Ring of Kerry

Last night’s Celtic Celebration was excellent. Amazing Irish dancers, fiddle, accordion, Irish drum (bodhran), guitar and piano. Unfortunately, no photos allowed….but my new best friend Jean took non flash photos. Maybe she’ll pass them on later. 

Time for a snack and Evelyn needs a coffee. Found one in the touristy part of town where there is an Irish store on every corner. And she says it is good coffee too. 

Dinner a take out of bagels with cream cheese,

Smoked salmon and avocado! Delicious. 

Packed our bags for tomorrow’s adventure, Ring of Kerry. 

Breakfast first. New spot, different food items…maybe not up to last place….

Lots to see on the road. First stop we got to watch sheep dog training. It was excellent! Such smart and talented dogs!

On to a place to take photos. This was a police station now an Escape Room…. 

More stops along the Ring of Kerry.

Looking down from really windy hill tops but beautiful sites.

And some signs and art pieces.

Time for lunch in Sneem! 

Can never have too much ice cream! And on to more sites..

Last stop to a more temperate forest and a waterfall.

And Rhododendrons growing everywhere. On the bus for home with one stop at Muckross House. 

But… if we want to walk the last bit back to Killarney, it is only 5k.

Ok…..

There were 8 of us walking. I walked with Laurie and she moved! We left the other 6 behind.  But it was 7k and took us 1 hour and 17 minutes. I was hot and tired but felt great.

Tomorrow- Galway 

Heading to Killarney

Breakfast and off by our own bus to Killarney.

First stop for bathroom break and snacks. Every bus going this way stop there! 

As we arrive at the Rock of Cashel, the sun comes out! 

“The Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.”

And we tried to capture it all! It was quite impressive.

The cost to enter was 4.5€. But as we entered the machine was down and we got in for free! 

Lovely flute accompanied us to the  buildings.

The green fields below make it even more majestic.

As we returned to the bus, it started to rain. Irish ☘️ luck! 

On to Killarney to the Abbey Lodge. Lovely spot and it has a bathtub!!!

Now a walkabout town, to get coffee, stamps, ice cream and bagels for dinner. But first a walk through the Killarney park. 

Peaceful and still no rain.

Tonight I’m off to watch a Celtic Celebration. Details tomorrow 

[Autosaved] Howth, Trinity College and the Book of Kells

We toned down our breakfast haul today. Felt much better for it.

Now we are off for a walk to the bus and then to Howth, a seaside town popular with tourists.  But first our leader, John or JP, tells stories along the way. 

Not only were there troubles in the north but this lists those killed right here in Dublin in 1974 from an exploding bomb. 

And check out the telephone poles, showing the coat of arms of Dublin. Meaning  “ The obedience of the citizens produces a happy city".

We are on the bus with so many people, the bus stopped picking up anymore.

This is where we are heading and the weather is perfect! 

An easy pathway back down to town. Lots of gorse and it looks beautiful. 

Now to find a train station….and we did.

Yellow Bunny always helps with finding our way and she likes unusual signs that get our attention. 

Once back to our hotel we grabbed some food and drink. And off to the Book of Kells and Trinity College Library. 

Much less busy in the evening. We started first with Book of Kells, illuminated manuscript containing the four Latin Gospels, renowned for its intricate Insular style art. Likely created by Columban monks of the 800 AD.

There were even cats and mice depicted! 

Next the Library! Even with most of the books removed, it was amazing! 

You can see why the books needed repair. 

And Shakespeare among about 30 other famous people watching over the books. 

From there we continued to a digital format. We were unsure but presently surprised how fascinating it was to watch how books could have their images fly off the pages.

And Shakespeare spoke, moving his eyes and lips! 

We ended with a digital view of the library and how things will be better once repaired. 

You know……you have to be there to appreciate the show. 

We are packing up for an early morning ride to Killarney!