Kerry Way Day 10 - Sept 18

Kenmare to Killarney

Once again used the baggage transfer to send one pack ahead which worked out to be a good decision.

Spectacular day of walking as we traveled up and north through Windy Gap (no. 2?) before traversing towards Galway's Bridge and into Killarney National Park.

Passed Torc waterfall and to Muckross house where stopped for tea and to get out of a rain squall.

Follow the N71 for the last bit and a stop at the Killarney Brewery on the way to the Neptune Hostel, our home for next two nights.

22 km

Kenmare in the sun after and rainy night

Brief wind and rain squall

Flooded section from yesterday's storm

Entering the park

Scone break

Pass with boardwalks in Killarney National Park

Torc Waterfall

Trail snack - sausage roll from Kenmare

Muckross House

Toasting a great walk at the Killarney Brewing Company

Kerry Way Day 9 - Sept 17

Sneem to Kenmare

This looked to be a long day so we took advantage of our host's offer to transport one of our bags today.  This was a good idea.

The route was similar to yesterday's with a combination of woods and open lands.

After Blackwater Bridge the way drops down to follow the rocky shoreline.

By the time we reached Templenoe the heavens had opened up so we decided to push on directly to Kenmare via the N70 highway rather than the Way itself that looped north.  The highway walking was unpleasant and we were tired, very wet and relieved to arrive at Kenmare and our hostel there.

Changed and set about drying our clothes before venturing out again into the rain for dinner.

30 km

Kerry Way Day 8 - Sept 16

Caherdaniel to Sneem

Lovely quiet walk today. Following for the most part the old coach road.
A few small climbs to passes make things interesting and more walking through woods than on earlier days.

Side detour to see the Staigue Fort.

Last several km joined by our German walking friends Andrea and Mauris.

Upon arriving at Sneem see stopped at the O'Shea pub to re-hydrate and we bumped into our walking buddies.  Fun fact:  Our local pub at home has a photo of O'Shea pub over the urinal.
Checked into the lovely B&B and after a shower and nap off to the Blue Bull for hardy dinner then checked out the other two pubs before a final nightcap back at O'Shea's.   Fun fact -  I had a total of six pints and one whiskey today.

21 km

Leafy tunnels

Pass

Staigue Fort from approximated 200 AD

flower pot folk art

Pretty cottage

Sun and shorts weather!

Entering Sneem

Sneem river through the middle of town

Mid pub crawl

Wool truck

Upper - my photo   Lower - photo in my local pub toilet

Kerry Way Day 7 - Sept 15

Skellig Michael tour day.

http://www.worldheritageireland.ie/skellig-michael

We had purchased tickets for this tour months ahead as there is a limit to the number of visitor per day permitted to this UNESCO site.  Most tour boats leave from Portmagee but ours would leave from the little harbour walking distance from of B&B.  Due to heavy weather forecast for later in the day our trip was rescheduled for earlier in the day and from Portmagee (shorter crossing time).  The captain lived nearby so he picked us up at 0700 hrs for the thirty minute drive to the dock.

Only small twelve passenger boats can make the landing on the island and this combined with the rough seas made for an uncomfortable ninety minute crossing. 

Fascinating two hour visit and then the dreadfully rough ride back.  Our captain gave us a lift back to Caherdaniel and our room in the very cool Traveler's Rest Hostel.  Dinner with some of our German walking friends at the Blind Piper Pub.

If I look green it is because I was 

Must have been sort hermits