Exploring Killarney, Tralee and beyond on the Dingle Peninsula, we were surrounded by Ireland’s sheep-filled hillsides. It seemed only fitting to follow the wool trail — shopping for beautiful Irish yarn, seeing where it’s made and finally getting back to the source: the sheep themselves and the amazing dogs who herd them.
Our first stop was the Kerry Woollen Mills near Killarney. I never tire of stopping here — beautiful Irish woolens, a bit of history and always something new that catches my eye.
There was definitely a purple theme going on at the mill! An employee hurried through with an armful of purple yarn, looking like he was on a mission. Not to be outdone, Arne got his purple on too, sporting a snappy little purple bow tie.
The drive from Killarney to Tralee was a beautiful journey through rolling green hills, charming villages and classic County Kerry scenery.
Tralee is a charming town filled with shops, pubs and restaurants — and made a great stop on our hunt for Irish wool.
While in Tralee, we stopped at Maria’s Wool Shop, a cozy little treasure filled with beautiful Irish woolens. Sweaters, scarves, hats and plenty of gorgeous colors made it hard to simply browse and walk away empty-handed. Another fun stop on our woolly wander through County Kerry!
After perusing the shops, we stopped at Kirby’s Brogue Inn, a longtime Tralee landmark on Rock Street known for hearty Irish food, generous portions and warm hospitality.
Tralee is the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula, where the road leads to some of Ireland’s wildest and most beautiful scenery.
The town of Dingle is where we went for a sheepdog demonstration. The farmer and his dog worked as one — a remarkable team and fascinating to watch in action.
What a beautiful view of Dingle Bay from the sheepdog demonstration! As the farmer and dog guided the flock across the hillside, it was hard not to wonder whether the sheep realize what an incredible pasture they have — green fields, fresh air, and one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal views.
Part of our tour to the Sheepdog demonstration included a look into the Beehive Hut Archaeological Excavation of 2025. It offered an insight into Ireland’s ancient past.
The Famine Cottages offered a glimpse into life on the Dingle Peninsula during the Great Famine of the 1840s. These traditional stone cottages reveal how local families lived, worked and endured through one of the most difficult periods in Irish history.
Beehive huts were built using carefully stacked stones without mortar. Their corbelled roofs create the distinctive beehive shape and have allowed many of them to survive for centuries.
We made a stop at Dick Mack’s, a well-known pub and whiskey bar known for its cozy atmosphere, historic character and traditional Irish charm. Once a leather goods store and pub, Dick Mack’s has retained its historic character while becoming a favorite destination for whiskey lovers.
In front of Dick Mack’s was a “walk of fame” featuring stones engraved with the names of celebrities, including Dolly Parton.
We enjoyed a serving of the whiskey of the day, savoring its distinctive flavor in the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Back in Waterville, my favorite choir boy Arne and I ended the day at O’Dwyer’s Pub where local musicians gather every Tuesday at 9pm to play, sing and simply enjoy making music together.
No big production — just a good old-fashioned Irish pub session and a great way to end the day.
