Tag: St. Patrick's Day
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Journey Through Ireland’s Emerald Fields, The Classic Way!
On this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, I’m pining to return to the enchanting green hills, meadows, and fields of Ireland. And what better way to soak up the Irish vibe than with a jaunting car ride in one of those classic horse-drawn carriages? Picture it: clip-clopping through Killarney National Park, surrounded by the most breathtaking landscapes Ireland has to offer.
Let’s talk about these jaunting car drivers. They’re not your average chauffeurs. These folks are a whole show in themselves, weaving tales and cracking jokes as they navigate the winding roads. And here’s a fun fact: many of them have deep roots in the trade, passing down the reins from generation to generation. It’s a family affair, you see.
But what really sets them apart is their bond with the horses. It’s like they can communicate without saying a word, guiding their trusty partners through the park with grace and ease. And let me tell you, these horses aren’t just for show—they’re the real MVPs, helping these drivers earn their bread and butter.
As for the cost, well, I can’t quite recall the exact amount I paid, but rest assured, it’s a reasonable fee for the unforgettable experience you’ll have. So, if you ever find yourself in Killarney, do yourself a favor and hop aboard one of these jaunting cars. It’s not just a journey through the park—it’s a trip back in time, filled with laughter, stories, and a whole lot of Irish charm.
Killarney National Park Photos
Story & Video by Steve Geiger, Photos by Susan Geiger
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St. Patrick’s Rock: Walking in the Footsteps of Ireland’s Kings at the Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel is an imposing sight, sitting high on a towering hilltop, overlooking the Cashel community in County Tipperary. It’s one of Ireland’s most visited historical and dramatic sites. The medieval fortress dates back to the 4th century. History has redefined the Rock over the centuries as the Cashel of Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock.
Hundreds of years before the Norman invasion, the Rock of Cashel was the centerpiece of power for the Kings of Munster. It’s where they ruled high over the region behind the protection of fortress walls. Supposedly, according to Irish legend, in the 5th century, St. Patrick converted Aenghus the King of Munster to Christianity at this site. Yet the Catholic Church has no historical evidence that this ever occurred.
Another Irish folk tale tells how St. Patrick purged Satan from a mountain cave. Satan took a bite out of the mountain on the way out of Ireland, spit it out, and the rock landed in Cashel. (Travelers to Ireland will hear many Irish folk tales during their journey).
Much blood was shed over the 2,000 year history of the Rock. Various invasions, warring clans, and the Irish Confederate Wars have left the fortress battered and scarred. The Rock of Cashel at one period was owned by the Catholic Church. A great cathedral was built and the exterior grounds became an extensive graveyard. The Confederate Wars saw great clashes between native Irish Catholics and English-Scottish Protestants, and English military forces. The Rock of Cashel was the epicenter of those battles and eventually fell into ruin and was abandoned.
ROCK OF CASHEL GRAVEYARD Then in the 19th century restoration work began to preserve this incredible site of Irish history, medieval architecture, and culture. The grounds are massive with sweeping high views of lush green meadows, and rooftops and street landscapes below. The pristine beauty gives no hint of its past bloody uprisings and battles.
If you visit, wear a good pair of walking shoes. It’s quite a steep hike from street level up to the top. There are no restrooms at Rock of Cashel, only below near the car park and a small gift and snack shop. It is a self-guided tour. Admission price and other information can be found at the Rock of Cashel official website.
Bonus Video
ROCK OF CASHEL VIDEO -
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
