The Day We Went to Dingle

 Today was the day our hiking adventure was to begin. It was actually our pre-hike day; a day of travel from Cork to Dingle, in readiness for what we trust will be a scenic and enjoyable three-day hike. 

We were up early to wash sheets and towels so they could dry while we are away for the next five days - drying washing is an issue in our apartment, as is guaranteeing a supply of hot water for showers (but that’s another story!) 

The taxi was booked for 11:30, but being the people we are, we were ready to go at 10:30. At the Cork bus station we bought sandwiches for lunch and waited in vain for the display board to change and tell us which bay our first bus to Killarney would depart from.  No such information was forthcoming so Wallsy did a reconnaissance and found it was Bay 12. 

Boarding was a little delayed by the last minute arrival of the driver, who seemed to be teaching a new driver the ropes, but we quickly loaded our luggage and boarded. We were about ten minutes later getting away than the advertised 12:30 pm departure time. 

The Expressway service bus was an interesting mix of a long distance Cork to Tralee service, and a more local commuter service. Hence there was a great deal more stopping and starting than the name Expressway Bus suggested. Then there was the traffic crawl as we neared Killarney. It was going to be a close thing.  

Stephen jumped off when we reached the bus station tasked with finding our connecting bus, while Mark, Julie and I unloaded our luggage. Our bus was located and we boarded just as he closed the doors and readied for departure. 

We didn’t understand why a number of passengers boarded on the outskirts of Killarney asking for the beach stop, but it eventually became obvious as we followed the bay, with superb ocean views, the water sparkling in the bright sunshine. Driving at speed hugging the cliff edge, we had a sense that the driver had some time to make up. 






The bus disgorged a number of passengers at Inch Beach and we laughed to see the cars parked on the beach itself, no other parking area available, and a variable messaging sign which announced:

 ‘High Tide 23:55. 

Remove vehicles in good time’

We continued our treacherous drive, inland now, but still on the edge of the hillside, through country reminiscent of the Yorkshire Dales, and were pleased to see the town of Dingle come into view. 


We stepped shakily from the bus, luggage in hand, and walked the 400m to our B&B for the night, where we were warmly welcomed and settled in quickly. We four met up again and went out for a stroll around the town, a tourist mecca with shops open late and places to eat in abundance. 

Following our hosts advice we went to Murphy’s hotel for a lovely fresh fish and chip dinner before returning home for an early night in readiness for the beginning of our hike tomorrow. 


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