Castlegregory, named after a castle built by Gregory Hoare in the 16th century,
is located on the Northern side of the Dingle Peninsula dividing the bays of Tralee
and Dingle. Located to the north of the village lies the Maharees Peninsula made
famous for its sandy beaches and clean water. Off the Peninsula lies a group of
seven Islands simply know as "The Maharee Islands".
Castlegregory, the capital of Lettragh, whose population is now a quarter of
what it was before the Famine, remains the only place in the area which resembles
a real village. Thus Castlegregory, The Maharees and the surrounding areas guarantee
the visitor a peaceful and relaxing holiday. However there are a wide range of
activities available in the Castlegregory/ Maharees area including Fishing, Golf
(Castlegregory Golf Club is situated a few miles outside Castlegregory) and horseriding
all of which can be booked through the Castlegregory Visitor Centre.
However the most popular activity that the area has to offer is diving. This
is available at "Waterworld" dive centre. Open all year around, much of the diving
is operated around the Maharee Peninsula although twice a week trips are taken
to "An Tearagh" – the most westerly of the Blasket Islands - to explore the underwater
beauty of the area. The centre caters for beginners and experienced, and there
are also regular trips out to the Brandon Cliff face where some wonderful dives
are experienced.
Although the castle from which Castlegregory derived its name is no longer
there, there is plenty to see in the area. There are a large number of Early Christian
remains such as the Kilshannig Cross out in the Maharees, however the area is
probably best known for its beautiful walks and countless lakes. South of Castlegregory
is one of the most beautiful places on the Peninsula – Glentassig. With its forested
area and lakes it provides idyllic walking and fishing. Another famous walk in
the area is the highest mountain pass in Ireland – the Connor pass which divides
Mount Brandon and the Stradbally mountain, from which one can view some spectacular
scenery.
Castlegregory really comes alive during the summer months particularly during
the month of July when there is always a huge influx of tourists for the annual
summer festival and also for the Curragh racing (pronounced 'Currock').