The Dingle Peninsula in the west of County Kerry Ireland is home to a wealth of archaeological and historical heritage and is of great interest to archaeologists, historians and folklorists or to anyone interested in their Gaelic or Celtic roots. Even in the pre-historic period, the area was inhabited, and many monuments of this era, such as Ogham Stones, Promontory Forts, Megalithic Graves and Beehive Huts can be seen.
Evidence of one of the earliest human settlements (8000-4000BC) in the area was found at Ferriter’s Cove, near Ballyferriter. This was a temporary settlement, which was used on a seasonal basis. Remnants of a wide variety of food such as hazel nuts, red deer, pig, hare and birds have been found there as well as fishbones, shellfish and even a cow.
The Loch a’Dúin valley near Cloghane contains a number of monuments from the Bronze Age. In this valley, there are over 90 stone structures dating from 2500 BC up to modern times. There are several kilometres of stone wall running through this area, much of it covered by peat bog which has built up over the past 3,000 years. From archaeological excavations and pollen studies, it has emerged that the Loch a’Dúin Valley was used for agricultural purposes from 1600 BC to the beginning of the Iron Age. The Iron Age (500 BC – 500 AD) is often associated with the Celtic Period and the Dingle Peninsula has many monuments and relics of this era.
Caherconree is a mountain about 10 miles west of Tralee overlooking Camp Village. At about 2000 feet up this mountain stands a promontory hill fort which is considered to be the finest in the country. In Irish mythology this is the fort of Cu Roi mac Daire, who could make it spin around at night to stop any attackers from finding the entrance. Because of its height it was unlikely to have been occupied on a full time basis and its purpose is not known for sure. The climb to Caherconree is very popular with hill walkers and commands excellent views of Tralee Bay.
Almost 70 Ogham Stones have been discovered in this area. Ogham is the earliest known form of Irish writing and consists of groups of lines carved into the edges of the stones. Ogham has been deciphered and is now well understood and it is thought that the Ogham Stones were often connected to the marking of territory and ownership of land and the name of a man, his father and grandfather often features on them.
Over thirty early monastic or religious sites including beehive huts, holy wells, oratories, churches and burials have been identified on the peninsula. Why are there so many in such a small area? Perhaps it is because the area was so remote on the edge of civilization of the time.
Although they were endowed with magical properties in later years, Ring Forts were, in fact, very practical living areas which had outer walls for the defense of people and animals. There are numerous examples of Ring Forts in various states of preservation in the region. The best examples are to be found at Cathair Deargain near Ballydavid and Dun Clar near Annascaul.
No Viking remains survive on the peninsula; but the Vikings named the bay near Ballydavid “Smerwick” which translates as “the bay of butter”. From the Norman period (1170 onwards) there are the remains of five tower houses on the peninsula, the most impressive ones being at Minard, Gallarus and Rathinnane.
History didn’t stop there and there is a wealth of items of interest to the modern historian to be found on the peninsula also.Visitors to the region can stay at Dingle Hotels or Dingle Bed and Breakfast
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