Blogs from Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, Europe - page 7

Geo: 52.0579, -9.50747We passed through Castlecove that had old cottages from the era of the Potato Famine. However, you would never now that they were cottages. Almost all of the 5-6 cottages that we saw were completely covered with plants. One still retained that shape of a cottage, while most of the others had fallen apart and were now large mounds of plants with stonework sticking up through the plants. We passed some sheep dogs herding some sheep back to the barn. I hope we still get to do the optional sheepdog demonstration. Overall the drive wasn't bad; the weather could have been better. I thought the drive would be about 3-4 hours. It took us just about 6-7 hours! We made it back into the city about 3:30. We were dropped off to take our ... read more

Geo: 52.0579, -9.50747Adare to Killarney, County Kerry, Republic of IrelandWe entered County Kerry about 2:45 and stopped for a group photo on the outskirts of CastleIsland about 3:00. It was a very nice viewing area. 15 minutes later we made a stop that I can best describe as an obvious scam. We stopped in the town of Fossa (suburb of Killarney) at a place called Macken of Ireland. Dylan mentioned that if you wanted to buy something special for yourself or someone else this would be the place to do it. I must say after looking at the prices on the tags, I must really really, really, really love myself or that special someone! € 480 ($720) for a Cashmere sweater, a simple scarf was € 24 ($36), and a bracelet that a woman on our ... read more

Wow! None of us can believe that the tour is almost over! It has gone way too fast but we have had a load of laughs and even more brews! Southwick's, Guiness, of course, Murphy's, Harp's and good old Irish coffee. We fear that starting the day w/ a cup of that could be a bad thing!!! Today started with a with a leisurely jaunting car ride through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane, the largest of Killarney's famous lakes. Then on to the Ring of Kerry drive where every bend in 100 miles of road reveals breathtaking views of mountains and Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, shortly after the ride began, it also began to, well, what we have begun to call "liquid sun". After returning to the hotel, we then ... read more

Horseback riding on Budweiser :) in Killarney!... read more

On Wednesday our group (6 day tour) split with the 3 day tour group leaving us with about 14 people which I found to be a much better number. In the morning we went on a horse and cart ride through Killarney and to Ross Castle. We had a chance to go for a walk around the castle and get a few photos. On the way back I got to ride up front in the horse and cart. I was having a chat with the man 'driving' the horse and cart and he ended up giving the reins over to me and I got to 'steer' for half the way back. It was pretty good fun! The rest of the day was spent driving around the Ring of Kerry. We drove in a big ring (hence ... read more