Well…to be fair…a day and four less hours of driving! Our first full day in Killarney was outstanding. We’re speaking again, and Cathy (our AirBnB host) suggested a series of things to do in the area that would meet our “Killarney Quota” without causing marital war.
She suggested we start in Killarney National Park at the Torc Waterfall.
Stunning. If we stopped there….we didn’t. We climbed to the top of Torc Mountain. I was huffing, puffing and sweating like a farm animal. Oh, and I forgot to mention that the “Adventure Race” participants were sprinting up the mountain exhibiting far less exertion than I. Mortifying. Not to mention they had kayaked, biked and run like 200 miles.
After that Olympic Trial, we took a break and stopped at Ladies View. Named by the first Queen Elizabeth, who had sent an exhibition ahead to find the best view within the Ring of Kerry. This was it. And it was exquisite.
Next we stopped at the Muckross House…just another stunning Manor House with gardens, farms and an Abbey. Very opulent, but all the offerings at Killarney National Park (except for guided tours) are free (compliments of the taxpayers.) Uh..hellllloooo New Jersey. Beach tags…really?
We made a couple of other stops, but the point to be made is that the Ring of Kerry is one of the most tranquil and impressive places on earth. We have experience exceedingly cooperative weather (which we understand is completely out of character) and have witnessed the majesty of Mother Nature at her Gaelic finest.
We’ve witnessed the beginning of new memories.
And we’ve calmed down and realized that sometimes all you need is a good scratch!
Tomorrow onto Galway.
WeilStyle 