Ireland 4th Report County Kerry

I am writing from the coastal town of Kinsale just south of Cork in southern Ireland. We have spent the last 2 days exploring this charming, rugged, sometimes lush and relatively unspoilt region.

We started by travelling the popular Ring of Kerry trail with coastal views, ruined Abbeys and castles.   Arriving at the major town of Caherviseen saw us wander some stone circles. These are structures created prior to 400AD that sheltered both domestic animals and their human owners. The one we saw had been partially restored but crumbling remains of many more are dotted throughout Ireland.  We then diverted off the beaten trail to reach dramatic cliffs further south.  I even had a Poldark moment!!

The scenery was rugged, roads narrow and photo opportunities regular. There are advantages in travelling here in winter.  You have the sites to yourself, there is little road traffic and because the hedges and trees are bare of leaves you can actually see further. And we have been so lucky with the weather.   It has been overcast but not wet...except this morning when we will be high-tailing it back to Dublin.  Occasionally a drizzle laden mist would descend but each time that we wanted to wander or take photos, it was clear.  We have been surprised at the number of free-standing impressive homes in this region. Many of them.   It clashes with the perhaps misconception that the Irish economy is struggling or has struggled. Although I think the jury is still out on that one.

We were very late back to Killarney with Tony relieving Gary of the driving and spending the last 2 hrs driving in the dark.  A 6pm return saw us head to a bar and then friendly family-run restaurant for tea.

Next day saw us further south- east and more on the coast of pretty coves and wide, strong flowing rivers. There is absolutely no shortage of water here. And that cliched emerald green is alive and well. We stopped at Bantry for lunch in a far-too-cute pub and then more coves.   The towns have all maintained their original look and each one is worthy of a wander.  All still have their Christmas decorations up and this certainly adds to their appeal in the evenings.

We arrived in Kinsale at the respectable hour of 4pm.  Checked into our Main St Guesthouse and wandered around the estuary.   Found a bar on the hill and decided to have a drink with the locals, back down the hill, yummy local mussels for my dinner and then another walk for good measure. Lovely calm evening.  

Back to Dublin via Kilkenny today and an early rise on Tuesday as Tony and I fly to Malta.


We are not oblivious to the mess at home.   As soon as anyone realises that we are Australian they ask about the fires. Reports are constantly on the news.  Thanks friends for telling us about some rain that has fallen.   I have asked many locals to do rain dances for us because that is the only way out. Rain.

Here I am driving in Ireland!!

Near Caversheen

Partially reconstructed stone circle.

Cliffs of Kerry...with a Poldark scene in background.

The lane that lead to our Killarney apt.

SO DAMP.    Layers of moss and lichen dripping from trees. 

A road scene that I liked.

Lunch at Bantry

Loved the contrast of colours. 

He manages a bike-speak in every country that we visit. 

Cute spot in Kinsale.

Drinks at The Spaniard in Kinsale.