Once we landed in Shannon, everything came together really quickly. We met up with our driver, our luggage was waiting at baggage claim, and then just like that we were on the road headed south. We weren't sure if we were going to be able to meet up with the rest of our group for the day's festivities or not. But our drivers got it worked out and the group waited a bit for us. We went straight from the airport to the jaunting cars. What a happy reunion in that parking lot! I had not seen my brother in over a year- and his travel story rivaled ours, for sure (he came all the way from New Zealand). Our guides got us divided and situated into the traps and we were off. It was a terrific way to kick off what would be a magical week.
We took the horse and trap tour through the Gap of Dunloe. This is a narrow, winding pass that snakes between the Macgillycuddy Reeks and the Purple Mountain. There are several lakes along the way all connected by the River Loe. It is wild and beautiful countryside - full of craggily rocks and lush grass. Two of the trappers that drove our group are brothers and it was very entertaining listening to them holler at each other in a language that was half English and half Irish (Gaelic). The jaunting car ride itself was quite... jaunty. I like to think it helped me pass my kidney stone that much faster. But the views along the way were breathtaking.
The road that goes through the gap is only slightly wider than a single lane. It is not restricted to any kind of traffic. We were headed up late in the afternoon- probably one of the last groups- and got to pass by everyone coming back. It got a little crowded one or two times.
This is the actual gap. It was slow going up that pass. A lot of the adults got out of the traps and walked a bit to give the horses a break.
The gap from the other side.
Once through the divide, we were headed down into the Black Valley and then into Killarney National Park. Going through the Black Valley, we drove past a little village of about 60 people. It is where most of the trappers live who drive the Gap of Dunloe tours. Cori and I both have strong feelings that we could be completely happy living in such a place.
Once inside Killarney National Park, we disembarked the traps at Lord Brandon's Cottage for the next leg of our journey.
The miracle of jet lag. It was the bumpiest ride and that baby boy fell right asleep!
Two of our three trappers. The third carriage was being pulled by a stubborn pony who had decided he was done for the day. They came in a little behind the rest. But we enjoyed waiting for them at the bridge.
At Lord Brandon's Cottage we jumped on a boat to tour the lakes. The bikes at the bow of the boat belong to a couple who had missed their bus ride back to Killarney. They struck it up with our boatman before we got there and
The boatman has lived his whole life here and his father owns the little business that runs these tours. He knew so much about the history, ecology, and geology of this beautiful piece of the planet.
Jeffery figured out how to blow the emergency whistles on the life jackets. It made the last 20 minutes of the tour festive.
And then there it was. Ross Castle!
Ross Castle is a tower house and military keep that was built in the late 1400's. It was one of the last strongholds to fall to the Cromwellian forces during the Irish Confederate Wars. It is in ruins and pretty locked up. But it was interesting to wander around and the children found lots of things to climb on.
We met up with our driver and made the short drive back to the Priory for dinner and an early bed time. It was a perfect first day in Ireland.
1 comment:
I am insanely jealous of your trip! Looks so amazing! You got some beautiful photos Jesse! Definitely need to make a photo book of all your photos. Absolutely gorgeous!
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