Since our friends have a car, we decided to explore Killarney National Park.

Killarney National Park is a huge park of over 10,000 hectares occupying most of the southwest corner of Ireland. It includes mountains, lakes, woodlands, and also a 19th century Victorian mansion and 15th century castle ruins. Some areas can only be reached by boat and some of the roads are only for bicycles and horses. There is a mix of free public areas and paid venues and commercial operations.

We drove to the parking by Muckross House, a mansion with extensive gardens.

We declined the jaunty car ride.

We walked along the lake or lough in Gaelic.

The woodlands area which are being returned to their natural vegetation.

A picturesque stone bridge across a creek.

After a short climb, we reached Torc waterfall.

Not a large waterfall.

Grounds of Muckross House with rhododendrons in the background.

Looked like a wedding party at the House.

Maybe a daisy?

After a snack, we left the Muckross House area and drove along part of the Ring of Kerry road to Ladies’ Viewpoint.

Looking towards Killarney town.

The drive was very windy and narrow and generally motion sickness inducing. We retraced our steps to go to Ross Castle which is near the horse racing grounds and the town.

Tickets were needed to enter the castle.

Parts look re-created.

Good views of the Lake Leane. Tours by boat leave from here.

We returned to the hotel for a few hands of bridge in the upper floor lounge which looked onto the main road.

Dinner at Cronin’s but no photos. After a digestif at McSweeney’s.