Annascaul...

Annascaul is a small village on the coast of the Dingle Peninsula. Fishing and farming were the traditional sources of employment in the past. The town and surrounds are very picturesque and has featured in a couple of films.

The town is most famous as the birth place of the famous Arctic explorer Tom Crean. He served under Scott and Shackelton. Upon his retirement form the army he returned to Annascaul and opened a pub. He called it the South Pole Inn. The pub is still up and running today and is a must see on your Kerry tour when in Annascaul, on the walls you will see pictures of famous people who have visited the pub as well as a number of portraits of Tom Crean. In July 2003 a statue of Tom Crean was erected in the village, in he's memory.

A short drive from the village is the blue flag Inch beach. This breathtaking beach stretches three miles into Dingle Bay. You can bathe for the day or take surfing lessons from either of the two surfing schools. Each autumn, aircraft enthusiasts base themselves in Annascaul and make use of the beach to glide light aircraft. Its a tradition which has survived for the last 25 years.

Minard Castle, 3 miles south of Annascaul is now in ruins after being destroyed by Cromwellian forces. It is the largest fortress on the peninsula and once was the home of the Knight of Kerry. The castle is picturesquely situated and a pathway leads from the castle to a nearby strand.

 

 

Annascaul has a wide range of quality accommodation to suit all budgets, ranging from hotels and bed & breakfasts to hostels and self catering accommodation. Annascaul has a nice variety of pubs which are well worth a visit on a warm summers evening or a cold winters one!.

For diners there are a selection of restaurants

Annascaul is a great place for walking, the Dingle Way and the Kerry Camino ( walk in the footsteps of St. Brendan, the Navigator) as well as other marked walkways. The Annascaul walking club, walk on Sundays and welcome newcomers. The town is on the foothills of the Slieve Mish Mountains, rising to peaks of over 2,000 feet it makes a great hike. The Annascaul and Inch Walking Festival is held over the October bank holiday weekend. It is a three-day guided walking festival.

Other festivals in Annascaul include a charity Beerfest (part of the sale of every featured beer goes to charity), it is held on the August bank holiday weekend. The traditional sheep and cattle fair is held each May and October. This is offering great fun with super music and family entertainment. Inch Polo Festival is an annual horse polo competition played on the beach. Dan Foley Magic Weekend is held in March.

The Annascaul river which runs through the town is great for freshwater fishing, as is the lake. Inch Beach is a recognised international shore angling venue, which is particularly good for bass fishing, flatfish can also be found.

The village has many fine pubs and places to eat. If your looking for accommodation there are many B&B's and self catering. It is also home to a custom arts centre and a state-of-the-art sports centre. The local Ashe's shop is famous for its black pudding which it has made since 1916. It's so good that it is the preferred choice for many of Ireland's best known chefs. There is also a pottery studio in the town, featuring individually crafted ceramics.

The Dingle Peninsula is rich in archaeology and around Annascaul is no different. You will find Standing Stones, Cromlechs, Ringforts, and much more.

If you would like to stay in Annascaul during your Kerry tour, there are B&Bs and self-catering cottages in the area.