King of the Ring

Today was our big day, touring the famous Ring of Kerry. Our tour guide was John O'Neill, self-described king of the ring. He was a great storyteller, had us in stitches during the first part of the trip. Stop one was a bog museum, with the turf cutter's cottage below. Also a pair of massive Irish wolfhounds. I felt sorry for them, standing around in a pen for people to stare at.

Then we got to see a sheep herding demonstration with two very smart collies.

Lovely view across from the sheep farm:

Lots of lovely views from the bus, which I enjoyed being a passenger on.

We stopped at the Scarriff Inn for lunch  in Caherdaniel and had both an amazing lunch and spectacular views, including this of Derrynane. I took all photos on my phone, which I don't think is as good as my camera, which I forgot to charge before the trip.

Slightly different angle.

Above are three islands called bull, cow and calf. Below is me being artsy.

Me being artsy again:

Just two Irish lasses enjoying the craic. Below, O'Carroll's Cove.

Tavern in Sneem, one of many cute towns we drove through.

Above is near the Gap of Dunloe. I want to come back and hike here, as well as do some climbing in the Magillycuddy Reeks. Just before this area we stopped at an Avoca shop, where mom watched some weaving. After we got back to town, we walked a few blocks to Killarney House and gardens, pictured below. We had dinner at the pub next to the hotel then went for a lovely swim in the spa pool.

August 23