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Farewell to Ireland. We won the travel lottery......no one in the middle seat from Dublin to Toronto!!!
09/06/2026

Farewell to Ireland. We won the travel lottery......no one in the middle seat from Dublin to Toronto!!!

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELANDDAY 13 - Free Day in DublinWell.....final day in Ireland. Today, Melissa and I had a ...
09/06/2026

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELAND
DAY 13 - Free Day in Dublin
Well.....final day in Ireland. Today, Melissa and I had a full, free day to explore Dublin.

We start our day off hopping on a city bus to go to Kilmainham Gaol for a guided tour. Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison in Dublin and one of Ireland’s most important historic sites. Opened in 1796 and closed as a prison in 1924, it is now a museum that tells the story of Irish nationalism, independence, and prison life over more than a century. Its significance comes from the many prominent Irish political figures who were imprisoned there, including Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell, Countess Markievicz, and the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. Fourteen of the Rising’s leaders were executed in the prison, mainly in the Stonebreaker's Yard, making the site a powerful symbol of Ireland’s struggle for independence. It is a very interesting tour.

We then got on the DoDublin Hop-On Hop Off bus (HOHO) to continue our adventures. We walked around Trinity College campus. Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, is Ireland’s oldest university and one of its most prestigious educational institutions. Located in the heart of Dublin, its historic campus blends beautiful Georgian architecture with modern academic facilities. The college is famous for housing the Book of Kells, a richly decorated manuscript created by Celtic monks around the year 800, and the spectacular Long Room, one of the world's most impressive libraries which Melissa and I did not check them out. Over the centuries, Trinity has educated many notable figures and remains a symbol of Ireland’s intellectual, cultural, and literary heritage.

We then hopped over to Merrion Square Park to see the Oscar Wilde Monument. It was unveiled in 1997 and created by sculptor Danny Osborne. It depicts Wilde reclining casually on a large quartz boulder, wearing a colourful jacket made from different types of stone. Nearby are sculptures of his wife, Constance Lloyd, and a pillar featuring quotations from his writings.

Then on the HOHO again to head to the Brazen Pub for lunch. The Brazen Head is one of Dublin's most famous historic pubs and is widely regarded as Ireland's oldest pub. It stands on Lower Bridge Street near the River Liffey and traces its origins to 1198, although the current building dates largely from the 18th century. The pub's stone walls, archways, and cobbled courtyard give visitors a sense of medieval Dublin. Over the centuries, it has been associated with notable Irish figures including Robert Emmet, Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, and Wolfe Tone.

It was time for more exploring so we headed to Christ Church Cathedral. It is Dublin's oldest cathedral and one of the city's most important medieval landmarks. Founded around 1030 by the Viking king Sitric Silkbeard, it began as a wooden church before being rebuilt in stone by the Norman rulers in the 12th century. The cathedral is renowned for its magnificent Gothic architecture, soaring nave, colourful stained-glass windows, and its famous medieval crypt—the largest in Ireland and Britain. We saw the historic "Strongbow" tomb. Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow, was the Anglo-Norman nobleman whose arrival in Ireland in 1170 helped establish Norman influence in the country.

After so much touring around Dublin, our energy was drained so we headed back to the hotel for a couple hours rest before meeting our fellow travellers at the pub next door.

We have an early departure to the airport. It was a great time touring Ireland with my daughter Melissa. Where to next?

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELANDDAY 12 - Kilkenny to DublinFarewell to Kilkenny. I would like to have spent another h...
07/06/2026

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELAND
DAY 12 - Kilkenny to Dublin
Farewell to Kilkenny. I would like to have spent another half day there but adventures must continue. After breakfast, we headed out with our first stop of the day being the Irish National Stud & Gardens. The Irish National Stud is a world-renowned thoroughbred horse breeding centre in County Kildare. Established as the Irish National Stud in 1946 and owned by the Irish state, it is one of the few working stud farms in the world that is open to the public. We saw
saw the retired racing legends in the “Living Legends” paddocks, namely Beef or Salmon....yes that was its name...Hurricane Fly and Faugheen. Beautiful horses. We also saw the mares and the new foals. I could have spent all day petting them. We moved on to see the studs. The stud's purpose is to breed and improve Irish thoroughbred bloodlines, helping maintain Ireland's reputation as one of the world's leading producers of racehorses. We saw the famous Invincible Spirit.

