún Chaoin (Dunquin), Baile an Fhirtéaraigh (Ballyferriter), An Fheoghanaigh (Feoghanach), Baile na nGall (Ballydavid) and An Bhlascaod Mhór (the Great Blasket Island) awaiting your discovery. Piled high with mountains and fringed with quiet unpolluted beaches, this colourful holiday destination is a haven for walkers, golfers, surfers, sailors, sightseers and deep-sea fishermen. This is a Gaeltacht with something for everyone on Europe's final western frontier.

The Iveragh (Uíbh Ráthach) Gaeltacht encompasses areas off the Ring of Kerry such as Baile an Sceilg (Ballinskelligs) and Bá Naomh Fhionáin (The Glen) on the coast and Máistir Gaoithe (Mastergeehy) along the valley of the lovely Inny River. This area is known for some of Ireland’s most breathtaking coastal and mountainous scenery, with magnificent views of the Skellig Rocks and Puffin Island.

A visit to the Gaeltacht area of Uíbh Ráthach is not complete without gaining an insight into The Skellig Rocks. This rock island constitute Sceilg Mhichíl (Great Skellig) where there was an early Christian monastery, and An Sceilg Bheag (Little Skellig) with its huge bird colonies. The third island in the group is Oileán na gCánóg (Puffin Island). Beside the significant archaelogical interest in Sceilg Mhichíl and the wonderfully preserved monastic settlement this remarkable group of inhospitable, weather-torn rocks, plays host to huge colonies of sea birds, both native and migratory. The Little Skellig is one of the world’s greatest gannetries.