I am on a bus from Cork to Dublin with my Dad after of week of exploring the south of Ireland. After spending a few days in Dublin, we headed to Killarney for a few days and then to Cobh near Cork. Traveling by bus and train has its challenges, but has been manageable. I have a love/hate relationship with organized tours, however. They are relaxing with someone else driving, but it is frustrating to pass by things that you would stop to explore if you had your own car.
The local people have been unbelievably kind, but it has been an adjustment getting used to doing things on “Irish time” as they move at their own slow and easy pace. I’m struck, as I was on my last visit, at the amazing cruelty of the history here and yet the kind and easy going nature of the people. Between the castle ruins that Cromwell sacked- to huts abandoned during the famine- to the wall in Belfast separating the Catholics from the Protestants, there is some terrible history here. But there is also much kindness and lots of merriment!
The weather has been beautiful, just one rainy day.
Below are photos from our week’s explore and descriptions are below each photo.
Muckross House in Killarney. I hate the horse carts (for reasons I am happy to relay sometime) so loved seeing bicyclists and bikes for rent.
Charles Fort (1650) near Cork.
Muckross Abbey, Killarney.
Killarney National Park.
Killarney National Park.
Cobh
My Dad at Innisfallen Island monastic ruins. Brian Boru was educated here.
Ross Castle, Killarney
Cobh
Innisfallen Island monastic ruins.
Dad signing the Peace Wall in Belfast.
Titanic Memorial in Belfast.
evaslens 