Mingle in Dingle

Here were are in Dingle on the Dingle Pennisula - scenery, buildings and accents-straight out of Father Ted, so Ross reckons.

This morning after checking out had a wander through the Waterford Crystal Show Room, where I nearly made a purchase, but had the handbrake with me, and he said no!  Imagine!?  So down the road we went to the Handcrafted Glass Workshop where we were ushered inside - WITHOUT safety goggles, fluoro vests and ear muffs to watch the guys glass blowing and putting the finishing touches on the pieces they were making.  We also met the owner, Sean Egan who after 9/11 crafted a memorial sculpture for the NY Fire Brigade and has recently finished a 10 year anniversary sculpture, yet to be presented.  He was amazing and during the conversation we learnt that the guys had all worked for Waterford Crystal and had been put off as now the pieces are made off shore...Indoneasia, India and China.  As a result we bought from his workshop...the real deal, although not crystal, very beautiful handblown glass.

Had a good drive through to Dingle, stopping at Balarney where Ross and I did a walk to the TOWER (will post photo of that later) - and Wendy and Les had a couple of hours in the Castle Grounds....Les got up close and personal with the Balarney Stone and Wendy captured it on film.

So here we are in Dingle, in the Dingle Pub (free Wifi) and ready to listen to Trad Irish music, starting at 9.30pm....Wet as wet outside, after a lovely sunny day where the car temperature told us it was 20 degrees...truly a summer day in these parts.

Heading north tomorrow.....