Mellow Wanderer

Category: IRELAND

Dreamy Scenic Views: Riding The Winding Road Of Ireland’s Majestic Ring of Kerry

Look to the left: Sun-splashed carpets of rolling green meadows dotted with grazing sheep. Look to the right: A horizon of crisscrossing mountain peaks with the Wild Atlantic crashing waves against a rocky shore. Your head is so loose looking every which way on the Ring of Kerry you’ll never need to see a chiropractor again.

This southwest corner of Ireland is so stunningly beautiful, best to leave the driving to someone else, like a local tour guide or tour bus driver. The Ring of Kerry is a scenic narrow lane drive covering a distance of 111-miles (179-kilometers). It’s a full day experience, if you make frequent stops at pullouts and overlooks to gaze at the amazing landscapes, and explore the various pristine ocean beaches, river and lake shorelines, and rain forests. The Ring of Kerry is not to be rushed. There’s something spiritual about it. Your senses absorb the fresh aroma and rushing sounds of wind-blown air, and the sight of racing clouds, sun showers that create the boldest rainbows on the planet, and landscapes colored with more shades of green than a box of Crayola crayons.

Along the way, you’ll drive through quaint postcard towns such as Sneem, where you can get a bite to eat and drink at local pubs and browse the charming specialty shops.

A number of historical sites, including castles, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders, such as Killarney National Park, are on The Ring of Kerry. While wandering in the park, you can hike a number of trails through a lush rainforest, view stunning waterfalls and lakes, and perhaps observe a herd of native red deer grazing in a meadow. A popular spot in the center of the park is Muckross House and Gardens, a sprawling 9th-century Victorian mansion. Guided house tours are available for a fee, but you can explore the well-groomed gardens are on your own. Nearby, discover the ruins of Muckross Abbey and graveyard. The site dates back to the beginning of Christianity in Ireland around the 6th century. You can walk through the ruins for free, as well as the graveyard, which is still used as an active burial ground. A fun way to explore Killarney National Park is to take a traditional Jaunting Car ride. These horse drawn carriages ride over paved trails throughout the park, stopping at various historical sites and landmarks while the drivers spin colorful narratives of Irish history and folk tales.

The Ring of Kerry area is a glorious vacation destination with abundant recreational activities, from hiking and water sports to horseback riding and Ireland’s national obsession- golf. Or, just take a relaxing countryside drive, see amazing historical and cultural sites, and stop by a charming Irish pub for a pint or two. Definitely put this majestic Irish getaway on your travel bucket list!

Bonus Video Content

DRIVE THE RING OF KERRY AND SEE KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK LANDSCAPES, WILDLIFE, AND A RAINBOW

JAUNTY CAR RIDE

MUCKROSS ABBEY

RING OF KERRY TIMELAPSE VIDEO
Dublin, Ireland: Dazzling Culture, Charm, And Where Every Day Is St. Patrick’s Day

Sure, Dublin’s lively Temple Bar district may be the center of St. Patrick’s Day revelry, but it seems like the festive holiday mood is an every day occurrence here. The brightly colored exteriors of many traditional Irish pubs are ornately decorated, often coordinated with the changing seasons. An eclectic mix of music, ranging from old Irish folk songs to jazz and rock classics, floods the streets from a variety of bars and clubs. Street buskers and specialty shops also make this distinct district a charming, fun place to roam.

Temple Bar

Shops

Buskers

Wander beyond Temple Bar and explore more of Dublin.

My Tour Of Dublin

We started our journey through Ireland’s largest city at Dublin Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. Its brooding gothic-style facade immediately transports you back to medieval Ireland.

Another Gothic inspired historic landmark is the enormous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with its panoramic stained-glass windows. For me, walking through the various alcoves was a dark and foreboding journey, as several marble and brass statutes grimly stare-down and point at passersby, as if non-believers will be condemned to eternal damnation.

Then there’s the Door of Reconciliation, a symbol of peace that ended a war between two families, or clans, the Butlers and the Fitzgeralds. When the leader of the Fitzgerald family extended his arm through a hole in the sanctuary door to the leader of the Butler family, both shook hands and agreed to stop fighting. It lead to the famous Irish expression “To Chance Your Arm.”

A short walk from the cathedral is prestigious Trinity College, a world-class university attracting international students. Trinity College was founded in 1592 and is in the bustling city center of Dublin.

The public is welcome to stroll the campus and visit some of the many historic buildings, especially the Old Library, which is a breathtaking sight. The library houses the 9th century Book of Kells, a stunningly beautifully handcrafted calligraphy manuscript of four gospels from the monastery of Kells, in County Meath, Ireland.

The Old Library houses a treasure trove of Irish history and cultural heritage. The busts of famous philosophers line the aisles, and the massive shelves hold thousands of rare books. You’ll also see a gorgeous rare medieval harp purportedly owned by the High King of Ireland, and more commonly seen in the logo of a Guinness Extra Stout, perhaps Ireland’s most beloved pub brew.

