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But
the history of Dingle has not been entirely religious.
The
town was burnt in 1316 by the Irish chieftain Diarmuid
McCarthaigh.
Today
it is a thriving tourist area and fishing port whose beauty
has attracted musicians, artists and craft persons from many
countries.
To
this day the town provides the visitor with a truly
cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Dingle
in the Irish language is "Daingean Uí Chúis".
"Daingean" means fortress; "Uí Chúis" is
generally accepted as translating to Hussey . . . Fortress of
Hussey, the Husseys being a Flemish family that came to the
area in the 13th Century.
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Dingle
town, is the heart and soul of the peninsula. It is the
most westerly town in
Europe
and a stronghold of the arts. The town also has a long
history.
In
medieval times the harbour was the departure point for
pilgrims to the grave of St James at Santiaog de
Compostela in
Spain
.
So
important was the pilgrimage that the Spanish are said
to have built the first church on the site of the
present
Church
of
Ireland
in
Main Street
, which is called St James's after the Spanish patron.
Advice
and information about accommodation throughout the
Peninsula can be obtained at the Tourist Office, located
at the Pier. During the summer months pressure on
accommodation can be considerable and anyone arriving on
spec should not leave it till late to go looking.
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.gif) What
better way to end a perfect day on the Dingle Peninsula
than with a deliciously fresh seafood meal, a stroll
around the town to pick up some locally crafted gifts
and a cosy seat at a traditional music session in one of
the local pubs.
There are
many craft shops in Dingle town. There is good value to
be found in the high quality handmade products in the
craft shops – woven tweeds and woolen clothing,
sweaters, leather goods, jewellery, turned wood, and
pottery
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