Fun facts......  Halloween started in Celtic Ireland! The Samhain festival took place 2000 years ago in Newgrange, which we visited on day two of our trip.  The Samhain was a celebration of the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter).  These ancient people believed that, during the Samhain, the divide between this world and the "otherworld" was at it's thinnest on October 31st, allowing spirits to pass through.  They would disguise themselves as harmful spirits thus avoiding harm and welcoming the good spirits of their ancestors.   One thing became another....well, you know the rest.

Leaving Adare, debated whether we should skip the Dingle and go directly to the Ring of Kerry.  All the information we have read suggested that the two areas had a similar landscape.  We programed the GPS for Tralee, we would decide at that point. It was about an hour later, after a missed turn that the road made the call for us.  I turned at the wrong exit on the roundabout.  For which, the navigator and the Olympic calibre backseat drivers were quick to point out, in no uncertain terms.  Guilty as charged I say, which got me a lesson in GPS road management! Guilty again.  The mistake forced us to drive further then one would like to turn around.  We are so glad that happened.!  The Dingle Peninsula is not to be missed.  The landscape was spectacular!!!  And the town with the same name, was just perfect.  The driver now exonerated of any wrong doing!
Note from Johanne: Our driver is flawless and the most patient that the world has ever known....he got mad only once in 6 months so far........this man should be canonized!

 An unexpected traffic jam on the road less traveled.

 This beach stretched for miles, the shallow waters of the Atlantic warm and inviting.

 Dingle was, without a doubt, the finest seaside town we have been to! Beats any UK beachtown!

 We walked the entire town, which has three main streets.  Among the interesting shops and eateries, we found two gems:  J. Curran's and Dick Mack's.  Both places are old, opening in 1871 and 1899 respectively.  Each is a family owned business, being passed down through several generations.  Each has been a dual purpose business, J. Curran as a general store and pub, Dick Mack's as a shoe maker and pub.  Both still have remnants of their past on display, and both have an excellent whiskey selection.  We were first drawn to J. Curran's because of a poster advertising a concert.  Garth Brooks on the 27th of July.  In this tiny pub, crazy.  We go in to check it out.  There are a few locals, they barely raise their heads as we enter.  I asked about the concert, followed by laughter from the crusty locals.  No explanation other than "show up tomorrow and see what happens".  Then the bartender-owner comments that Julia Roberts was just here, followed by more laughter.  We left scratching our heads. Still, the bar was interesting including the three snugs that could be found in the corners.  Johanne asked them if they get tired of staring at each other in those, since they face each other and nothing else.....more laughters! More on that later.

 A little further on, we found Dick Mack's.  With a similar set up to J. Curran's these two establishments have been battling for business for a long long time.  The eccentric owner, Oliver James Mary Mac Donnell,  was found in his usual spot, in the snug to the left of the bar as we entered.  The bar is part of the Irish Whiskey Trail, the selection is second to none.  There is a walk of fame (with stars like at the Grauman theatre in Hollywood) on the sidewalk in front.  Stars that have visited this iconic shop have been immortalised by Oliver (including Julia Robert....now we get it!).  Johanne is convinced the whole concert promotion of Garth Brooks is an answer to Oliver's promotional efforts.  The war of the pub families continues.

The snugs are an interesting story.  Sometimes called the smoke room, were small very private rooms with access to the bar, that had frosted glass for privacy ( J.Curran's lost the glass, probably in a fight.....).  Drinks were served at higher prices within the snug and no one could  look in and see the drinkers.  Ladies could enjoy a drink in the snug without being seen, as it was generally frowned upon for woman to be seen in pubs at the time

We Loved our time in Dingle, but the Ring of Kerry was calling, so we hit the road.  The drive proved to be a similar experience.  Rugged coastline on the right and rolling, green countryside on the left.  Spectacular beauty.  Our stop for the night was Waterville.  The holiday haunt of Charlie Chaplin.

 Our accommodation is sublime.  A two bedroom cottage, perched on a hilltop with at 360 degree view.  Atlantic Ocean at the back door, Lough Currane at the front door, golf courses and 4000 year old standing stone temples (similar to Stonehenge) to our right and left.  The cottage, courtesy of Lakelands Farm Guesthouse, also included the full Irish Breakfast.  We never want to leave this place.  We went in to town, did a little shopping and had an old fashioned barbeque.  Home cooking never tasted so good.

A terrific day in the history books, tomorrow we will find out what the Blarney Stone is all about. Be Well Slainte