Oh my, the Dingle Peninsula. Go there once, and the Irish fairies will enchant you, drawing you eternally to this fair place. The westernmost part of Ireland, and Europe, is surrounded by sea, resulting in many more sunny days and slightly higher temperatures than elsewhere in Ireland. This is good news. It still means experiencing five seasons in one day, but for those wooed by the whims of the weather gods, this spot feels like coming home.
ENCHANTING
Atlantic Bay Rest is situated in what is probably the most beautiful spot on the entire peninsula. A series of structures built atop the cliffs form a W, with little coves and beaches nestled between them. The views and the natural beauty are truly enchanting, even without the fairies.
It all started a century ago with a World War I veteran seeking a place to settle down after being discharged. Reverend McClean put down roots in Smerwick and laid the foundations for Atlantic Bay Rest as we know it today. He built the Bungalow, the house where the Eagle Nest is located, the boathouse where the Galley is, and greenhouses that have since been converted into other buildings.
In the 70s, during a hike, a German wood merchant living in Ghana stumbled upon the then-abandoned buildings following the Reverend’s passing. He instantly fell in love with the place and flew back to buy it when it went up for auction. Peter became the proud owner of the future Atlantic Bay Rest and rebuilt it with the best wood he could find in Ghana.
Now in his eighties, Peter still lives with his dog in a small house perched on one of the most outward points of the W-shaped coast. When it storms, the sea crashes against his large windows. “It just thrills me every time. It never gets boring,” he smiles, sipping his glass of gin.
The place has canoes, and you can go diving and hiking. You can easily say that Atlantic Bay Rest has everything an adventurous traveler will ever need. Don’t expect luxury; there are other places if you seek pure luxury. The rooms are simple and, well, created in the nineties, but the views, soul, quirkiness, and sheer divinity of the location more than make up for that. Atlantic Bay Rest will intoxicate you with nature. Sláinte.
Do you really want to get away from it all? May we suggest treating yourself to a few days at Atlantic Bay Rest. If you love nature and/or adventure, this is an experience you won’t soon forget. We bet you’ll be gazing at the magic of the sea for days. We found complete relaxation here. Truly a top spot.
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