When we were planning this trip, I envisioned the Ring of Kerry as being a road that looped around the Kerry península, pretty much following the coastline with occasional cute little towns and spots for scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring islands.
We did some of that, but the real treat was doing the Ring of Kerry’s mountains with scenic . We traveled on one-lane roads where no tour bus would dare to venture. And we saw ancient structures with interesting stories and contemporary farming practices not one in a hundred tourists ever see.
First off, before leaving town, we went for a jaunt in a jaunting car, pulled by our new friend Daisy, a young horse still learning the ropes. Our driver Mike is a third-generation “jarvey” driver, inheriting his license from his uncle by way of his grandfather. He now breeds, raises and sells horses for this purpose. Daisy, in fact, has already been sold to a friend and fellow jarvey driver.
It was a pleasant ride through Killarney National Park on a cool, windy but dry September morning. We saw both native Red Deer and Sika Deer imported back in the day from Japan. The ride ended at Ross Castle.
Ross Castle was built in the late 15th century by the Clan O’Donoghue. Like most castles of the era, it was built to defend against attacks from neighboring clans. Later, it proved to be the last castle in Ireland to fall to Cromwell’s Irish Confederate Wars. The Roundheads (English soldiers) succeeded only when they read an old account that said Ross Castle could only be taken from the adjoining lake. They built a boat and floated a canon down the lake and took the fort. Cannon fire proved to be the downfall of the castle most places in the world.
I’ll let the photos speak to the scenery we saw, but one notable sight was seeing a true shepherd and his two dogs herding a flock of sheep. We guessed that he was selecting a few from a larger flock to load into his nearby trailer. Maybe going to market? Several, including one the shepherd was carrying over his sholders, were painted solid blue. Why? Who knows. One dog was in front of the flock, the other tending the rear. We’ll see a demonstration of sheep herding on Friday, but this was something special.
Another interesting stop was to the Cahergall Stone Fort. It’s thought to be at least 1,000 years old. It’s been reconstructed to show its original form. It served as home for a rich man and his clan, protecting from raiders with its stone walls. Perched on top of a hill, it gives commanding views of attacking bands. Did I climb to the top? You betcha.
We took a brief ferry ride to Valentia Island. The island has the distinction of being the eastern terminus of the first transatlantic cable, made commercially viable in 1857. It operated for 100 years, ending its service as part of the Western Union network.
Finally, a stop at the Skellig Chocolate factory for hot chocolate and purchase of several collections of chocolate goodies.
Judy and I went out for a delayed birthday dinner while Nancy cooked up a simple egg supper.
Tomorrow, a trip around the Dingle peninsula, the next-door neighbor of the Ring of Kerry.
Today’s photos are spectacular! Looks like an amazing day!