Meet the local: Rebecca Hoban runs outdoor apparel brand, Outwest Clothing, with her partner, Shane Finn, on the Dingle Peninsula. They are currently renovating an old farmhouse while planning their wedding for this September.
Their brand recently achieved B Corp certification, in recognition of its high ethical and environmental standards. Items in the range include their ‘Corca Dhuibhne’ crewneck sweaters, trail T-shirts, jackets and fleeces. Rebecca and Shane also run the Outwest outdoor club, with events ranging from yoga to social hikes.
My favourite spot for breakfast is…
A little local spot in Dingle town called My Boy Blue. My favourite is the brunch bap: it’s smoked streaky bacon, sausage, black pudding, fried egg and cheddar with chipotle mayo, served in a brioche bun. Or if I’m feeling like something sweet, they do the most unbelievable pancakes with maple vanilla yoghurt, fruit compote and maple syrup.
For a gentle stroll, you can’t beat…
The walk out to Dingle lighthouse. It starts at the Dingle Skellig Hotel and there’s a path the whole way. It’s about 6km, out and back, and when you reach the lighthouse, you are facing out into the open ocean or you can look back over Dingle town.
For a more challenging hike, I recommend…
Cruach Mhárthain. It’s actually the mountain that Shane and I got engaged on! It’s bang smack in the middle of the peninsula, which is why I like it. It’s about 30-40 minutes depending on your pace, straight up, but you get the most amazing 360-degree views of the Dingle Peninsula. You can see out over Ballydavid Head, back into town, over Ventry harbour, and the Blasket Islands.
You can grab a coffee or a treat at Bean In Dingle. \ Therese Ahern for Tourism Ireland
For lunch…
If you want a nice, sit-down meal, Benners Hotel in Dingle town has a little bit of everything. For on-the-go sandwiches or soup, there is a lovely spot called Nourish. Claire is an amazing female entrepreneur who makes all the sourdough herself. Or if you just need a coffee to get you going again, try Bean In Dingle.
For some retail therapy…
Pop into us at Outwest; we would love to see you. My other favourite shops in Dingle include Fiadh, where Fiadh Durham weaves accessories like scarves and headbands, inspired by the colours of the Dingle Peninsula. I’d also recommended Gráinne Kavanagh in The Coach House for a great selection of gifts.
For some Vitamin Sea…
Our favourite beach is called Wine Strand. It’s a little bit lacking in parking, but if you’re taking your week off, go there on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning and you will feel like you have the place to yourself.
The Blasket Centre provides a fascinating insight into local history and heritage. \ Courtesy Fáilte Ireland
To learn more about the history and heritage of the area…
I would definitely take a trip to the Blasket Islands, if the weather is on your side. Have a little walk around, bring a picnic, watch the seals, and just really immerse yourself in the fact that there were people living here up until the 1950s.
Then, if the weather is bad, the Blasket Centre is absolutely incredible. The history that you learn, how the island functioned back in the day, who lived there, the story-telling; it’s definitely one to visit. They have an amazing café there too and it’s a good place to break up the drive around Slea Head.
Dingle Oceanworld is a great place to visit with children, rain or shine. \ Courtesy Fáilte Ireland
Younger visitors will love…
There is a lovely playground down by Dingle Marina if the weather is good, but if it’s not so good, Dingle Oceanworld is great for smallies; and even for older people. They have otters, penguins… I absolutely love going to the aquarium.
For dinner, you can’t beat…
Solas Tapas and Wine Bar in Dingle. They do the most amazing dish on the starter list, which is grilled Bacus sourdough bread with confit cherry tomatoes, olive oil and Dingle sea salt. Their mains change depending on what’s in season, but any kind of meat dish that they do is absolutely incredible and they cater for vegetarians as well.
For a great night out…
My favourite first stop for a cocktail would be Kennedy’s Bar in Dingle. You feel like you’re going into somebody’s house, it’s all candle lit; it’s absolutely perfect.
Dick Mack’s is also one of our favourites. You can just be sitting by the fire having a chill evening; and the next thing you know, someone has whipped out a guitar and everyone is singing in the front room.
For a good night’s sleep…
We always recommend staying in Greenmount House B&B. It’s an amazing guesthouse that looks right over the mouth of the harbour and it’s within walking distance of Dingle town. Gary Curran makes all the guests feel very, very welcome.
