I cannot say enough good things about Marie and this stay. I was not interested in being a tourist so much as I wanted to experience what life is like for people on the Dingle Peninsula. I stayed a month and am so in love with the people and the beauty!
Some FAQs:
I did not have a car. This was ok. There is a rural bus that goes to nearby villages and to Dingle several times each day. The drivers are gems. They dropped me at the end of the driveway after my first couple of trips. Otherwise there is a stop over the hill in Ballyferriter and another one down the road about 10 minutes’ walk. From Dingle, you can catch a bus to Tralee and to anywhere else in the country you might want to go.
The path to Ballyferriter village is literally next to the house. It’s a mowed path. Bring shoes that can get wet as it rains a lot and the grass is dewy in the mornings. On more than one occasion I walked home after sunset and it was spectacular. Bring a flashlight if you plan to do this. The darkness can be complete but the stars are worth it!
This is an incredibly safe spot, including for solo travelers. I am a woman traveling alone and I always felt more than safe. In fact, people in town (both Ballyferriter and Dingle) began recognizing me and offering rides and pints. It was just great.
The kitchen does not have an oven but it has a stove and a microwave. It also has a coffee pot, a French press, a toaster, a washing machine and some other things I didn’t use. I had everything I needed.
Marie was wonderful, and so were Ashling (her daughter) and Ollie the dog. I loved hanging out occasionally and can’t wait to see her again on my next stay!
I had an absolutely stellar month and I loved Ballineanig and Ballyferriter. From early morning sunrises right out your window (!) to the nicest people you can imagine, if you want something a little deeper than the regular tourist checklist of spots to see, this the perfect spot!