Country Ireland Irish Grid Reference Q320008 Population 176 (2011) | County County Kerry Local time Wednesday 3:47 AM Province Munster | |
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Weather 9°C, Wind W at 8 km/h, 92% Humidity | ||
Dún Chaoin (pronounced [d̪ˠuːn̪ˠ xiːnʲ], anglicized as Dunquin), meaning "Caon's stronghold", is a Gaeltacht village in west County Kerry, Ireland. Dunquin lies at the Western tip of the Dingle Peninsula, overlooking the Blasket Islands. At 10°27'16"W, it is the most westerly settlement of Ireland. Nearby Dunmore Head is the most westerly point of mainland Ireland.
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Map of Dunquin, Co. Kerry, Ireland
There is dramatic cliff scenery, with a view of the Blasket Islands, where Peig Sayers lived. A museum in the village tells the story of the Blaskets and the lives of the people who lived there including the well-known writers of the island, which includes Sayers, Tomás Ó Criomhthain, and Muiris Ó Súilleabháin. In 1588, when the Spanish Armada returned via Ireland many ships sought shelter in the Blasket Sound — the area between Dún Chaoin and the Islands — and some were wrecked there. A memorial stands on the cliffs overlooking the site.
Scenes from the 1970 film Ryan's Daughter were shot at Coumineole Beach and Ceathrú (Caharhoo) in Dún Chaoin. The town's then-struggling economy was largely revived by the production of the film.
It was in Kruger's bar in Dunquin that CAMRA was founded in 1971.
People
Dún Chaoin is famous as the place of birth of the Irish language author and seanchaí, Peig Sayers It is also known for the famous Powell Man who resides in the town centre, knocking back 30 pints a day in various bars and restaurants, the local legend has been the prime cause of the notorious pub boom in the town.