Our first day we found some great dunes at the start of the Ring of Kerry. The kids were in heaven-- all they need for fun is a big pile of sand!
Ballycarbery Castle: this castle was built in the 16th century. It was really neat– we could climb all over these ruins, the kids loved it!
Cahergall Ring Fort: our first Irish “ring fort”. This was also really fun– we could climb up the walls and look out.
We had a nice view from the top!
Ireland was MUDDY. Wendi made Molly hold her hand so she wouldn't slip and fall in the mud. Oh, the irony :-)
Portmagee, a pretty fishing town on the Ring of Kerry.
Claimed to be the best look-out on the Ring of Kerry coast by the coffee shop that sold tickets– they just might be right!
The georgous countryside on the Ring of Kerry.
Ring of Beara: the views were spectacular, especially as we drove further up the mountain towards Healy Pass.
Now THIS is Ireland!
Dursey Island: we were disappointed that the cable car connecting Dursey Island to the mainland was closed due to repairs.
After seeing the rickety cable car, maybe we weren't that disappointed! When in operation, people need to share the cable car with sheep and cows that go to the island to graze.
We took a hike along the mountains, the views were incredible.
We made it! The kids hiked all the way up to the summit by themselves.
We loved all the sheep on the roads-- it reminded us of New Zealand!
Kilarney National Park
We took a jaunting cart around Muckross House.
We took another jaunting car into the Gap of Dunloe. This was a 5 km ride into the Gap and back out. It was a really neat way to see the area (cars are not permitted).
Purple mountain near the Gap of Dunloe.
We stayed at the wonderful Blarney Castle hotel. After dinner at the pub, we stayed to hear some live Irish music and to be a part of a party to celebrate Blarney’s hurling championship (the first one in 125 years!).
Oliver, this very friendly Irishman, took a liking to the kids and kept trying to “tease” Nate by stealing his playing cards.
The hurling team manager and the hotel owner were at our table.
The great Irish music was part of the Hurling celebration at the pub.
The famous Blarney Castle with the Blarney Stone. Kissing the stone is supposed to give you the gift of gab.
Kissing the famous stone. They are very rigid about exactly how you do it– don’t want to lose anyone in their attempts!
The "Kids" Blarney Stone. This special stone, just for kids, is easier to reach.
The kids realized they could kiss the stone upright and much preferred this method!
View of the stone from below.
St. Anne's church in Cork.
View of Cork from the top of St. Anne's.
You can ring the church bells at St. Anne’s. This was a HUGE hit with the kids. We went up and down the stairs to see the bells about 5 times each! The bells were so loud you had to wear protection.
Nate playing a song. All of Cork must have loved our experimentation with playing church bells!
Cahir Castle-- a well preserved castle.
Rock of Cashel-- this was a very impressive old monestary.
Clonmacnoise, impressive monastic ruins.
We stayed at this great B&B in Shannonbridge. The kids enjoyed some play time!
Stone walls were everywhere.
We went to visit Aillwee cave and found that there was a birds of prey center with a showing that was really interesting.
What is this sign trying to say???
Doolin in the Buren region: this was a fun town. There was a music festival that weekend, so lots of people were in town for that. We saw a great music show with wonderful traditional Irish music and dance.
Cliffs of Moher: these Irish icons were truly spectacular.
An amazing coastal drive near Kilkee.