• Visit outwestclothing.ie
Read more
From west Canada to running a rural guesthouse in west Cork
Rock the boat: family holidays by ferry
Meet the local: Rebecca Hoban runs outdoor apparel brand, Outwest Clothing, with her partner, Shane Finn, on the Dingle Peninsula. They are currently renovating an old farmhouse while planning their wedding for this September.
Their brand recently achieved B Corp certification, in recognition of its high ethical and environmental standards. Items in the range include their ‘Corca Dhuibhne’ crewneck sweaters, trail T-shirts, jackets and fleeces. Rebecca and Shane also run the Outwest outdoor club, with events ranging from yoga to social hikes.
My favourite spot for breakfast is…
A little local spot in Dingle town called My Boy Blue. My favourite is the brunch bap: it’s smoked streaky bacon, sausage, black pudding, fried egg and cheddar with chipotle mayo, served in a brioche bun. Or if I’m feeling like something sweet, they do the most unbelievable pancakes with maple vanilla yoghurt, fruit compote and maple syrup.
For a gentle stroll, you can’t beat…
The walk out to Dingle lighthouse. It starts at the Dingle Skellig Hotel and there’s a path the whole way. It’s about 6km, out and back, and when you reach the lighthouse, you are facing out into the open ocean or you can look back over Dingle town.
For a more challenging hike, I recommend…
Cruach Mhárthain. It’s actually the mountain that Shane and I got engaged on! It’s bang smack in the middle of the peninsula, which is why I like it. It’s about 30-40 minutes depending on your pace, straight up, but you get the most amazing 360-degree views of the Dingle Peninsula. You can see out over Ballydavid Head, back into town, over Ventry harbour, and the Blasket Islands.
You can grab a coffee or a treat at Bean In Dingle. \ Therese Ahern for Tourism Ireland
For lunch…
If you want a nice, sit-down meal, Benners Hotel in Dingle town has a little bit of everything. For on-the-go sandwiches or soup, there is a lovely spot called Nourish. Claire is an amazing female entrepreneur who makes all the sourdough herself. Or if you just need a coffee to get you going again, try Bean In Dingle.
For some retail therapy…
Pop into us at Outwest; we would love to see you. My other favourite shops in Dingle include Fiadh, where Fiadh Durham weaves accessories like scarves and headbands, inspired by the colours of the Dingle Peninsula. I’d also recommended Gráinne Kavanagh in The Coach House for a great selection of gifts.
For some Vitamin Sea…
Our favourite beach is called Wine Strand. It’s a little bit lacking in parking, but if you’re taking your week off, go there on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning and you will feel like you have the place to yourself.
The Blasket Centre provides a fascinating insight into local history and heritage. \ Courtesy Fáilte Ireland
To learn more about the history and heritage of the area…
I would definitely take a trip to the Blasket Islands, if the weather is on your side. Have a little walk around, bring a picnic, watch the seals, and just really immerse yourself in the fact that there were people living here up until the 1950s.
Then, if the weather is bad, the Blasket Centre is absolutely incredible. The history that you learn, how the island functioned back in the day, who lived there, the story-telling; it’s definitely one to visit. They have an amazing café there too and it’s a good place to break up the drive around Slea Head.
Dingle Oceanworld is a great place to visit with children, rain or shine. \ Courtesy Fáilte Ireland
Younger visitors will love…
There is a lovely playground down by Dingle Marina if the weather is good, but if it’s not so good, Dingle Oceanworld is great for smallies; and even for older people. They have otters, penguins… I absolutely love going to the aquarium.
For dinner, you can’t beat…
Solas Tapas and Wine Bar in Dingle. They do the most amazing dish on the starter list, which is grilled Bacus sourdough bread with confit cherry tomatoes, olive oil and Dingle sea salt. Their mains change depending on what’s in season, but any kind of meat dish that they do is absolutely incredible and they cater for vegetarians as well.
For a great night out…
My favourite first stop for a cocktail would be Kennedy’s Bar in Dingle. You feel like you’re going into somebody’s house, it’s all candle lit; it’s absolutely perfect.
Dick Mack’s is also one of our favourites. You can just be sitting by the fire having a chill evening; and the next thing you know, someone has whipped out a guitar and everyone is singing in the front room.
For a good night’s sleep…
We always recommend staying in Greenmount House B&B. It’s an amazing guesthouse that looks right over the mouth of the harbour and it’s within walking distance of Dingle town. Gary Curran makes all the guests feel very, very welcome.
• Visit outwestclothing.ie
Read more
From west Canada to running a rural guesthouse in west Cork
Rock the boat: family holidays by ferry
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