Hello Family & Friends
Days 4-10: Killarney
The tour around Killarney National Park to see the famous sites there was the highlight of this week! So many things to see and appreciate! The beauty here is hard to describe and photographs certainly don’t do it justice.
The hop on hop off bus tour took me to several sites including Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, and Muckross Abbey.
Ross Castle
Ross Castle: The guide said this is actually not a castle, but a “tower house” with the structure reflecting a protective purpose. Apparently there are approximately 350 of these tower houses in Ireland.
Lough Leane
Ross Castle is situated beside one of the three lakes in Killarney National Park. The lake directly beside Ross Castle in Killarney is Lough Leane (Irish: Loch Léin), also known as the Lower Lake. It is the largest of the three Lakes of Killarney and is situated within Killarney National Park, serving as a primary departure point for boat tours.
Torc Waterfall
Path to the waterfall
Torc Mountain Ascent
These steps lead to Torc Mountain, a steep ascent which I did NOT choose to follow. Thankfully there is another approach to the mountain that Robbie and I may try while we are here.
This path, which includes hundreds of steps, often called “Cardiac Hill,” is located just left of the waterfall, and leads up towards the slopes of Torc Mountain.
Muckross House
Muckross House & Garden
Muckross House Interior
Muckross House Interior
Muckross House Interior
Muckross House interior, so many photos, too many to post here.
Muckross Abbey – of all the places I visited on this tour, this was my favorite.
Muckross Abbey is a roofless 15th century Franciscan friary founded in 1448 for Observantine Franciscans. It features a remarkably preserved two-story cloister centered around a massive, ancient yew tree.
Muckross Abbey
Muckross Abbey Cemetery
There are cemeteries beside all of the churches, cathedrals, and abbey’s here. The traditional headstones are Celtic crosses, most are quite old.
Muckross Abbey Interior
Muckross Abbey Interior
There was something strangely compelling about this place. Despite the freezing rain, I didn’t want to leave.
Muckross Abbey Grounds
I look forward to sharing this site with Robbie, who will be joining me soon at our first Airbnb in a small town outside of Killarney. No more hostel living!
It has been a good experience, but I am ready for some privacy and definitely some company from family.
See you next time!
Anne