Killarney and Kenmare

Today, we are in the heart of tourist land in western Ireland, Killarney.  Most of the shops near our hotel have the typical tourist items.  Our guide took some of our group out to another mall, but Lydia and I stayed near the hotel.  

We started our day with a lovely jaunting car through the beautiful Killarney National Park.  Our driver and horse, Ginger gave us a close up view of peaceful parklands.  This was a 25,000 acre estate once owned by a very wealthy man whose only child is a nun in a convent on Long Island.

The park is such a contrast to the city of Killarney that it is easy to forget where you are.  We see deer as well as various trees and plant life.  The morning is cool and crisp and we hate to see the ride come to an end.  We take time on our way out of town to visit Muckross House and Gardens.  The gardens were all we toured, but they were beautiful.  Flowers are running about 2-3 weeks behind here because of cooler weather, so we are treated to some blooms that usually are gone by this time.

Soon, we embark on a short ride down to Kenmare, the jewel of the next peninsula.  We have a wee bit of time to shop and then on to a pub for lunch.  Joyce headed for the lace museum. Today it was lamb stew.  

Muckross House and Gardens

  Bob with the mountain range in the background.i

The ride back to Killarney shows us some spectacular scenery, looking much like home.  This is Ireland's highest mountain range, Mac Gilly Cuddy's Reek (range).  The peak stands at 3,614 feet--barely 100 feet higher than where we love in Maggie Valley.

Our jaunting car driver and horse, Ginger