Killarney is a town in County Kerry , southwestern Ireland. The town is on the northeastern shore of Lough Leane, which is part of Killarney National Park. It is a beautiful area with many attractions including The famous Ring of Kerry, a very scenic and popular driving route. We had driven the Ring of Beara instead, to avoid congestion and traffic. But we did end up on part of the Ring of Kerry and enjoyed stunning views. The town and area is home to many attractions and we didn't have time to see it all. We did walk by St. Mary's Cathedral, toured Ross Castle, Muckross House and Torc Waterfall. Due to its natural heritage, history and location on the Ring of Kerry, Killarney is a popular tourist destination and very busy.
Woodlands B and B was not as fancy as Maranatha House or some of the other B and B's we had stayed at. We had no complaints however. Patrick was helpful, breakfast was good and the location was excellent. One thing about our Irish experience; using Explore Ireland to book our accommodations and to provide a basic itinerary, gave us lots of variety.
After breakfast we went to Ross Castle for yet another tour using our heritage pass. We liked the guide here who described details of daily castle life in a very entertaining way. This castle is the typical home of an Irish Chieftain in the Middle Ages. There is a rich history of fortification in Ireland meaning a rich history of fighting. There are hundreds of tower ruins here. We were told that the roads are so windy because the Romans never arrived and paths between strongholds had no straight route. Those eventually became the roads.
We decided to go to Muckross House, a wonderful Victorian Mansion with beautiful grounds and gardens in the backdrop of Killarney National Park. What fun to rent a jaunting cab (horse and buggy) and be dropped off at the various sites while our "ride" waited for us!
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| Approaching Muckross House; no pictures allowed inside |
Once again the weather was wet and cool but I am starting to realize how could Ireland be anything but green with all this rain? No matter...I was loving the ride and the clop of the hooves and the strange words and sounds the driver spoke to the horse.
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| Torc Falls |
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| Lush forest |
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| We look photo-shopped! But it's real. |
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| Yew tree at the Abbey |
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| Ancient and beautiful |
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| We got a bargain! |
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After leaving our jaunting cab we were hungry and got lost on some very skinny roads but finally found Molly's right across from where we started! Wonderful food and atmosphere.
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| Loved the basket of fries! |
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| We dropped off our laundry and wandered around town finally settling for yet another pub. Needed to get out of the rain! |
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| New thatch |
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| Having spent some time in Killarney Park here in Ontario I really enjoyed being at it's namesake. |
We ate at Laurel's, a highly recommended pub with a crowd. We had heard there would be music but not tonight so we went to Danny Man's and listened for a while. It's great to be within walking distance of dinner and entertainment! Tomorrow we say goodbye to Killarney and move on toward Doolin.
Woodlands B and B was not as fancy as Maranatha House or some of the other B and B's we had stayed at. We had no complaints however. Patrick was helpful, breakfast was good and the location was excellent. One thing about our Irish experience; using Explore Ireland to book our accommodations and to provide a basic itinerary, gave us lots of variety. 
Once again the weather was wet and cool but I am starting to realize how could Ireland be anything but green with all this rain? No matter...I was loving the ride and the clop of the hooves and the strange words and sounds the driver spoke to the horse. 
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