Wednesday 21st June 2017

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Last night we had torrential rain and thunderstorm so as we left at 9am it was not too bright but the weather forecast was promising better. We set off on the coach for the Ring of Kerry. Lots of roadworks on the way but we went through lovely scenery. We stopped at a viewpoint to look at the Rossbeigh peninsula but the clouds were already descending. We went over the mountains up in the clouds so couldn't see anything. Half way round we stopped at Waterville for coffee. We wandered the village by the sea but it looked even greyer. The only highlight was a statue of Charlie Chaplin with an old man dressed as a leprechaun singing and playing the accordion wearing a green hat (the man not the accordion). The singing was out of tune.

Back on the bus the driver was reduced to telling us what we could normally have seen but as we headed for the clouds we opted out of the photo stops. We descended out of the fog to call at O'Connells Cove for lunch. It was right on the beach and fortunately the clouds lightened while we were eating. Well fed we ambled on to the beach and some of us had a paddle. the water was not too bad but no time for a swim.

Back on the coach we continued the tour and saw the lakes of Killarney and the mountains were clearer the other side. Very scenic area especially if the sun was out. Back at the site we left to fetch provisions from the town.

Out in the town we could see the mountains we had been in during the day and they are now much clearer, it's just the luck of the draw whether you go at a good time!

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Photos

Charlie Chaplin
Apparently he used to holiday in Waterville and his daughter eventually lived there

O'Connells Cove
First paddler

Group paddle
Out of 41 we were the only ones brave enough to try it!

O'Connells Cove
Sites here are 2500 euros per year and there is a waiting list.

Killarney Lakes
part of the Killarney National Park