Tags
castle, Gap of Donloe, Irish music, lake, pub, Ring of Kerry, waterfall
We are sad to be leaving the beautiful Ring of Kerry today, not just because of the beauty of Killarney National Park, but also for the lively and friendly local people.
Yesterday we explored the Ring mostly within the Killarney National Park which has three lakes and surrounding mountains and woodlands.
We start with fifteenth century Ross Castle, a lovely boat trip around the tranquil Lough Leane, and on to the impressive Muckross House, which along with its 4000 hectare estate fronting onto Muckross Lake, was donated to the State in 1932 by the former owners to be Ireland’s first national park.
In the afternoon we head south continuing around the Ring of Kerry to Ladies View, named it is said after Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting who greatly admired the view there. We can certainly understand why as we gaze across the mountain terrain and lakes from the viewing point.
Back tracking we stop to see the Torc Waterfall which is surrounded by majestic trees and great walking paths.
Onwards we go back through Killarney and still on the Ring of Kerry to drive through the narrow winding roads amongst the wild terrain of the Gap of Dunloe which can also be explored by jaunting ride, in a horse drawn cart.
We have a drink at Kate Kearney’s pub, then back to dinner in Killarney.
Walking home we are drawn in by the music and chord singing and clapping along in the 98 pub, named after the 1798 Irish revolution and one of the town’s most historic pubs. It is a tiny but cosy pub, packed with Rebellion memorabilia.
However last night it was singer and guitarist Mick Kavanagh who had our attention playing old Irish songs, some of his own new compositions and some old favorites from around the world to please the crowd – locals and from all around Europe, Canada, the UK and ourselves representing Australia.