The Ham Nomads

31 May 2014. <IE> Killarney, Co. Kerry —

Susie's perfect parking!

Woke up in the carpark after a very quiet night. As we were having breakfast, noticed a visitor — a red deer in the forest nearby. Went back to Muckross House, but this time to wander the grounds. A beautiful spring day, and the whole of Killarney had much the same idea! Found a great car park up near the House and set off. First a walk through the gardens — mainly round the Rock Garden and past magnificent displays of azaleas. Then in for a cuppa at the visitor centre. There's a beautifully manicured formal garden just outside the centre.

Part of the Gardens

Susie
at Torc Falls

Torc Falls

Jaunting Cart
(Note the dust)

Then we decided to do the walk out to Torc Falls, about 2km each way. A pleasant walk — we didn't push it. There were jaunting carts passing us on the way, but we weren't tempted (in spite of offers!). The falls are quite spectacular, and well worth the walk. Then, of course, we had the walk back!

Then we had lunch in the van, after which Warren had his cat nap while Susie did a bit more walking. When she returned, we went over to the nearby Muckross Farms shop and bought an ice cream — just the day for it!

Boats near Ross Castle

It was getting late by now so, after adjourning to Macca's to catch up on our blogging, we returned with our van to Ross Castle, to park in the carpark there. Susie went for another walk, and found a few more photo opportunities, so when she came back we both went out to take come more pictures. A German couple came up to us where we were parked and asked if they could park near us for the night — I suspect they are a little more concerned about security than we are! Anyway, the vans spent the night together.

Ross Castle by night

As the sun was fading, Warren went out again to get a couple of shots of Ross Castle lit up for the night. Then to bed! Tomorrow should be fun — there's a BikeFest (remember the BikeFest) parade through the town at 11am.

Distance driven — today, 13 miles ( 21 km ); to date, 1,759 miles ( 2,831 km )