Killarney, Ireland

We woke up, had 1/2 traditional Irish Breakfast. (we skipped the black pudding and veggies) and were on our way. Heading to the Blarney Castle. Kissing the Blarney Stone was not high on my list so when it was raining and the kissing the stone line was a 2 hour wait that helped me make my decision. I was just fine with pictures of the castle and walking through the gardens with an umbrella in one hand and a cappuccino in the other.

From there we headed to Killarney. Went to the National Park and took a jaunting car ride (horse carriage) through the park stopping at the Torc waterfall, Ross Castle, Muckross Abby and Muckross House and Gardens. It was very relaxing and saved us from walking a ton. Our guide had a very heavy Irish accent and we hardly understood a word he said. The 19th century House had a huge sprawling front lawn. We sat for awhile near the garden for an afternoon tea and strolled through the rock garden. The Abby was built in 1448. It has a Yew tree planted in the middle when it was built and still alive. They are continuing to use the graveyard for burials.

We drove to Cork and toured the Cork City Gaol. This prison was built in 1800 and housed both men and women. It was interesting to hear the stories of some of the prisoners. The youngest being 8 years old.

After a long day, we drove to our B&B and was ready for a relaxing evening. I messaged my friend Sally (lives in Dubai, but from Ireland) I let her know we toured the National Park and how beautiful it was. She asked what we thought of the Gap Of Dunloe. I completely forgot that was on our list. It was 6pm and not sure how far away it was. We talked to our B&B Hostess and she said it would be too late for a carriage ride and they usually only allow local traffic, but we could walk it. So much for a relaxing evening. We drove to Kate Kearney's Cottage, parked and started our walk. We walked along a beautiful single narrow lane in the gap of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks Mountains. We could see why they do not allow tourist on this road. They have very few turn off spots so if there is traffic from both ways, you have to back up. After walking a couple km in and back out we ate at Kate's and listened to some traditional Irish music. After dinner as we were heading out of the parking lot and instead of turning towards our B&B, we turned towards the Gap and drove through most of it. It was a slow crazy drive and we only encountered a few cars. It was beautiful and we wish we could have driven through the whole way, but it was getting late and we didn't want to get stuck in the dark on this road.