Wednesday July 8

We bade farewell to Castletownbere, the Island View B&B, and Bruno the Labrador this morning.

Bruno is wondering whom he will get to play keepaway with now that a vanload of playmates is departing.  Poor Bruno!  We wish you many more compliant guests to join you in your fun and games.



Today was a more relaxed day as we headed off to County Kerry.  Our route took us over the breathtaking Healy Pass.  St. Patrick may have banished snakes from Ireland, but perhaps he petrified one last snake and left it lying across the boundary between County Cork and County Kerry.

The road over the pass was a public works project  in 1847 to bring relief during the great famine.  What an undertaking!

We stopped in Kenmare, a lovely little town at the eastern tip of Kenmare Bay, just above where the Beara Peninsula begins to jut out into the Atlantic.  From there, we motored through part of Killarney National Park and stopped at Muckross House and Gardens.  Deirdre and I decided not to tour the mansion, preferring to walk outside.  Fearless leader Christopher recommended that we see the ruins of the Muckross Abbey.  Good tip!  Ireland abounds with stunning ancient ruins such as this.  Since my camera battery ran out of juice, I took no photos, but you can check it out here: http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/Muckross%20Abbey/Muckross%20Abbey.htm

 Off to Killarney, a large town in County Kerry.  We had an excellent meal at The Flesk - odd name, but they dish up a fantastic platterful of smoked salmon.

Here's me on the Healy Pass road with the lakes of Killarney in the background.

And now for a good night's rest at Robeen House.  See you in the morning!