Southwest Ireland

 On the Grand Tour of Ireland, we are now in the southwest corner which includes the "Ring of Kerry". 

Cobh Heritage Center dedicated to the Irish immigration from this western Ireland port

During 1840s, Potato Famine drove many to immigrate

 

Very scenic along the route called the "Ring of Kerry"

 

Lots of lakes and bay inlets along the "Ring of Kerry" 

The disappearing craft of building thatch roofs is now being subsidized by government so that the craft will not be lost.

Blarney Castle.... did not wait in the long line to kiss the Blarney Stone. Sally said that I  didn't need to kiss the rock because I already have the "Gift of Gab".

Blarney Castle is 600 years old. 

When you don't kiss the Blarney Stone, you end up in the castle dungeon.

Druid's Cave - a religious hermit once lived there.

North Carolina invades Blarney Castle - Bethany, Dan, Doug and Duncan

Killarney National Park 

 

 

Patrick and Blackie entertained us as we had a carriage ride through the park.

Red Deer

Blooming Hawthorn trees

Sally saying goodbye to Blackie

There it is! I picked this idyllic spot to take a photo representing southwest Ireland - maze of rock fences, circle of rock ruin of unknown origin, green grass, flocks of sheep and quaint little farm houses.

Irishman and his donkey and dog selling celtic crosses at a roadside pullover with great view of the valley.

We don't drink coffee but somebody handed us a complimentary cup of Irish Coffee and wanting to be polite we tried it. That was definitely a one and only. Mind you,  it is not the whiskey that we didn't like - it was the coffee taste.