The first sighting of the Dingle Peninsula from the N86 is an unforgettable vista. Driving from Tralee the low lying road between a canal and river forms a causeway running towards this iconic view. A seven bay stone bridge spans the River Lee at its estuary, the Slieve Mish mountains rise up from the water stretching westwards along the Dingle Peninsulas north shore and the horizon opens wide with promise. Before this dramatic backdrop of ocean, sky and mountain, on the south bank of the River Lee stands the crisp white outline of a windmill surrounded by a cluster of buildings. Welcome to the scenic and historic village of Blennerville, gateway to the Dingle Peninsula.
Blennerville was once the main trading port for nearby Tralee and the village has fine examples of late eighteenth and early nineteenth century architecture. Following the opening of the Canal to Tralee in 1846 trade at Blennerville port went into serious decline. The remains of Blennerville quay which can still be seen west of Blennerville bridge became the embarkation point for thousands of people who left the country during and after the famine.
Nowadays Blennerville welcomes visitors from all over the world as they travel on to the Dingle Peninsula. Blennerville Visitor Centre introduces the visitor to a working windmill, an exhibition gallery, craft shop and restaurant. The famous walking trail, the Dingle Way begins in Blennerville and runs along the coast before crossing the central spine of mountains, dropping downhill and meandering west towards the port of Dingle.