Day 6 Killarney - Muckross House

500+ yr old cedar tree

We spent most of our day at Muckross House and Gardens just outside Killarney on the edge of the National Park. It is a Victorian Mansion built in 1843 and lived in until 1933 at which time it and the 11,000 acres that go with it were donated to the Irish government. It was made Ireland's first National Park. We went inside and got our tour time at 12:40 and since it was only 11:30 we decided to take the jaunting car (horse & buggy) ride while we waited since we had spoke with the guys on the way in and found out their ride lasts 1 hour. The ride went around by the lake and up to Torc waterfall. While walking up the 10 minute trail to the falls we kept an eye out for fairies or leprechauns because there had to be some hiding in that enchanting forest. Our jaunting car driver told us we would be sure to see a leprechaun if we drank lots of Guiness.

The jaunting car ride got us back to the house just in time for our guided tour. No pictures were allowed inside but the house was stunning. Waterford Crystal chandeliers were everywhere. The dining room featured the most gorgeous buffet hand carved in Italy taking 4 years to make. There is a 3 ton pool table that was impressive.

After the house visit we stroll through the gardens which were breathtaking. The rhododendrons were 15-20 ft tall and in full bloom! At one spot on the trail in the woods there were several “trees” that were dropping their blooms and the ground was covered by a carpet of petals.

Karen, you will be glad to hear we got back in time for an hour power nap before dinner. I am trying to take it easy on everyone, but there is so much beauty to see in Ireland we are all dragging. We had a wonderful Italian dinner. Everywhere we have eaten has been really good with great service.

After dinner Harry and Diann stay on High St to do a little shopping in the few stores that are open late. While doing so the shop owner turned out all the lights as a funeral procession passed, as did all the other stores in town. There was a long line of mourners walking and following the hearse. What a great way to show respect. They found out a 23 yr old boy had died in a one vehicle car accident. As we came back into town this evening we had noticed a line of people 3-4 blocks long and 5-6 people deep, the sidewalk filled completely and now we know why.

Because we were not going to have enough time to do the Gap of Dunloe during the day where you take a trap through the gap (horse and buggy) and boat trip across the lakes back to town we decided to see it by driving through. You can only drive on the gap after 6 pm because of all the foot and horse traffic during the day. It is a very narrow 3 mile trek. After we got through the gap we decided to go on out the other side. I had read mixed reviews about doing this as it is a fairly long, very narrow road. It turned out to be a very scenic choice and darkness fell about the time we got back to the main road. It was another “nice day”.