Wanderin' the West

After arriving in Shannon, Ireland and picking up my rental car for the trip, I headed south to Killarney in south western Ireland. A town located on the shores of Lough Leane and Killarney National Park. I spent my first two nights in Killarney. It was great to be back, having spent a bit of time here during my first visit to Ireland in ’06/’07, including the Christmas holiday.

Getting ready to taxi and take off from Boston International to Shannon Ireland. From Shannon Airport, it’s a 2hr drive down to Killarney, Co Kerry.

After getting checked into the Railway Hostel, and some rest, I set out to get re acquainted with Killarney and the surrounding park. It was an enjoyable afternoon to stretch legs after a long flight.

The gardens of the Killarney house.

Walking along the river walk towards Lough Leane and Ross Castle.

First views of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks.

First views of Lough Leane.

Ross Castle. A 15th century castle built on the shores of Lough Leane.

Didn’t quite make it to Ross Castle during my walk.

For my first full day I took a drive up to Molls Gap, a mountain pass along the N71/Ring of Kerry Route. Along the way I stopped a few times to take in the views of the Upper Loughs of Killarney National Park.

Lower section of “Upper Lough”.

Located in CO, Kerry, Ireland, Killarney National Park was the first National Park in Ireland. Created in 1932, when the Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish Free State. The park currently covers 25, 425 acres.

Took a short walk along the “Ring of Kerry” hiking trail.

Old church.

“Ladies view”. So named for the admiration for the view given by Queen Victoria’s Ladies in Waiting during the Queens visit to Ireland in 1861.

Views from Molls Gap.

Checking out the route i’d soon be taking to get to Black Valley.

Molls Gap.

A few more fine views of the Loughs.

Walking around Killarney, Co Kerry.

Guinness is good for you.

End.

After an enjoyable few days in the Black Valley, I left the hostel and headed west through the interior mountains of Kerry. The drive was most enjoyable. So much that I wish I had my 4runner for it instead of the rental car. It took me most of the day to get from Black Valley to Waterville, making my way through the mountains. A most enjoyable day.

After leaving the road from Black Valley, I started the climb up to Top Cross. The oldness that can be found in Ireland is just awesome.

Almost to the top of Top Cross. A fantastic drive.

Looking back towards Black Valley.

Dropping down the west side of Top Cross. Lough Bin in the distance.

Looking back on Top Cross from the main road to Glencar.

Ballaghbeama Gap.

Another great section of road to Waterville.

Looking back towards Ballaghbeama Gap.

Lough Acoose.

Looking east to the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

Ballaghasheen Pass.

Looking west.

Waterville, Co Kerry.

Overlooking the bay from Waterville.

The ocean scares me. But I couldn’t help but walk around and take in the views. It was a beautiful day.

Evening setting in.

Ocean rocks.

Fisherman coming home.

The main street in Waterville.

Walked by this fellow taking in the evening light. A musician from Galway. I thanked him for the image.

Morning light in Waterville.

End.

For my second to last day in Ireland, I had the good fortune of getting out to the Skellig Islands. I’ve known about these island since my first visit, but wasn’t able to get out to them during the winter as they were closed. The Skelligs, two crags seven miles off the mainland of Ireland, are home to not only an abundance of sea birds, but also a 6th century monastic site.

Portmagee, a village on the north western tip of the Iveragh Peninsula (also known as the Ring of Kerry), was named after a 18th century smuggler. Portmagee is one of the access harbors to get to the Skellig Islands. I spent my last two nights in Portmagee. A most enjoyable little village.

Views of Portmagee from the boat.

The last bit of sun we would see for the day.

Little Skellig.

First views of the 6th century monastery site after walking up the almost 600 steps from the boat.

Pics from around the monastery. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, it’s limited on the number of visitors that have access per day. Even on the limitation to visitors and given the sites small size, it was a busy place. I found myself waiting a lot to get the pic I wanted. Even with the crowds, and amazing place to be.

Dedicated to Saint Michael around 1044, the monastery atop the Great Skellig is believed to be from the 6th century.

Six beehive huts can be found at the monastery. It’s believed these huts hosted 12 monks and an abbot.

A bunch of sea birds can be found on the Skelligs. Some of the more well know are the Puffins ( they already left when I was there) and Gannets (up to a six ft wing span).

The fog/mist rolled across the Great Skellig while I was there, adding a wonderful feel.

An east west walkway in the monastery. Each stone has a cross carved into it.

The big scary ocean.

The monks made three different access points to the monastery. The main one used today has almost 600 medieval stone steps. A climb from the dock that takes about a half hour.

More of the stone steps.

A steep climb up and down the steps.

The “Wailing Woman” and Little Skellig.

Back at the harbor.

More steps.

Making our way to Little Skellig.

Birds. Lots and lots of Sea Birds.

Great Skellig in the distance.

Views around the boat as we made out way back to the harbor at Portmagee.

Portmagee harbor.

