It was so nice to wake up this morning and know that I didn't need to have my bag packed and outside the door of my room. As I mentioned in my last post, we are spending two days here at the Killarney Plaza.
There were two optional excursions; one a walking tour around some of the scenery of the (25,000 acre) national park here, or alternatively a 'jaunt' through the park - the latter being a horse-drawn jaunting 'car' (really a wooden wagon). I chose the jaunt. After all, who doesn't want to be in a horse-drawn carriage? And there is some free time later to do some walking in the park.
Our driver made sure we were comfortably seated, and even supplied blankets for those who might be cold. He was very knowledgeable and very funny as well. The national park is gorgeous, at least the parts of it we saw. And as I always say, take me out to the woods to make me happy.
After the ride (or walk) we all met at the coach to take a drive around the Ring of Kerry. The route is approximately 180 km (110 miles). The sort-of circular route, with its stunning views of mountains and the sea.
We stopped several places, a couple of just photo stops and the fishing town of Waterville, and also in the village of Sneem.
Photo stop
Waterville
Another photo stop
Sneem
And a final photo stop - with a cow that came to pose for us!
We arrived back at the hotel about 3:15. The next optional excursion was an exclusive Irish 'session' in the oldest pub in Killarney. A local musician told stories and played and sang music for us. I am including a very short video of him here; I hope this works!
I had a couple of hours free and went back to the national park to wander for a while, and then joined the group for a Farm-to-Table dinner at the family-run kitchen of Chef John Sheehan (and his wife Freda and one of his kids who was helping out for a while).
Tomorrow we leave for Cork, with a couple of memorable stops along the way.
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