Muckross House - As Remembered

None of us were disappointed by the grounds of Muckross House, one of the few stately homes in Ireland from the mid-1800's that is open to the public. It was given to a girl as a wedding gift by her wealthy (American) father. Those California Gold mines really paid off.

We arrived early for the house tour and had some time so we took a ride in a pony trap. Molly, our horse, took us up to the Torc waterfall for a quick viewing. Then we caught about half the tour of the interior of the house - we bailed early - our tour guide was dry as dust. Sam quote: "who cares where every piece of crystal in that chandelier came from?"

We had a quick lunch and a visit to the gift shop before heading on to Cork.

Killarney... Not what it used to be

The lovely little town of Killarney (a favorite of Rob's) has grown beyond recognition and now closely resembles Mackinac, MI. We drove through on our way from Dingle to Cork.

Killarney is now a crowded, congested, tourist laden place - even in March. We could not imagine how crowded it must be in the high season. There are signs as you enter the city telling you the number of available parking spaces. Very sad! Rob was so disgusted he didn't even take a picture.

Sad

Here's a picture of the Milltown House, the B&B where Rob and Melissa spent their honeymoon during their first trip to Ireland. It is now for sale so we could not stay this time... But if anyone has 2.2 million Euro and a burning desire to be innkeepers, we will gladly be your first lodgers.

Surprise!

Oh, crap. Our plan was to visit the laundromat in Cork City, BUT! Everything is closed on Sunday, and apparently there are no longer coin launderettes in Ireland.

We're washing things in the tub so we have something to wear tomorrow. Our hotel room looks like a dry cleaning establishment.

Sorry, no time for more posting this evening.

Pitch and Putt

Ahh, golfing in Ireland, the sport of kings. We took in a round of 18 (well, 16, it got a bit windy) at a short course right on the bay. Melissa pretty much schooled everyone, despite the seriousness with which Sam takes his game.

Shepherd Crossing

Sign by a little stile at the entrance to a sheep field

Slea Head 4

Travels around the peninsula continues. We stopped at the Gallarus Oratory, a 1300-year-old church overlooking the ocean. Its angled design keeps it perfectly dry inside in the harshest rainfalls.

We also stopped at this little cemetery with a small church ruin on the grounds. The legend says that if you can squeeze through the window at the back, your soul will make it to heaven. Lily and Sam both fit; Melissa and I didn't bother trying.

Sam also found an ancient sundial. He digs that stuff.