Doonshean

Dún Síon otherwise known as Doonshean is a townland situated in the western County Kerry, Ireland. It is located about 3.8 km east from the neighbouring town Dingle.

The village gets its name from the Dún, translating to doon, and Síon which comes from the word síneadh meaning a stretch of land. The Doon is accessible by walking through the fields. There are many fairy forts in the fields which hold great significance,people used to reside there long ago; there is a great sacredness about these forts.

The population approximately 25 people. The main language in the village is English, although, historically, Irish was also used as a day to day language. The various families worked the land and still continue to do so till this day.

The renowned beach boasts tremendous views of the village Kinnard in the neighbouring parish of Lispole. The "Siorrach", meaning foal, is a sea stack which can be seen from the beach and is said to resemble a foal. The "Trá Bheag", meaning small beach, runs along the picturesque beach until it meets the sea. There are many small fishing boats moored on the stream in which the Dún Síon residents used to fish in the earlier times and where the women would enjoy picking cockles and mussels.

Notable people

The legendary commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was born in Dún Síon and is famous for writing the book From Dún Síon to Croke Park.