Ross Castle is only a couple of kilometres from Killarney.  It's cloudy but there are patches of blue sky.  Near the castle are some of the jaunting cars that Killarney is famous for.  These are small two-wheeled covered carriages drawn by a single horse.  They were the mode of transport for the Irish in years gone by.  A couple clip-clopped passed us.  Ross Castle is built on the edge of Killarney's lower lake and there are plenty of boats on the water.  Some fishermen unpacked their fishing gear from their car and headed towards the water, a group of kayakers set sail and of course, the little row boats and their owners waiting to take tourists for a cruise on the lake.  We walk to the castle.  It was 10:15 but the 10:30 tour had filled and we didn't want to wait till 11:00 so we read the boards in the exhibition before exploring the outside of the castle.  Ross Castle was the last Irish stronghold captured by Cromwell in 1652.

Waiting for Some Customers

Fitzmaurice Castle

Ballybunnion

Killarney to Ballybunnion beach is a one hour drive through farmland.  Apart from the odd tractor and a dog appearing out of nowhere to cross the road, there was very little traffic.  Fitzmaurice Castle stands tall on top of an Iron Age fort at one end of Ladies Beach.  Men's Beach is on the other side of the castle!!  Remember that once upon a time, men and women bathed on separate beaches!!!  There is a walking track along the cliffs to Nun's beach, a completely inaccessible beach named because it is overlooked by an old convent.  The wind is absolutely roaring.  It is hard to hold the camera still.  I use a rock as a windbreak and completely scare a lady who walks passed, not realising I'm there!  On the beach,  kids are digging holes and building sand castles but they are not dressed in swimmers and t-shirts.  They are dressed just like us in long pants and wind jackets!!  The wind is bitter!!!  A lady is trying to put a picnic rug on the sand but eventually gives up with the wind.

Thatched Cottage, Adare

Adare

Ballybunnion beach is on the southern side of the mouth of the Shannon river.  From Ballybunnion, we drive along the banks of the Shannon river as far as Askeaton where we turn inland again to the village of Adare.  The coastal road is a really pleasant drive as we follow the hills of county Clare just across the Shannon.  It is Bank Holiday Sunday and there is an enormous amount of traffic trying to get in and out of Adare.  Adare is a real tourist town.  It is  known as the "prettiest village in Ireland" because of the neat row of thatched cottages built in the 19th century by the Earl of Dunraven.  They were to house the workers who were building his grand new home, Adare Manor.  The cottages are now craft shops and restaurants.  There is a gap in the middle where two cottages once stood.  They burnt down a few years ago and are now being restored.  We have one last walk through the village and then head for Ennis, our base for the next couple of nights.

What about a gallery?

Coming soon!!