Killarney—Saturday

April 20th

It was sunny and 60 today. We expected the good weather and thought we'd walk to Muckross House and Muckross Abbey and that's what we did. Our plan was to walk to both and then ride a bus back if we were too tired. Like crazy people and atypical tourists we walked back into town, completing all 9.9 miles. 

The walk was worth it as you'll see from the pictures of Muckross Abbey, Lough Leane (the lake), the mountains, and the grounds at Muckross House. 

Tulip beds welcome us on our way out of town.

It was a beautiful walk out to Muckross Abbey and
Muckross House.

The pathway to Muckross House and
Muckross Abbey in the National Park.

The pathway taken.

This creek flows to Lough Leane.

The landscape through the National Park
is lovely and the trees are magnificent.

Angus cattle taking it easy.

First view of Muckross Abbey from the walkway.

It was founded in 1448 as a Franciscan friary.

Doorway to the Abbey grounds.

This Yew tree overwhelms the central courtyard
of the cloisters.

The dormitory.

The refectory.

The abbey is surrounded by a cemetery and is
still used today.

The kitchen fireplace is huge.

The Celtic Cross (left and above).

This picture shows the abbey floor plan.

Walking to Muckross House after leaving the abbey.

The lake was like glass today.

St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney is 8 miles away;
this gives you an idea of its size.

The trees on the grounds and park are enormous.
Their proportions are surprisingly symmetric.

Muckross House was completed in 1863 and was
inhabited by the Herbert family for over 200 years.
Queen Victoria visited in 1861 and fell in love with 
it's aspect bordering Lough Leane and facing Mt.
Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain (3,406 ft).

Rear courtyard. The public toilets are here.

View out to the lake from the drawing room.

Note the size of this azalea.

It's worth reading about the Billy Vincent Memorial.

One last look to the lake and mountains on our walk.

Fly fishing on the River Flesk 
not far from downtown Killarney.

After our long walk we took showers and rested up a bit before heading down to O'Donoghue's for a Guinness and cider, and eventually, dinner. But first we took some time to sit back and watch Gaelic football fans from Cork and Kerry cheer on their teams. We were told yesterday that this match decides which team makes the semi finals and that fans would be descending on all the pubs (including ours) along College and Plunkett Street. 

We sat back at a secluded table and enjoyed watching the fans watching and cheering on their favorite team. County Kerry pulled out the win in the last seconds of the match. Both sides started the party shortly after the final whistle. 

The celebration (win or lose) is a family affair.

This couple are wearing competing

jerseys. Cork is red and white and

Kerry is green and gold. We were 

told the rivalry is friendly and 

here's the proof.

After dinner we stepped outside to check out the revelry.

The overflow outside pubs lining the street.

From our window we watched the
sunset wash over St. Mary's.