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AROUND THE DINGLE PENINSULA
(Brandon Creek to Tralee)
BRANDON CREEK
Brandon Creek from which St. Brendan is reputed to have set sail to discover America around 900 years before Christopher Columbus. In 1976, Tim Severin used it as his starting point for "The Brendan Voyage" as retraced the route taken by St. Brendan's in a traditional boat similar to that used by St. Brendan. Tim Severin reached Newfoundland the following year and his story is told in his book and TV documentary titled "The Brendan Voyage". The boat used by Tim Severin is now on display at Craggaunowen, Co. Clare. On the pier in Brandon Creek are some traditional fishing boats, known as Naomhógs or Currachs. There is a monument to the voyage just above the creek.
At Ballybrack, on the road from Brandon Creek to Dingle, hill walkers begin their ascent along the Saint's Way to the top of Mount Brandon.
 CONOR PASS
After returning to Dingle take the northern route out of the town towards Brandon Bay. There are spectacular views of Brandon Bay from the car park at the top of the pass. Be careful on the decent towards Castlegregory as the road is very narrow.
CASTLEGREGORY
Named after a 16th century chieftain, Castlegregory is a pleasant village with a 9 hole links golf course and fine sandy beaches nearby. Waterworld, the local watersports centre, provides tuition in canoeing and windsurfing. For further information visit, www.waterworld.ie or telephone 066-7139292. Another attraction nearby is Glenteenassig Forest Park.
BLENNERVILLE WINDMILL
On the northern end of the peninsula is Blennerville Windmill which was recently restored and turned into a visitor centre. Across the road is a narrow gauge steam train which runs between Blennerville and Tralee. Behind the windmill is the boat yard where the famous famine replica sailing ship the Jeanie Johnston was built.
 TRALEE
Just east of Blennerville,
Tralee
has many fine attractions besides "The Rose of Tralee Festival" held at the end of August each year. Popular attractions include
The Aqua Dome
(Ireland's largest indoor waterworld) and the Geraldine Exhibition at the Ashe Memorial Hall (where you can experience what medieval life was like in Ireland), and
Siamsa Tíre (the National Folk Theatre).
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