More Crazy Driving--Kinsale to Kenmare via Killarney

OK, so at some point I will stop going on about the driving but our trip from Kinsale to Kenmare, via Killarney was quite the experience. Fritz started us off and based on our SAT NAV and very animated, high-speed, verbal instructions from Donie which included lots of references to pubs, hedges, T-junctions and round-abouts, we set off cross country for Killarney. Needless to say that there wasn't a motorway anywhere in the mix and Tom became quite calm with his "you're in the bushes on this side" comments. To be fair, the roads were narrow at their best, un-lined, very winding, and prone to oncoming tractors or crazed Irish drivers practicing for the Grand Prix.

We made it to Muckross House just in time for a guided tour of the beautiful Victorian Home. There was no photography allowed inside and, we were too dazed at making it there in one piece that, none of us gathered our wits enough to get so much as a photo of the outside. Just imagine Downton Abbey on a smaller scale, surrounded by scenery from Monarch of the Glen! If you are not familiar with these two British Classics then you need to expand your horizons!

From there we traveled to the town center of nearby Killarney, negotiated the city car park, and set off in search of a cafe. Fully restored with Tea and Scones we went to see the under-restoration Killarney House. 

This property belonged to family friends of the Kearney's until it was donated to Ireland in the 1970's. Once again we seem to be off on our timing as it looks like a very nice place to have been invited to tea!

Returning to the road with Tom at the wheel I affixed the "L" plates purchased in a tobacconists to the front and rear windows. I really think that these should be standard issue by car rental companies for "right-side" drivers. They signify "learner" driver and we noticed right away that other drivers cut us some slack, and pedestrians were just a little more careful not to step in front of us. We have taken to waving at others with "L" plates, especially the guy who plastered his smack dab in the middle of the bonnet (hood)!

The 20 kilometers between Killarney and Kenmare (do you think the Irish provided their alphabet to Hawaii?) was driven on part of the 120km Ring of Kerry--or as we referred to it Death Wish Highway. We were traveling the opposite direction as the motor coaches, and they like their half of the road out of the middle. One coach came barrelling around a blind corner, in the middle of the road, and caused us to swerve off the edge of the road--luckily there was no wall right there. Add to the fact that the road is windy, has no shoulders, and has incredible views where people just stop randomly to admire the scenery, and we were nearly nervous wrecks when we arrived in Kenmare. 

Kenmare Main Street

When we finally located our B & B (another long story involving the fact that few roads here actually have road signs) we were delighted to discover that Anne, Francie's sister, had arranged for a bottle of wine and hors d'oeuvres to be provided for Francie's birthday, which is tomorrow. You have never seen four more grateful individuals! It was delicious and we ate every bite. 

We actually topped off the night in Kenmare listening to some fabulous Irish tunes, to which we sang along as if we knew the words, and drinking some delicious Irish brews which we have taken to as fish to water.

Strolling back to our car we spied the following property in an Estate Agent's window--11 bedroom estate on the sea with spectacular views and a beautiful conservatory.  We think you can get there without driving on the Ring of Kerry. Any takers?