Invincible Spirit (foaled 17 February 1997) is an Irish-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse. As a two-year-old, he won two out of his four races, but as a three-year-old, he only raced twice and was unsuccessful on both occasions. In 2001, he achieved two victories, one of which was his first Group race win in the MacDonagh Boland Stakes. He won the Duke of York Stakes in 2002, and the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup at the end of that year. Following his retirement from racing, he emerged as one of Ireland's prominent stallions, siring notable progeny such as Fleeting Spirit, Kingman, Charm Spirit, Lawman, Mayson and Moonlight Cloud. Invincible Spirit was trained by John Dunlop and owned by Prince A. A. Faisal. At his peak of breeding, his stud fee was about €120,000. We also had a chance to walk through the Japanese Gardens which were very nice.

We moved on to Newbridge to have lunch and tour Newbridge Silverware and the Museum of Style. Founded in 1934, Newbridge Silverware began as a cutlery and silverware manufacturer created to provide employment after the decline of the local military barracks economy. Skilled craftsmen trained by experts from Sheffield helped establish a reputation for quality silver-plated cutlery and tableware. Over the decades, the company expanded into jewellery, giftware and homeware, becoming one of Ireland’s best-known lifestyle brands.

Upstairs is the Museum of Style, established in 2007 after Newbridge Silverware acquired an iconic black Givenchy dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in the film Charade. What began with a single dress grew into one of Europe’s most remarkable collections of fashion and entertainment memorabilia. Today, the museum displays garments and personal items associated with figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Princess Grace. It was a very interesting place to see.

Our next stop was our hotel in Dublin. After a couple hours break, we went to Taylor's Three Rocks for a farewell dinner and a show. It was an amazing evening of very talented dancers, singers and musicians. A wonderful way to end our two-week tour of Ireland.

Tomorrow, Melissa and I have a full day of free time to explore Dublin. Stay tuned ......

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELANDDAY 11 - Dunbrody Famine Ship & WaterfordToday's rainy weather was very fitting for o...
06/06/2026

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELAND
DAY 11 - Dunbrody Famine Ship & Waterford
Today's rainy weather was very fitting for our somber tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross. The Dunbrody Famine Ship is a full-scale replica of an 1840s emmigrant sailing vessel. It was built in 2001 and is permanently moored in New Ross, County Wexford, to commemorate the hundreds of thousands of Irish people who emigrated during the Great Famine. The original Dunbrody carried passengers and cargo between Ireland and North America. During the famine years, many desperate Irish families boarded ships like her seeking a new life in Canada and the United States. Conditions on these voyages were often crowded and difficult, leading such vessels to become known as "coffin ships." The exact number of deaths on the original Dunbrody Famine Ship is not known, but historical records indicate that very few people died aboard the Dunbrody compared with many other famine ships. The ship's operators note that it had an "exceptionally good record" and that its mortality rate was very low, largely due to the care of its captains, John Baldwin and John W. Williams.
One documented voyage in 1847 carried 313 passengers, and only 6 people died during the crossing—a remarkably low figure for the famine era. Many other so-called "coffin ships" suffered death rates of 20% or more, and some voyages lost up to half their passengers. This relatively low death toll is one reason the Dunbrody is often remembered as one of the better-managed emigrant ships of the Great Famine period.

I also saw a couple of beautiful street murals while in New Ross. One was the Cillian Murphy mural just a short walk from the historic Dunbrody Famine Ship. Painted by French street artist Zabou, the artwork depicts his character Bill Furlong from Small Things Like These, which was filmed in the town. Another mural was “Sifter Bile” by German street artist Case Maclaim. The mural depicts Isabel de Clare, daughter of Strongbow and wife of William Marshal. She is shown cradling St Mary's Church, reflecting the local tradition that her heart was buried there. Isabel and William Marshal are credited with founding and developing New Ross in the early 13th century.

