Walking = wet

Bridge on the Gap of Dunloe -
before the rain set in

Newborn lamb - still with cord on
the wrong side of the fence! I'm sure
mum just wanted a break and she
did go back!

 Another Irish town, another lovely little Irish cottage and another fireplace to sit before and write the blog. We have arrived in Donegal after our time in Killarney which was lovely although very wet.  Yesterday we headed off to explore the Killarney National Park and walk between MacGillycuddy’s Reeks in the west and Purple Mountain in the east through the Gap of Dunloe. Obviously once we decide to start walking it is a signal for the heavens to open as after we started we go absolutely drenched. The weather forecast was for mainly fine but that obviously did not apply to the Killarney National Park. We caught the shuttle bus out to Kate Kearney’s Cottage and commenced our walk in dry but windy conditions. Into a stiff headwind it was a bit difficult as we climbed some of the hills and then the driving rain started to make it an even more ‘enjoyable’ experience. To tell the truth we can at least claim to have some appreciation of the ‘true Ireland’ after the last few days have been fine and sunny. Our hosts in Killarney Riona and Paddy said it served us right for saying to them that the weather in Ireland had been very pleasant!! After we finished our trek we dried out a little at Brandon’s Cottage and then caught the boat back to Ross Castle on a cruise through the three lakes. It was truly spectacular countryside although very different to the lush green countryside of other parts of Ireland. Our boat driver was an absolute blast who managed to get us back through the lake system without getting wet – he was most worried that the rain was coming down over the mountains. Apparently he is an Irishman who hates the rain – we figure he would be miserable most of the time.

Creek beneath Torc waterfall -
with amazing moss covered trees
and rocks. Anyone would think it
was wet a lot of the time!

After having a quick look around Ross we caught a Jaunting Car back to Killarney and then back to ‘The Shed’ to sit in front of the blazing fire. There are so many of the beautiful horses in Killarney and it was such a fun way to go back to town – just to go slowly along the road at the pace of a trotting horse. It did make you think however of how long it would have taken to get around when that was the only means of transport. Imagine going across Australia at that pace!

In front of our 'Jaunting Car'

As we travelled up the west coast of Ireland the countryside changed and actually looked a little drier – hopefully we won’t get as wet tomorrow. While the grass was still green it was not quite the same Emerald green that we have been used to. As well as not being as green there were even more rock walls and even smaller paddocks. Driving today we passed a number of groups of cyclists – with a cycling challenge and I must say I felt for them – the temperature didn’t get into double figures and they were struggling with what the weatherman described as ‘a stiff breeze’ (it certainly took our breath away whenever we were out to look around).

You know you’re in Ireland:

1. When all the ‘shout outs’ on the Radio are to children making their first communion and confirmation
2. Every town has a memorial to some battle or uprising against the English
3. You can find an Irish pub which is genuine – you can have a morning coffee with two blokes at the bar having a Guinness
4. People can say ‘Jesus’ or ‘Jesus, Mary and Joseph’ in the conversation and it sounds normal
5. ‘Fook’ doesn’t sound like a swear word

Donegal is back on the Wild Atlantic Way and so tomorrow we will check out more rugged coast lines.

Love to all.

S&E