Ring of Kerry

We heard first thing this morning that Sue Whiteley died earlier today. This cast a pall over our day, especially as we will not be able to return for her funeral.

It was pretty grey and overcast this morning, with a good wind blowing. Our host at Rivers Edge Guest House mentioned that it was “a bit blustery” which was the understatement of the day.

The Ring of Kerry is a great drive around many of the best features of Southern Ireland, and is approximately 180kms in length. On any day there are around 60 buses doing their version of this. I say “their” version, because there is no way a bus can get to some of the more out of the way places along the way.

Rather than try to fit everything in we just ambled along, stopping when we were intrigued by something. We were disappointed that the ferry to Valencia Island had stopped for the season, so we had to take the long way around to get to Knightstown. The wind along the edge of the water was just howling and was so strong that Robyn wouldn’t walk out along the jetty. Perhaps she thought she would be blown away!

We took the long road around from Portmagee to Waterville, travelling on very narrow coastal roads. We saw a disused slate mine, an Abbey that had been the replacement for Skillag Michael but was now in disrepair, a number of castles of which there were only remnants, and some beautiful scenery.

By the time we arrived in Sneem it was getting late so we had a coffee and then headed on a true back road up through Glencar to Killorglin. Honestly, in my work I travel along backroads regularly, but the one over the mountain pass from Glencar to Killorglin makes them look normal. The sheep, on the unfenced road, were more like mountain goats, and the road was almost impassable for two vehicles with trailers!

Dinner was at the same pub - different food but the same happy, smiling and friendly staff.Read more