Then off to Waterford where we enjoyed a fresh scone and an Irish coffee....well Melissa had the Irish coffee and I had tea at the Granville Hotel. Dating from the early 1700s, the Granville Hotel is one of Ireland's oldest hotels. It was the birthplace of Thomas Francis Meagher, designer of the Irish Tricolour, and later served as the headquarters of Ireland's first public transport system. Restored by the Cusack family in 1979, it remains one of Waterford's most historic and celebrated hotels.

We then met our local guide, Jack, for an hour walking tour where we stopped at some significant historical sites and heard of Waterford's past. Founded by Vikings in 914 AD, Waterford is Ireland's oldest city. It became a major medieval trading centre after the Norman conquest of 1170 and is renowned for its Viking history, ancient walls, and the world-famous Waterford Crystal.

We returned to Kilkenny for a free time. Melissa and I took advantage of the time. We first took a self-guided tour of Kilkenny Castle. Kilkenny Castle was originally built in 1195 by the Norman lord William Marshal to control a strategic crossing of the River Nore and protect the growing town of Kilkenny. For nearly 600 years, the castle was the principal residence of the powerful Butler family, the Earls and later Dukes of Ormond. Over the centuries, it was expanded and transformed from a medieval fortress into a grand Victorian country house, surrounded by extensive parklands and gardens. In 1967, the last Butler owner, Arthur Butler, 6th Marquess of Ormonde, sold the castle to the people of Kilkenny for £50. The castle was subsequently restored and is now one of Ireland's most visited heritage sites.

We then walked to the Black Abbey, one of Kilkenny's oldest and most important religious sites. It was founded in 1225 by the Dominican Order, known as the "Black Friars" because of the black cloaks they wore over their white habits—giving the abbey its name. Despite periods of suppression during the Reformation and Cromwellian era, the abbey survived and was restored in the 19th century. It remains an active place of worship and is renowned for its beautiful architecture and the impressive "Rosary Window," one of Ireland's largest stained-glass windows. It was certainly a beautiful church to visit. I loved the stained-glass windows.

Then further up the hill to visit St. Canice's Cathedral, built between 1202 and 1285 on the site of a 6th-century monastery founded by St Canice. It is one of Ireland's best-preserved medieval cathedrals. Alongside its 9th-century Round Tower, it has been a centre of worship and heritage in Kilkenny for over 800 years. Melissa and I arrived just in time for their organ recital to begin. What an amazing experience to finish our stay in Kilkenny.

Tomorrow we are heading for Dublin.....stay tuned.....

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELANDDAY 10 - Killarney to KilkennyA beautiful, warm day to our journey toward Kilkenny. O...
05/06/2026

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELAND
DAY 10 - Killarney to Kilkenny
A beautiful, warm day to our journey toward Kilkenny. Our first quick stop for coffee was in the Macroom, a historic market town in County Cork, situated on the River Sullane about halfway between Cork City and Killarney. Once the capital of the Muskerry region, it has a long and colourful history dating back to early Christian times and was closely associated with the powerful MacCarthy clan. I bought something delicious strawberries from a market vendor before we headed to the picturesque village of Blarney.

Since I have "kissed the Blarney Stone" at Blarney Castle on previous trips, it was up to Melissa to climb the steps and kiss the stone. Blarney Castle was built nearly 600 years ago by Cormac Laidir MacCarthy, a powerful lord of Munster. The castle is famous worldwide for the Blarney Stone, which, according to legend, grants the “gift of eloquence” to those who kiss it. After a bit of shopping at the Blarney Wool Mill and a quick lunch, we were off to Cahir Castle driving through Cork.

Cork is Ireland's second-largest city and is often called the "Rebel City" because of its long tradition of independence and resistance to authority. The city grew from a monastery founded by Saint Finbarr in the 7th century on marshy islands in the River Lee. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Cork became a major center for shipping, butter exports, and industry. The city played a significant role in Ireland's struggle for independence during the early 20th century, particularly in the Irish War of Independence.

