Hello Family & Friends
Okay, this is where it all started feeling real and kinda scary.
Days 4-10: Killarney
I was approximately 4,569 miles away from home, alone, cold, sick and lonely. Getting sick so far from home and being alone with a bunch of strangers was definitely a low point.
Living away from home in strange circumstances, among strange people with different smells, sounds, food, and customs forces you to adapt!
Despite all of this, I still kept marveling at the reality that I am actually here!
I. Am. In. Ireland.
After a few days in bed recovering from my soaking, and probably all the stress of actually getting here, I was able to do some exploring. My first stop was Killarney National Park, which was a short walk from my hostel. It lifted my spirits and helped me remember why I came here.
Ancient Trees
The River Walk at Killarney National Park
The River Walk
The River Walk
Jaunting Cart
A traditional “jaunting cart” takes tourists on a tour through the park. These horse drawn buggies are everywhere in Killarney.
St. Mary’s Church
A walking tour of the city takes you to many churches and a cathedral, as wells as shops and pubs. The restaurants and pubs are as prolific here as gas stations in the U.S.
This is Saint Mary’s Church, a short walk from my hostel.
St. Mary’s Church Interior
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Saint Mary’s Cathedral, also a short walk from my hostel. Everything in town is within walking distance.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Interior
St. Mary’s Cathedral Interior
St. Mary’s Cathedral
My first week in Killarney was devoted to seeing whatever was within walking distance, which included the town, the park trails, shops and churches.
Killarney National Park, located in County Kerry, is Ireland’s oldest and largest national park, spanning 25,000 acres of mountains, lakes, and forests, so there is a lot to see and enjoy.
My last day at the hostel I took a “hop on hop off” bus tour to the sites around the park including Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, and Muckross Abbey. The day was even worse weather wise than my first tour from Dublin. But this time I remembered by rain gear!
Despite the weather and getting drenched (again!) it was so worth it.
Pics of that adventure in my next post. 
Anne