Slea Head Photo and Sightseeing Tour

After meeting in Dingle, we follow the Slea Head Drive on a scenic tour of the countryside, passing the deep-water harbour at Ventry, before emerging along the edge of Dingle Bay. From here we take in the ocean views and the ancient stone walls, including a number of archaeological sites dating back to 4000 B.C.

Visit and hold the lambs, then explore and learn about the ancient fairy forts and beehive huts on this farm. This style of Beehive Hut was also built by monks in the 6th Century on Skellig Michael some 20 miles to the south and we discover how these structures were used for the filming of Star Wars in more recent times.

After exploring the landmarks, including another Star Wars filming location, and hearing the history of the last Blasket Islanders, we learn photo composition during a phone or camera class with George. Then there’s time to take in the wonderful views and take a short walk along this scenic road, to capture even more spectacular coastal vistas.

Discover the Hollywood history of Coumeenoole Strand and Dunmore Head, paddle along the sandy beach, and capture the dramatic coastal views that make this location a tour favourite.

The iconic twisting path down to Dunquin Pier is the historical departure point for the settlers on the Great Blasket Island. These days it is used for the tripper boats visiting the island. Superb vistas are to be captured along the paths at the top of the cliff, with the option of walking down the steep path to capture photos at lower vantage points.

We stop at Clogher Head to take in panoramic views of Clogher Strand and the western edge of the Dingle Peninsula. This wide-open vista also looks across to the filming location of Star Wars on Sybil Head in 2016.

Leaving the ocean and the intriguing coastline behind, we take a scenic 15-minute drive to the 1200-year-old Oratory at Gallarus, where we hear the stories of St Brendan the Navigator and the pilgrimages made following his journey. We’ve time to explore and photograph this wonderful example of an ancient stone roofed building.

The ruin of this 12th century Romanesque church is built on an earlier monastic site and has a unique standing stone with a “needle hole” and ogham script carved down the side. A few yards away is a large cross carved from stone. Close by is St. Brendan’s House, with access to excellent views of this church in the rural landscape. Discover how the Vikings visited this area and left their placenames in the landscape.