1. Landscapes

IRELAND, Kerry Way, Skelligs Rock, & A Dab of Dublin

Cradled by the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea, the Emerald Isle is cloaked with mist, legends, and myths. The western coast, particularly, is a mystical place. Albeit sometimes mucky, slippery, and stony underfoot, the (215km/135 mile) Kerry Way in County Kerry offers a wonderful opportunity to view this part of Ireland year round. Founded in 1978 by Sean O'Sullivan, this Waymarked Walking Route winds along gorgeous oak-conifer forests, whispering wildflower meadows, and bountiful sheep farms. Friendly residents stop their work to chat on this unspoiled, uncrowded path.

Traveling by rocky valleys, lakelands, and seascapes is like stepping back to pre-Christian times. The Way uses middle-ages coaching roads, droving paths, and Mass Paths where believers assembled secretly to practice their faiths. Irish whiskey drinkers met in clandestine rock sheebins to sneak a nip. And, what better way to end today's walk than to enjoy a Guinness and steamed mussles at a local pub while listening to lively Irish musicians?



Shooting up from the ocean are the UNESCO-designated Skelligs Rocks. After ascending 600 steps, the hiker is rewarded with sweeping vistas at the apex of Skellig Michael. Beehive-shaped cells remind viewers of the monks who lived in this remote haven from the 6th or 7th centuries until the 13th. A pebble's toss away is Little Skellig, home to flourishing colonies of seabirds. Seals and dolphins are frequently spotted in the vicinity.

Highlights of Dublin are intermingled with the Kerry and Skelligs batch. Whether you are Irish or just wish you were, I hope that my images stir your senses and desire to go there.

To learn more, contact:

http://www.govisitireland.com
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Torc Casecade 3, Killarney Nat'l Park
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Torc Casecade 3, Killarney Nat'l Park

  • Refreshing TORC CASCADE, Killarney Nat'l Park
  • Lovely TORC CASCADE, Killarney Nat'l Park
  • Torc Cascade 2, Killarney Nat'l Park
  • Torc Casecade 3, Killarney Nat'l Park
  • Spurge & Heather
  • Flourishing Hillside Conifer Forest on edge of Killarney Nat'l Park
  • Primrose growing amongst iFinnan, a grass farmers used centureies ago to line floors of stone houses
  • Tunnel to Killarney Nat'l Park
  • Gorse, that prolific golden wildflower
  • SIKA DEER, Killarney Nat'l Park in western Ireland<br />
The golden bush glowing in the background is called Gorse, which thrives near Atlantic coastal habitats.
  • Cycling Old Kenmare Road near Killarney
  • Wetlands overlook, Killarney Nat'l Park
  • Wetlands Wildflower, Killarney Nat'l Park
  • Muckross House, Killarney Nat'l Park
  • Kate Kearney's Cottage, after the Gap of Dunloe
  • Storybook Caragh River
  • Caragh River 2
  • Spoked Fence Near Glenbeigh
  • Along the Caragh River
  • Sometimes, hikers mount private fences & stiles along the Kerry Way
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