Our next stop was Cahir Castle, one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved medieval castles. We had a guided tour about the history and its clever defences. Built on a rocky island in the River Suir in what is now the town of Cahir, its origins date back to 1142 when Conor O’Brien, King of Thomond, established a fortress on the site. The present stone castle was largely constructed during the 13th century and was designed as a powerful defensive stronghold. In 1375, the castle passed to the influential Butler family, who expanded and strengthened it over the following centuries. Despite being considered nearly impregnable, it was captured by the Earl of Essex after a three-day siege in 1599. The castle later surrendered to forces during the Irish Confederate Wars and again to Oliver Cromwell in 1650. We also saw the impressive antlers displayed in the Great Hall belonging to the Irish Elk (also known as the Giant Irish Deer), an extinct species that lived in Ireland until about 10,000 years ago. The enormous antlers are one of the castle's most memorable features and span nearly 2.7 metres (9 feet) across.

As we continued our journey to Kilkenny, we were able to catch a glimpse of the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most spectacular historic sites, perched on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside. According to legend, it was the seat of the Kings of Munster before being gifted to the Church in 1101. Although I have never been able to visit the Rock of Cashel in any of my visits to Ireland, the site contains a remarkable collection of medieval buildings, including a round tower, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, and a high cross. Closely associated with Saint Patrick, the Rock of Cashel is often called “St. Patrick’s Rock”.

Our final destination for the night is Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval cities, situated on the banks of the River Nore in southeast Ireland. Founded around a monastery established by St. Canice in the 6th century, it later became a major Norman stronghold and an important political centre during the Middle Ages.

Known as the “Marble City” because of its distinctive black limestone, Kilkenny is famous for its medieval streetscape, historic buildings, vibrant arts scene, and strong hurling tradition. I am hoping that there is enough free time after tomorrow's tour to tour Kilkenny Castle, St Canice's Cathedral and walk the Medieval Mile. Stay tuned......

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELANDDAY 9 - Kenmare and Ring of KerryToday we ventured into Kenmare, a picturesque herita...
04/06/2026

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELAND
DAY 9 - Kenmare and Ring of Kerry
Today we ventured into Kenmare, a picturesque heritage town situated between the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula. Founded in 1670, it is known for its colourful streets, traditional Irish charm, excellent food scene, and stunning setting on the shores of Kenmare Bay. Melissa and I first stop in Kenmare was to see Cromwell's Bridge. This stone bridge, despite its name, was likely built before the time of Oliver Cromwell and may date from the late medieval period.
The bridge spans the Roughty River and is one of the oldest bridges in Ireland. Local tradition claims Cromwell's army crossed it during the 1650s, giving rise to its popular name, although there is no firm evidence that Cromwell himself ever visited Kenmare.

Then we walked the lane way that lead us to Kenmare Stone Circle, also known as The Shrubberies. It is one of the largest stone circles in southwest Ireland. Dating from the Bronze Age, approximately 2,500–3,000 years ago, it consists of 15 standing stones arranged in an oval shape around a large central boulder. Archaeologists believe it may have been used for ceremonial, ritual, or astronomical purposes, although its exact function remains unknown. Melissa and I did leave a wish on the Fairy Tree.

Leaving Kenmare, we travelled through Moll's Gap, a scenic mountain pass between Kenmare and Killarney. Sitting at an elevation of about 235 metres (770 feet), we saw spectacular views of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain range, as well as lakes, valleys, and rugged countryside. The pass is named after Moll Kissane, who ran a small shebeen (licensed pub) nearby during the 1820s when the road was being constructed.

After a quick photo stop of Black Valley, we headed to Kissane Sheep Farm for a demonstration of dog herding a small flock of sheep. Kissane Sheep Farm is a traditional family-run mountain sheep farm. The Kissane family has farmed this land for generations, with the farm operating for nearly 200 years. It is home to around 2,000 mountain sheep and hundreds of lambs each spring. They have ten herding dogs. It is always so amazing to see the dogs work and how enthusiastic they are! Today's dog was a four-year old female cross between a border collie and an Australian Kelpie. Despite the pelting downpour during the demonstration, it was wonderful to watch.

