Travelled:93km from Killarney to Cahersiveen, Ring Of Kerry/Wild Atlantic Way
Stay: Cahersiveen Harbour N51.9483 W10.2294
As it was early and a Sunday we had no problems finding a parking spot in Killarney. The town is officially the start and finish of the Ring of Kerry (200km scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula). Since Queen Victoria’s visit in 1861 it has become a popular tourist destination. The town has a railway station and many pubs, luxury hotels, golf courses and plenty of outdoor activities around the lakes and the National Park. Our visit was to be low key with a stroll around the nearly deserted town as most shops were closed.
Might need this after the donut...
We managed to find a cafe for breakfast and then couldn’t resist a donut.
We followed a walking route and popped in to the lovely St.Mary’s church.
We had a chat with the vicar, who explained the he ingeniously created a ‘Bus’ service at 9:30am for those who took the 10:30 tour of the Ring Of Kerry.
Further on we had a look at the Franciscan Friary.
We eventually made it to the beautiful St.Mary’s cathedral built in 1855.
We then ventured into the Killarney National Park that borders the town and the lake.
It was a 2km walk to Ross Castle or you could go by horse and cart.
Unfortunately the rain came again so we detoured to Killarney House and Garden only to take a quick exist back to Bluey to dry off.
As the weather was not conducive to more outdoor pursuits ie waterfalls, Muckross gardens, boat trips, walking the Gap Dunloe, we pointed Bluey back to the coast along the Wild Atlantic Way and began the Ring of Kerry. Along the way we stopped at the very windy Rossbeigh 3km Beach, with lovely views of the Dingle Peninsula.
We arrived in Cahersiveen in time for lunch and enjoyed a delicious Sunday roast at the Hungry Monk cafe.
The town has the only Catholic church in Ireland named after a lay person, Daniel O’Connell. He was born here and was a 19th Century politician and campaigner for Catholic Emancipation. He also gained the right for Catholics to sit in Westminster Parliament (having been denied for over 100 years).
Buried in the church grounds is the Monseigner known as the Vatican’s Scarlet Pimpernel, Hugh O’Flaherty. During WWII he was responsible for saving 6,500 allied soldiers and Jews. After a brief visit in the impressive looking Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks we headed out of town.
We went for a walk to Cahergal ring stone fort.
Close by was also Leacanabuaile fort.
From here we could also see views of the remains of Ballycarbery Castle.
We then had a walk at Cuas Crom Pier, enjoying some lovely cliff views.
After a cuppa we made our way back to Cahersiveen harbour and decided to stop there for the night.
As we were still full from lunch we popped into a pub for a pint, unfortunately there was no live music tonight.
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