At the south eastern end of the Dingle Peninsula the small village of Castlemaine claims to be the birthplace of Jack Duggan, a famous Australian outlaw, known as 'The Wild Colonial Boy'.

The song 'The Wild Colonial Boy' claims that Castlemaine was the birthplace of the Australian outlaw Jack Duggan (Donohue or Donahue). However, according to the Australian Dictionary of Biography the real Jack Donohue was born in Dublin in about 1806. He was convicted of intent to commit a felony in 1823 and transported to the penal colonies in Australia. He was later tried for robbery and sentenced to death but escaped and became a bushranger. He was eventually shot in a fight with soldiers and police on the 1st September 1830.

Some people claim that Castlemaine has night and day on both sides of the street - James Day's pub on one side and Knightly's Bar opposite.

Click here for more information on Castlemaine


INCH

About 19km west of Castlemaine is one of Kerry's finest sandy beaches. This long sandy beach, backed by sand dunes, on Dingle Bay is popular with swimmers, surfers and walkers has spectacular views of the Kerry mountains.

The film version of John Millington Synge's 'Playboy of the Western World' was shot here as were scenes from David Lean's film 'Ryans Daughter'

Click here for the surf forecast at Inch Strand.


ANNASCAUL

Annascaul was the birthplace of the legendary Antarctic explorer, Tom Crean 1877-1938, who at the age of 15 joined the Royal Navy and was part of Captain Robert Scott's ill fated race to be the first to reach the South Pole. He later travelled on both of Ernest Shackelton's expeditions to the Antarctic. He was awarded the Albert medal for his 35-mile (56 km) solo walk across the Ross Ice Shelf to save the life of Edward Evans. When he retired from the Navy he returned to Annascaul and opened a pub called "The South Pole". He died in 1938 and is buried in the local graveyard. A statue was erected to him opposite the South Pole Inn.

DAINGEAN (DINGLE)

During the middle ages the Dingle was a busy sea port trading with the continent. In the 16th century the town was burned following the Desmond rebellion. Today, it is now a vibrant fishing port with a modern marina, excellent seafood restaurants and pubs with traditional music.

Oceanworld, Dingle's aquarium is one of town's most popular attractions with many species of fish including sharks, ray fish, turtles, spider crabs and sea horses. The best time to visit is during feeding time. Children can even touch live ray fish, crabs, starfish and sea urchins with their hands.

Dingle's favourite son is "Fungi", a wild dolphin who made the entrance of the harbour his home about 20 years ago. Boat trips to see Fungi can be arranged on the quayside behind the Tourist Information Office.

Boat trips further out into Dingle Bay can be arranged by telephoning Dingle Marine Eco Tours at 086-2858802. Shallow and deep sea diving can be arranged at the Dingle Marina Diving Centre, diving courses and snorkelling instruction is also available. Visit their website at DiveDingle.com for further information or telephone 066-9152422.

On the south-western shore of Dingle Harbour just off the Slea Head, Burnham House was once the wooded estate of Lord Ventry, but is now known as Colaiste Ide, an Irish language boarding school for girls. The college also offers Irish language summer courses for children. On the driveway into Coláiste Íde is a group of six Ogham Stones. The stable behind the school provide horse riding lessons. A horse riding summer school is available for children during the summer where the children not only learn to ride, but also learn to muck up and feed the ponies. Horse trekking can also be arranged by contacting Dingle Horse Riding, telephone 066-9152018.

Dingle Driving Range and Pitch & Putt Course, at Milltown is open every day from 10 a.m. to dusk, telephone 066-915020.

The climbing Wall at Play At Height is one of Ireland's largest climbing Walls. For further information visit PlayatHeight.com