Today we explored the Iveragh Peninsula via The Ring of Kerry. It began, of course, after breakfast and today I changed things by having the breakfast food that the Irish introduced to America - oatmeal. Very good but had I known about the quality of the drive today, I may have selected something lighter.
I had heard a lot of talk about the Ring of Kerry but no one talked about just how josseling, wavy, bumpy, and blender like it could be. I think that some of my body parts are still vibrating. It certainly was beautiful, but.... Not enough "but" to ever prevent another trip around if given the chance though.
The shoreline is very erratic and treacherous. This view is from the North shore showing the Dingle Peninsula, with Dingle Bay between. There is tremendous evidence of glacial activity all over the peninsula
Those of you steeped in Irish history and belief already know that Christopher Columbus is not the one who discovered America and neither did the Vikings. It was Brendan the Navigator and this sculpture along The Ring of Kerry celebrates his accomplishments along with his crew.
The Lakes of Killarney
I also found out why leprechauns are so grumpy and mischievous - there are no female leprechauns. I, honestly, never thought about it. But I have never seen a female. Have you? I didn't think so. So...that leads to the question, how do they reproduce? Hmmm. One of the never-ending questions and problems associated with the fairy world in Ireland.
This world is an important part of Irish belief such that a blackthorne tree, important to the leprechauns, was in danger of being cut down for a new road. A fuss was raised by concerned persons because you do not want to anger leprechauns. The road was redesigned at a cost of thousands to bypass the tree.
Shaun and Joan McMahon
Location:Killarney
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