It's a Beautiful Day

I have got 10 days, 9 nights to travel as much of Ireland as I can. Dave has kindly let me borrow his car, an Opel Astra Electra called 'Carmen'. The plan is to try and see as many places, walk as many national parks, drink as many different local drinks, eat as many Irish stews and also include Northern Ireland!! That's a challenge and a half I hear you say... Bring it on!!!

So the road trip begins;

Day 1- I set out from Dublin following the detailed map Ro had drawn me to get out of the city (you know what city roads can be like!!) It didn't take me long to get used to the car and before I knew it I was at Port Laoise where I met Turlough, whom I'd met on Magnetic Island in Oz. After a quick drink and a chat I continued on my journey making my next stop at the Rock of Cashel which is a 12th century chapel. After a guided tour I headed off to my first night stop to County Cork. I stayed in a hostel near the city and my backpacker memories came flooding back to me. Although, this time I have a car for my entire journey so I do feel like I'm cheating it a little but then it definitely has its perks such as; being able to stop where and when you like, and not having to worrying about carrying a heavy backpack!!

Day 2- I set out early and went to kiss the Blarney stone which apparently gives you the gift of the gab for 7 years!! I've already got it god knows what will happen now??!!! I came across alot of Canadian and American tourists which were in their herds, I managed to see the main attractions without being trampled on. After having a quick bite to eat I then set out on my journey to Killarney (accidentally taking the longer route, ie small, windy country roads!) Along the way I was slightly nervous to see road signs of deer’s, meaning I have the danger of hitting an animal much larger than a kangaroo!! Eeek!!!

After checking into my hostel and sorting myself out I went to Killarney National Park and trekked through the wind and rain, and visited Muckross House and Abbey. Its basically a very grand estate that was once owned by the Guinness family and covers a vast area of beautiful lands, lakes and wildlife.

In the evening I thought I'd have a well deserved hot meal and a pint at the local pub which ended my day nicely!

Day 3- I walked and drove the Gap of Dunloe which is still considered part of Killarney National Park. I initially started walking it but after 30 mins one way, in what felt like acid rain, I decided to walk back to the car and save my face from further damage! Lol. I still wanted to see more of the Gap so I decided to give it a go in Carmen. It is actually not advisable to drive it but hey, when have I shied away from a challenge. Boy, it was difficult roads but I'm glad I did it. Would have definitely preferred to have walked it but weather conditions were against me..

I then drove to Dingle Peninsula, stopping off at Dingle town for some fish and chips. The weather decided to give me a break and showed a few sun rays. I then did the Slea Head coastal drive and Connors Pass upto Brandon Bay for my overnight stop. Being Easter Friday everything in this little village was shut and no one else in the hostel but me. I sat there by the log fire with my bowl of soup and a Cadburys creme egg trying to figure out how many ways I could eat it?!

Happy Easter everyone!! xx

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