We moved on through Killarney National Park, stopping briefly at Ladies View which offered a breathtaking panoramic view of the Lakes of Killarney, the surrounding mountains, and the Black Valley.
The viewpoint was named in 1861 after the ladies-in-waiting accompanying Queen Victoria during her visit to Killarney. They were so captivated by the scenery that the location became known as "Ladies View."

Continuing on to Killarney, we stopped for a photo of 20- metre (66 foor) Torc Waterfalls and after so much rain, it was certainly flowing! It iis fed by the Owengarriff River, which flows down from the nearby mountains and lakes. Surrounded by native woodland, moss-covered rocks, and walking trails, it is one of the most visited natural attractions in the park. According to local legend, the name "Torc" comes from the Irish word for "wild boar." Folklore tells of a man who transformed into a boar each night and was eventually driven into the lake near the mountain.

It was then time for lunch so we went to Muckross House and Gardens. Melissa and I enjoyed a quick lunch before heading Muckross House for a self-guided tour. Muckross House is a magnificent Victorian mansion built between 1839 and 1843 for the Herbert family, one of the wealthiest landowning families in County Kerry. The house became famous when Queen Victoria visited in 1861 during her tour of Ireland. Extensive preparations were made for the royal visit, showcasing the grandeur of the estate and the beauty of Killarney.

The Herbert family's fortunes declined in the late 19th century, and the estate was eventually sold. In 1932, the house and surrounding lands were donated to the Irish nation by Arthur Vincent and Maud Vincent in memory of their daughter, Maureen. This generous gift formed the core of Killarney National Park, Ireland's first national park.

After touring the house, we headed back into Killarney for a bit of a break at the hotel. Tonight's we are going to Quill’s Farm for dinner. I will update this post after we return from dinner.

Update: We have just returned from a great evening at Quill’s Farmhouse. The farmhouse recreates rural life in Ireland during the 1930s and 1940s. We were met by Michael who told us a little about a working farm of the time, introduced us to the farm's two Irish Wolfhounds. We learned how to make butter and tgen we we invited into the authentic farmhouse to enjoy traditional Irish stew, music, and storytelling. A very nice evening.

Tomorrow we leave Killarney and head to Kilkenny for more adventures. Stay tuned.....

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELANDDAY 8 - Slea Head, Di**le PeninsulaAnother typical Ireland weather day.....cloudy, su...
03/06/2026

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELAND
DAY 8 - Slea Head, Di**le Peninsula
Another typical Ireland weather day.....cloudy, sunny, raining, misty, extreme wind.....in other words, another perfect day. Our first stop was beside Aghadoe Church, a historic ruined church located just outside Killarney, perched on a hill with spectacular views over the Lakes of Killarney. The site dates back to an early Christian monastery founded in the 7th century, while the surviving stone ruins mainly date from the 11th and 12th centuries. Melissa and I took in the spectacular view before our adventure continued.

We continued on toward the Di**le Peninsula, enjoying peaceful scenery sprinkled with stores of the area by our guide Tony. One story was as we were driving through the small village of Castlemaine about the Wild Colonial Boy which is a character believed to be based on Jack Donahue, an Irish convict who escaped in Australia and became a famous outlaw. A song portrays him as a brave rebel who challenged colonial authorities, making him a folk hero in both Ireland and Australia. He was belueved to be born in Castlemaine.

Another story was as we drove passed the village of Annascaul about Tom Crean (1877–1938), a renowned Irish explorer who took part in three major Antarctic expeditions. He is best known for his extraordinary courage and endurance, particularly during expeditions led by Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. After returning to Ireland, he opened a pub called the South Pole Inn in Annascaul. Today, he is celebrated as one of Ireland's greatest explorers.

As we continued around the Di**le Peninsula, we were treated to breathtaking views of the North Atlantic Ocean with its cliffs and crashing waters. We also saw a Beehive Hut (Clocháin) which is an ancient dry-stone hut built without mortar, their corbelled roofs creating the distinctive beehive shape. Many date from the early Christian period and were used as dwellings by monks and farming families.

