Saturday July 19th, Ring of Kerry, Ireland

Very early Saturday morning we departed our third hotel in Dublin (Clyde Court) and dropped our roller board suitcases off at what will be hotel number four (O’Callaghan Alexander Hotel) when we return Sunday night.  We are off for a two-day weekend with Paddywagon Tours to explore the Ring of Kerry, overnight in Killarney and then the Dingle Peninsula on Sunday.  I am dividing this up into two posts, one for each day.

On board our bus and headed out-of-town by 6:30, and without much sleep the night before, I dozed off a little on the three-hour stretch moving West from Dublin.  The first portion was simply a driver getting us from point A to point B where we picked up our next driver/tour guide.

Most of the people on this bus were day trippers, and only eight had selected to make a two-day trip out of it.

Our morning stop on the way to Killarney was in Adare.  Cute town and I think it would be worth spending a couple of hours here.

“Renowned as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, Adare is designated as a Heritage Town by the Irish government.” ~ Wikipedia

Today was centered on seeing the Ring of Kerry.  Once we reached Killarney, we traveled counter-clockwise in a large circle, part of which passed through Killarney National Park.  You can click here to see our route.

The weather was not very cooperative today and most of the afternoon was raining.  That certainly puts a damper (pun intended) on everything including my mood and ability to take decent pictures.  I had to settle for taking more from inside the bus, while speeding down the road.

Here are some pictures from Saturday:

The village of Killorglin chooses a Goat King at the Puck Fair Festival every year.  This statue commemorates that event.  Here is a link that tells how this tradition got started.

Our soggy day came to an end in Killarney. Four of us were dropped off at a small budget B&B. It was not much, but the bed was comfortable, I slept well and the breakfast the next morning was good.

We finished our evening with a dinner across the street where I finally had some Irish stew. Lamb, carrots, onions, and roasted small potatoes all piled onto of a large pile of mashed potatoes then topped with some fresh herbs. Yep, potatoes on top of potatoes – this is Ireland after all…  Yummy!

Killarney is known for their pubs and nightlife, BUT, I was sound asleep by 7:30.

Gratitude Moment:  Today I am grateful for comfort food.  There is nothing quite as satisfying as a warm bowl of stew on a chilly rainy night.