"You're very welcome here" (Part IV)

Day 9 began with a (horse-drawn) jaunting car ride from the Old Weir to Killarney National Park and Ross Castle. [Weather was fairly mixed that day and the Ross Castle photo is from the day before.]

We then took a brief boat ride to Innisfallen Island in Lough Leane (one of the three Lakes of Killarney) for a half-hour of hiking and exploration of this monastery island.

Then we took a longer, wetter boat ride from Innisfallen to the Muckross House and Gardens, where we took a guided tour of the mansion and had free time to explore the gardens.

The program continued with a trip to a working sheep farm for a shepherding demonstration. That evening, OAT hosted a reception for us, and we raised our glasses in celebration of (U.S.) Independence Day. Our entire group rendezvoused at the Danny Mann that evening for a performance by Natural Gas, our friend Diarmud’s group – great show!

Most of our group took the optional trip along the Dingle Way on Day 10. Again, weather was a bit mixed that day, but it took nothing away from the beauty of area.

We made a few stops along the way, including a fish ‘n chips lunch in Dingle town,

and a view of some beehive huts (clochain).

It was raining and overcast by the time we reached the westernmost point, overlooking the Blasket Islands.

The tour included a presentation at the Blascaod Centre, which overlooks the Blasket Islands, describing the area’s history.

That night, our last in Killarney, found us once again at the Danny Mann, for the Molly Maguires, one more time!