Derrynane to Dingle

Ever since arriving in Ireland, we have debated two choices: explore the southern coast of Ireland or travel up the more challenging northwestern shores, much of which is exposed to the open Atlantic Ocean.

The southern coast would take us to places like Schull, Kinsale, Baltimore, and Crosshaven, where we could experience not only the beauty of Ireland but also its charming port towns. The southwest has forts, castles, old market towns, maritime history, and famine history.

The northwestern coast would allow us to experience Ireland’s more rugged and dramatic shores, with enormous cliffs and mountains plunging into the sea. The northwest has less development, ancient monastic sites, Bronze Age remains, Neolithic monuments, and rich Gaelic history, with some of the islands still speaking Gaelic. Sailing this route would also be more challenging. There is less protection and fewer places to hide when bad weather arises.