Category Archives: Ireland

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Beara Peninsula drive (County Cork)

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!

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Killarney National Park

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!

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Ring of Kerry

What a glorious day! Breathtaking scenery with blue ocean water reflecting the clear, blue sky. The fields of emerald green with dots of white sheep grazing. The mountains a blend of mauve and rust – nature’s perfection!

We started out from Kenmare with our first little detour to Ballinskelligs to see the ruins of Skellig Michael, a ruin of a 6th century Monastery and McCarthy’s Castle – also in ruins. Our detour took us on roads very less travelled!

We stopped in Port Magee – a picturesque fishing village – for lunch at the Fisherman’s Bar where I had fabulous hake fish & chips! A big monkfish and scallop fishing area.

Otherwise – we just enjoyed the scenery and the twisting turning roads.

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Arrival and first impressions – Ireland

The flight was shorter than scheduled thanks to brisk westerly winds, but circling over the Irish Sea,  waiting on the tarmac, and then the interminable queue for immigration set us back a good couple of hours! Not to worry! the weather was beautiful and once we got past Dublin and into the countryside all was well!

Good morning Dublin!

Because we had a long drive to Kenmare (about 4.5 hours) and with our late start, we didn’t have time to make tourist stops along the way. We did make a stop in Cashel for a pub lunch and half a Guinness and a quick look at the Rock of Cashel. Would have liked to explore in depth, but …….

As usual we took the minor roads instead of the main roads which made the driving more fun! and the scenery was beautiful.

Our first and very quick view of Kenmare (where we are staying). LOVED the sheep market right down town on a Wednesday evening!

After a supermarket visit – we had all we needed for a light supper before much needed sleep (none on the plane the night before!)

local cheeses
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An evening in Dublin

Getting from the airport to our hotel (The Gibson) was an absolute cinch! The air link bus from the airport (€10 round trip) dropped us within 100 yards, and the tram that runs through the city stops outside the door at the last stop – The Point. A modern, and very comfortable hotel in the dock area.

We rode the tram in to Temple Bar area to find The Storehouse pub and restaurant – we weren’t disappointed! Great food, great Guinness, and terrific live music. The street entertainment was pretty darn good too! A fun evening!