Portmagee. I took a liking to this little village. The name of the town coming from a notorious smuggler from the 18th century.

Guiness is good for you.

End.

The Gap of Dunloe, located in CO Kerry, is a narrow north-south mountain pass separating MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range to the west and the Purple Mountain Group range to the east. It’s a very popular spot due to the scenery.

The central peak of the MacGillycuddy’s Reaks, Carrauntoohil is Irelands highest peak at 1,039 meters (3,407ft). Carrauntoohil is located in CO Kerry, Ireland.

First views of Carrauntoohil after leaving Cronin’s Yard.

Looking back towards Cronin’s Yard.

I took the loop trail from Cronin’s Yard. Part of it goes through the grass/marsh. Quite muddy in places.

Lough Callee.

Carrauntoohil. I decided against making the climb to the top, being that i’m still a bit out of shape (could have been a bit more active this summer….).

A nice spot along the lough for a rest.

Watched these hikers for a bit.

Looking back at Carrauntoohil while heading back to Cronin’s Yard and the vehicle.

End.

On my last full day in Ireland, I was able to get out to Church Island on Lough Currane in Waterville, CO Kerry. The site is home to a Monk Monastery, believed to have been founded in the 6th century by St. Finan Cam. The church is believed to be from the 12th century.

To get to the island, I meet up with Tom O’Shea from Waterville, CO Kerry for a quick boat ride to the island. I originally planned to spend a good portion of the day on the island but the weather took a turn and was pretty wet. I still got to enjoy some time on the Island and other than a few sheep and Tom hanging out in the boat while I took pics, I had the place to myself.

If your in Waterville, be sure to look Tom up for a boat ride to Church Island. www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com

Headstones around the church.

Exterior of the church. The window is aligned with the Winter Solstice.

Entry way to the church.

Inside.

Comparisons of the symbols suggest that the stones were made in the 11th and 12th century’s.

The church.

Three beehive huts can be found at the other end of the island from the church.

Inside the most intact beehive hut (though the roof was gone).

View of the church from the boat.

Tom and I back on land. He kindly waited in the rain for an hour while I explored the site and took pics.

After Church Island, I headed over to Cahersiveen to check out Ballycarberry Castle. The current ruins of the castle were built in the 16th century. I had been wanting to get back to this spot as I found out that some of the stones on the inside had old inscriptions. Sadly the castle has since been close of to the public and I could only view it from a distance. Last time I visited the site was on x-mas day in 2006. Back then it was still open and you could still get up to the third floor of the castle.

Some exterior pics of Ballycarberry Castle.

Here is a pic from x-mas day in 2006. Just to give an idea of what the interior looks like.

Seems though i’ve had a soft spot for valleys lately.

Porsmork Valley. Iceland, 2017.

Fable Valley, Utah. Pre-Cruise Moab wanderings 2019

Black Valley, Ireland, 2019.

I headed over to Black Valley, just outside of Killarney NP. Some nice high mountain loughs and peaks to enjoy for the next few days. The rain was pretty socked in by the time I got checked into the hostel and out to the loughs for a walk.

More views of the upper loughs above Killarney. This is what’s known as “Ladies View”.

On the narrow road that will take me to the Hostel and Black Valley.

Starting my walk into Black Valley. Windy and rainy but enjoyable!

Walking along the first lough in Black Valley.

Quite the bit of weather for my first visit to Black Valley.

Yours truly.

The drive through the forest before you get to the loughs.

End.

A little delayed in getting pics posted, but here are some from day 1. Sorry for the cell phone pics, as I forgot the cable for the big camera.

It really felt good to be back in Killarney. Took a drive up to Molls Gap, in the mountains above town. The views of the upper lakes above Killarney are still some of my favorite.

On to the pics:

Some good views of the upper lakes.

Stopped to check out a small waterfall along the road. The Ring of Kerry hiking trail passes by here.

Further into the forest. The sun was teasing me, dancing in and out of the clouds while I walked through the forest. Made for some good lighting

I ended up walking along Ring of Kerry hiking trail for a mile or so, hoping it would provide some good views of the lakes. It didn’t.

It did provide some good views of the surrounding mountains:).

Old church along the road.

“Ladies View” of the upper lakes.

Views near Molls Gap.

Where i’ll be heading in a few days:).

Some fine views:).

End.

For the past few years, we’ve done a long weekend trip with the Rising Sun 4×4 Club of Colorado, riding and chasing the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (one of my favorites). Traveling between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO, the tracks cross both state lines 11 times. Chasing vintage steam trains in some old Land Cruisers, it’s just a bunch of fun. And the San Luis Valley, well it doesn’t get much better than that.

The Silbaughs enjoying an evening drive, San Luis Valley, CO.

Mornings preparations. Chama Train Yard. Chama, NM.

Maintenance check, Sublette, NM.

I’ll be the first to admit that i’m ready for a break. Been a long, but crazy ten months (since surgery). Ready to get back to Ireland.