Coastal tales from Kerry

On a glorious, sunny day recently in the Dingle Peninsula, I met two young German men who were admiring the view from Ceann Sibeal (Sybil Head). They didn’t know they were standing at the location of a Star Wars movie set, earlier in the summer.

On telling them, they expressed amazement for a few minutes before returning to the purpose of their visit — to view the scenery and Blasket islands. Publicity from Star Wars may be drawing extra tourists to the coastal areas of the south-west, but the natural beauty of these areas will always attract people in its own right. Even if they know nothing about the area’s cinematic history, they’ll come to take in the rugged grandeur.

On the day, ferries to the now uninhabited Great Blasket seemed to be doing a lively trade. Yet, for decades, pier facilities have been inadequate on the island and on the mainland at Dunquin. An inflatable craft is used to get people on and off the ferries.