Day 10 - Pics

Day 10 - Killarney National Park

Surprisingly awesome day!  Not because I didn't expect to like Killarney - it's just that I didn't think I'd really get to see any of it. The weather forecast was dire, but it turned out to be one of the nicest days I've had. Of course, it did rain a few times, but not for long. I was enjoying the view of one of the lakes when I turned my head and saw a wall of rain coming over the mountain. I wasn't too far from the car, but I wasn't all that close either. I walk/jogged toward the parking lot, but was still in the woods when the rain hit. Luckily, I happened upon a jaunting car (horse and buggy) at that moment and the nice driver let me sit up front with him.  The people who had paid for the ride ended up being parked next to me so I got a ride all the way back!  I tried to give the guy 5 euros, but he absolutely refused, while waiting for the German couple to cough up the agreed-upon rate. Lovely!  Next, I had lunch at Kate Kearney's Cottage - how could I not?  It's right near the trail to Dunloe Gap so I set off for the viewing point after lunch. Knowing how the rain sneaks up on you, I examined the area throughout my hike for trees and stuff that might provide some shelter. I picked out a bunch of good spots along the way, but there wasn't much left by the time I got to the viewing point. Of course, that's when I saw the wall of rain headed my way again. This is also the same moment that I realized I left my umbrella in the car. Doh!  I fast-walked back towards where I saw some sheltery places with hopes of finding something better than I was originally looking for because now I was umbrella-less. Again, I was saved!  I found a little cave (for wont of a better term for it) and crawled in, keeping my bag behind me. I wouldn't really have minded getting wet, but I wanted to protect my camera and phone. It was perfect!  And quite lovely to be curled up in there watching the rain fall in the pond across the road. I love vacation!  After that, I drove to Kenmare and saw a festive, but poorly executed "Ball Race" fundraiser. Great day!  Here's my shelter....

Day 9 - Pics

Day 9 - Galway to Killarney

Mostly driving and wandering around town today. I didn't stop along the way, but I got some drive-by photos in adorable Adare. Killarney is cute too. It's mostly the flags over the street that make it cute but there are a few good buildings too. I saw a huge line at the funeral parlor across the street from the Cathedral. It went down the street and around the block. I wonder if the bishop died.

There's an International Bikefest in town and it's a bank holiday weekend so my off-season traveling mojo has been destroyed. Lots of traffic and noisy bikes. Yuck. I wish I had known - there were so many other places I could have gone. And it's supposed to be "a total washout" this weekend according to the lady at the front desk. I hope she's wrong and I get to enjoy the national park (additional hope: sans motorcycles) tomorrow!  I had a delicious dessert tonight thanks to the early bird special I was able to enjoy because I didn't get breakfast or lunch today. Apple and berry crumble - yum!

Day 8 - Donegal to Galway

Another lovely drive with a stop for a short hike to a pretty waterfall. I explored Galway this evening. Pretty tired....in a good way. Killarney tomorrow!

Day 7 - pics

Still loving the panoramas!

Day 7 - Slieve League

Allegedly the highest cliffs in Europe. They did seem high. On and off rain all day, but, miraculously, the rain stopped about 30 seconds after I got to the car park, the sun came out as I reached the top, and it started to rain again as soon as I got back to the car. According to a sampling of reviews on the interwebs, the beautiful weather I had for the climb is exceedingly rare. Mom would say it was the Holy Spirit. :) Whatever it was, I'm very grateful!  It was crazy windy and very steep, but well worth the effort. I really have no business getting up all these hills, mountains, and hotel stairs as well as I have given the amount of excercise I normally get (walk to car/bus, sit all day, walk back to car/bus, sit on couch, sleep). I need breaks, but I'm doing a lot better than some folks. Worse than others, of course. Those Germans are climbers!  I passed (going the other way - duh) one guy running up the mountain. Sheesh!  I also wandered about Donegal again and walked a few scenic beaches. Whenever the wind gets to be a bit much - like when I almost lost my iPhone over the cliff or when my ears start to hurt - I think abou the hot weather back home and smile. This is much more my style!

Spotted this little guy on the way back from Slieve League. Can I keep him??

Day 6 - Tour pics

No cameras allowed inside of Bushmills, but pics were encouraged at Balleek. I really thought of Balleek as a time-eater and potential nice souvenir venue, but I really enjoyed the tour. The work they do there is amazing!  People have to be apprentices in a department for 2-5 years (depending on the dept) before they're fully qualified!  They make some really nice stuff...and some super expensive stuff.