Day 2, June 22, 2005

 For the second day, a 199 km tour around the Ring of Dingle was on the agenda. On the way there, we rode along Brandon Bay towards Connor Pass, where we were met with foggy weather, so the view wasn't quite as good. The ascent to the pass is via fantastic switchbacks, but on very narrow roads. In some places, two cars can't even pass each other. It should be noted that this is a description of a motorcycle tour; the Connor Pass is not permitted for caravans, campervans, or trucks. Drive the route and you'll understand why!

However, through our own fault, we didn't drive the entire Ring Road and didn't reach the westernmost point of Europe, Slea Head. In this region (Gaeltacht), Gaelic is spoken exclusively, even though people can also speak English.

In Dingle, we took a boat trip to see Fungie, the resident dolphin who has been there for years and finally reappeared, albeit after much pleading. The boat trip cost €12 per person and is only paid upon safe arrival back at the harbor. So, if you have to swim back, you don't have to pay. Fair enough, right?

In the evening, we went to Baileys Corner pub in Tralee and had some "ceol agus craig" to discuss the next day's plans. Even though Matt organized everything superbly, the day trips are still individually tailored and discussed in the evenings. It's not a standard, off-the-shelf tour, and we want to emphasize that.