Dublin has rich offerings for history lovers and party goers. An exciting destination with a welcoming spirit sure to bring a smile to your face long after a visit here.
Ireland’s Birds Of Prey
The Wonder In Exploring The Land Of Mythical Giants

Northern Ireland’s coastline is a treasure trove of scenic splendor. When I stepped on the vast trail known as the Giants Causeway nestled between the wild North Atlantic Ocean and enormous cliffs, I was dwarfed by the larger beauty around me. Giants Causeway is Northern Ireland’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Huge slender basalt stone columns, some 40,000 of them, rise from the shoreline, where they have stood since volcanic eruptions created them 60 million years ago.

Photos by Susan Geiger

The National Trust, Northern Ireland’s conservation charity, is the caretaker of Giants Causeway. Visitors have free access to the trails leading to the stone and rock formations. For a fee, you can join a tour with a professional guide from the Giants Causeway Visitors Center. At some point during your visit (or through your own research), you’ll hear several versions of a folk tale of two giants: Finn McCool of Ireland and his archenemy Benandonner of Scotland. McCool, according to one tale, was building the causeway as a bridge to Scotland to rescue his love who was held captive by Benadonner. However, McCool ultimately perished from exhaustion during a storm. Another tale has McCool building the causeway to scare-off Benadonner. Visit any Irish pub and you’ll likely hear various versions of this folk tale as the Guinness flows.

Hiking the Giants Causeway trails is a stimulating workout over gentle hills and into somewhat deep valleys. You may see a cow or two lazing in a sunny meadow along the way. The landscape also pops with spring and summer wildflowers. On clear days, you can see Scotland’s coastline. You’ll also come upon trail markers describing historical spots and geological wonders.

The incredible stepping stones on the Causeway are shaped like hexagons and extend from the shoreline directly into the water. You can venture out on them, but proceed with caution because they’re slippery when wet. I opted out and instead sat on a rock watching the youthful exuberance of kids and their parents walk and climb on the stone columns.

The drive along the Causeway Coastal Route is equally stunning. You’ll drive by the ruins of Dunluce Castle, which sits on a craggy cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The 16th century castle ruins are one of the most dramatic sights in Northern Ireland. Also nearby is Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, built in 1755 by salmon fishermen. The single file rope bridge looks harrowing as it’s suspended across a chasm with the Atlantic Ocean below. Visitors to the site can book a walk across the bridge, if they dare.

Dunluce Castle

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

Carrick-A-Rede Chasm

Just east of Giants Causeway is the charming little village of Portrush, known as the capital of the Causeway Coast. This seaside village has picturesque beaches, quaint surfside cafes and restaurants, shops, and a 90-year-old amusement park. The historic Royal Portrush Golf Course is also one of the most famous and challenging in the world.

Portrush

The trip to Giants Causeway is a pleasant and scenic drive from where we stayed in Belfast. A perfect day trip that is most gratifying.

Press Play For A Giants Causeway Video Tour
Have A Royal Good Time At This Stunning Irish Castle

My imagination ran wild when I stepped on the grounds of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare, Ireland.

Walking through the entrance felt like I was traveling back to an era with no modern conveniences. (Reality check: There are toilets with running water at this popular tourist destination). A winding path takes you by thatched-roofed cottages, where roosters crow and scamper. Various other farm animals such as pigs, goats, sheep, and geese also thrive here.

Amongst the farm cottages are a doctor’s house, a school and grocery store, a pub, and a blacksmith’s shop; the essentials of village life, all part of the Bunratty Castle realm, a magnificent feat of medieval architecture.

In 1250 , Norman invaders first built a wooden tower here as a defensive fortress. Then later, they built the stone castle. Throughout time, the castle has changed hands and been rebuilt four times during battles and squabbles involving the Irish, the Normans, and the King of England. Today, Clare County Council owns Bunratty Castle and it remains a national monument after being fully restored and furnished before opening to the public in 1962.

Grand Hall

The Grand Hall is the most impressive room in the castle. Royal residents would host extravagant banquets here, and welcomed special guests and dignitaries. Original ornate tapestries from the 1500s hang on the walls. Antlers from Irish elk that used to roam the countryside also hang high as hunting trophies. Tall stained-glass windows bring in bright light.

Celtic Fertility Symbol

An old Celtic symbol is etched on one of the walls next to a window. According to the guide who led our tour, the symbol blesses the castle with fertility. The symbol also has a mask, the guide said, to scare off evil spirits.

Elk Antlers

Stained Glass

Grand Hall Art

A narrow single-file spiral staircase goes all the way up to the castle’s observation deck. Along the way, you pass levels with servants quarters, Royal bedrooms, and salons restored with original furnishings from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Once you’re at the top level, there is an absolutely beautiful 360 degree view of County Clare’s countryside.

Photos By Susan Geiger

While you can’t book an overnight stay at Bunratty Castle, you can experience a night of revelry in medieval atmosphere. The castle regularly hosts four-course dinner banquets by candlelight, which are open to the public and include performances by costumed period actors and traditional Irish music.

Take A Video Tour of Bunratty Castle. Tap play In The Window Below

Video Tour Press Play