Dingle Peninsula

A brief history of Dingle region

The Anglo-Normans
The Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland occurred over the late 12th century. After the Norman take-over of the town, it grew into a busy trading port handling wool, fish, meat, and butter. By 1257 it had become sufficiently prosperous to come to King Henry III notice, who imposed a tax on the town's exports. 

Wine Trading
Further evidence of the town's economic success appeared in the form of smart merchants' houses. By the 16th century, Dingle had become one of the largest ports in Ireland and wine its primary trade. In 1569, it achieved a listing as one of only fifteen towns given a monopoly on importing wine.

Rebellion
Dingle suffered from hostile action on the Dingle Peninsula during the Second Desmond Rebellion in 1580. (The Rebellion was a bloody action led by the Fitzmaurice/Fitzgerald Dynasty against English rule). Queen Elizabeth I, at the town's request, granted a charter allowing defensive walls built, traces of which still exist today.

The Linen Trade
Dingle continued to suffer, caught up in the nine-year war (1593-1603) and again in the Three Kingdoms' Wars (1639-1653), both related to English or British rule and Governance. Recovery started by Robert Fitzgerald, who imported flax seed leading to the establishment by 1755 of a highly successful linen trading operation.

Famine
However, competition from English cotton mills was a severe blow, and by 1837, trade-in Irish linen virtually disappeared. A further setback for the town occurred with the outbreak of the plague in 1849. Compounding this situation was an outbreak of potato blight that had first surfaced in 1845 and continued to affect the subsequent year's harvests. The fishing industry also collapsed. Starvation took its toll, with one report stating that 'the utmost destitution prevailed in Dingle.' Another described Dingle as "one monster pauper asylum."

So extreme were the destitution levels that in 1850 a workhouse intended to hold 700 people opened and immediately was housing 1281 inmates. Families were separated, with many never seeing each other again. Many emigrated to America or Australia.

The 20th Century
From the mid 20th century, conditions gradually improved. For visitors to Dingle today, no evidence remains of that truly dark period in Dingle's history.

Highlights of Dingle Peninsula

Dingle
Within the town of Dingle is St Marys, a Neo-gothic church whose foundation dates back to 1862. Also, see the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, which features six beautiful stained glass windows.

Coastal Routes
Around the Peninsula is Ventry's village with its attractive pastel colour-washed cottages overlooking a beautiful crescent-shaped beach ideal for bathing, fishing, or relaxing.' Being Irish, it has a legend involving love and heroics. Seemingly the harbour was the location of a 3rd century battle between the hero Finn MacCool. He eloped with the King of France's wife and daughter. The King, aided by the King of Spain, gave chase, and a battle ensued. With the King of Spain killed, and the King of France was driven insane. Finn MacCool won his lady.

Dunberg Fort
A few miles further on are Dunberg Fort's ruins, one of the most interesting Iron Age forts in Kerry. 

Ballyferriter
Ballyferriter is a charming crescent-shaped village at the foot of the Croaghmarhin mountain in the heart of the Irish speaking community. It has an interesting heritage centre telling the history and geology of the Peninsula.

Connor Pass
Our Driver-guides love taking visitors through the Connor Pass; it is spectacular. It links the north and south shores of the Peninsula and is the highest mountain pass in Ireland. Running through fantastic scenery, it passes several enchanting villages and bays with breath-taking coastal views from Brandon Point.

Touring and accommodation
Dingle region features in our Classic Ireland Tour. However, we can always customise your trip to reflect any specific interests or requirements you may have. The Dingle and Ring of Kerry, the two most spectacular peninsulas, and Killarney National Park are tucked into Ireland's southwest corner. There is also an option to take a Boat Trip to Skellig Michael – the famous Star Wars film location.

Killarney Park Hotel is a superb five-star hotel within the town of Killarney and the perfect base to tour the region. After exploring The Dingle peninsula, our Tour Designers could have you finish the day at Adare Manor Hotel, near Limerick and one of the finest hotels in Europe.