Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Exploring Ireland - Day 7 - The Ring of Kerry


Day 7 was a very full day with many amazing vistas.


One of the highlight was meeting local farmer, Brendan Ferris,  who in voice and appearance seemed  straight out of central casting. His Kells Sheep Center is along the Ring of Kerry, and his demonstration of herding with his two border collies was an experience not to be missed.






If you look closely at the photo below taken from the bus window, you will see two islands. The larger of the two is Skellig Michael. Skellig Michael, a well-preserved monastic outpost of the early Christian period, is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are a fan of Star Wars, you will know that Skellig Michael appeared at the end of Star Wars VII as the place where Luke Skywalker is found.


Along the way we made a brief stop in Sneem, a place worthy of a longer visit. This first photo is a bit over polarized, but it seems to work with the brightly colored buildings.





Perhaps the most beautiful spot on the Ring of Kerry was Ladies' View.



It is called Ladies View because Queen Victoria and her Ladies once had a picnic at this glorious spot.


We arrived back in Killarney where Marilyn and I attended evening Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral. Construction began on the cathedral designed by Augustus Welby Pugin  in 1842.  During the famine, it was used as a hospital and a shelter, and there is a redwood tree on the grounds which marks the mass grave of children lost during the famine. The cathedral was complete in 1912. As you can see, the interior is simple but visually striking.


What a beautiful, full day it was!

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for sharing your photos. I have enjoyed reading about your travel to Ireland. It is such a beautiful place!

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