Today’s drive was from Kenmare to Glengarriff across the Caha pass – unfortunately we were in the clouds and couldn’t see below!  Sheep, daubed with bright colors to provide recognition for their owners, are grazing everywhere.

Along the way we encountered a man and his border collie wandering down the middle of the road. We had to stop to avoid hitting him, and it turned into a long conversation with John (who lived down the road) with Ben (his dog)! You’ve got to love the Irish!

As we entered sea level in Lauragh the skies cleared! The drive along the coast line of Kenmare Bay was very much like the Maine coastline – granite, yellow seaweed, and little fishing harbors – beautiful! Lunch comprised a seafood platter and Guinness – of course!

Last time we were in Ireland we stayed in Killarney and loved the National Park. It seems that Killarney itself has grown and is definitely more crowded, but a charming town nonetheless. Kenmare is smaller, less crowded, and also very charming.

The road between Kenmare and Killarney takes us through the National Park through Moll’s Gap and other beautiful landscapes. Yesterday was an overcast day and the clouds hung low over the hilltops adding mystery, and the occasional ray of sunshine shone through the clouds like a spotlight in a valley. The ferns have turned rust and the grasses are a mix of gold and green.

We enjoyed a walk from Ross Castle through a lovely moss covered forest to Governor’s Rock and the site of an ancient copper mine (dating back 4000 years).

Our drive home took us on the most interesting drive so far and on the narrowest, one car-wide road through the Black Valley. It was so much fun – sheep wandering along the road, very little traffic, little pull-ins for when one had to pass an oncoming vehicle, and plenty of places to stop for photo opps!

We had dinner (with reservations) at The Mews in Kenmare – definitely recommendable!