We stopped to see the Fertility Standing Stone, an ancient standing stone that local folklore associates with fertility and good luck. Tradition says that touching or embracing the stone may bring fertility, although there is no historical evidence for this belief. The stone is thought to date back to prehistoric times and is one of many ancient monuments scattered across the peninsula, reflecting the area's rich archaeological heritage.

Near the stone, we saw the coastline and islands associated with the filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The nearby island of Skellig Michael was used as the planet Ahch-To, where Luke Skywalker lived in exile and trained Rey. The dramatic rocky island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies about 12 km off the Kerry coast and can often be seen from viewpoints along Slea Head on a clear day.

After rounding Di**le Peninsula, we stopped in Di**le for lunch and a bit of a look around. Melissa and I stopped for fish and chips at Harrington's Family Restaurant then popped up the street to Murphys Ice Cream for dessert. We enjoyed the favours of Irish Brown Bread ice cream as well as Di**le Sea Salt ice cream. We even managed to look around a bit before boarding the bus just moments before it poured rain. Some of our fellow travellers were not so lucky.

Then we journeyed back to our hotel in Killarney for a bit of a rest before we head out again for a pint and a bit of craic. More fun tomorrow.....stay tuned!

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELANDDAY 7 - Limerick to KillarneyLast night Melissa and I enjoyed an evening of good food...
02/06/2026

JO'S NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE - IRELAND
DAY 7 - Limerick to Killarney
Last night Melissa and I enjoyed an evening of good food and entertainment at the medieval dinner at Knappogue Castle. Knappogue Castle is a beautifully restored 15th-century tower house near Quin, County Clare. Built in 1467 by the MacNamara clan, it is one of Ireland's finest examples of a medieval castle. Surrounded by rolling countryside and formal gardens, the castle is renowned for its historic architecture, elegant interiors, and its long tradition of hosting medieval banquets featuring Irish music and storytelling. Yesterday we also visited Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. It was a gusty, rainy day but very enjoyable. I only posted all the pictures yesterday.

Today we stopped for a visit in Limerick, one of Ireland's oldest cities, situated on the banks of the River Shannon, the country's longest river. Limerick was founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. It grew into an important medieval and trading centre and is known for its rich history, Georgian architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. We saw King John's Castle and the historic Treaty Stone, and St. Michael's Catholic Church. St Michael's is one of the oldest and most historically significant Catholic churches in Limerick. It serves one of Limerick's original medieval parishes, with roots dating back to the early 13th century.

Then off we went to visit Adare often regarded as one of Ireland's prettiest villages. It is famous for its charming thatched cottages, historic buildings, and picturesque streetscape. Situated on the banks of the River Maigue, Adare has a rich heritage dating back to medieval times. We were able to take a peek in the Holy Trinity Church, a beautiful medieval church that began as a Trinitarian abbey in the 13th century, the only one of its kind in Ireland. After falling into ruin following the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1500s, it was restored in the 19th century and became the local Catholic parish church. Today, it is known for its historic stonework, impressive tower, and blend of medieval and Gothic Revival architecture. We were unable to go inside as there was a funeral service on.

We did see the iconic thatched cottages of Adare which date mainly from the 19th century. They were built for estate workers under the patronage of the Earls of Dunraven. With their whitewashed walls, colourful gardens, and traditional straw roofs, the cottages give Adare its distinctive charm and have helped earn it a reputation as one of Ireland's prettiest villages.

After a quick lunch, we headed for Killarney where we will stay for next three nights. We drove through the area of Rathkeale where our guide told us about the Tinkers / Travellers / Gypsies. Rathkeale has long been an important centre for the Irish Traveller community, many of whom have family roots in the area stretching back generations. Historically, Travellers earned their living through trades such as tinsmithing, horse dealing, seasonal farm work, and trading. The Traveller community forms an important part of the town's history and identity.

We arrived in Killarney and immediately took a lovely jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park with Johnny the driver and Tilley, the horse, stopping off for a quick look at Ross Castle. Killarney National Park is Ireland's first national park, established in 1932 when the Muckross Estate was donated to the state. It was a nice journey through a very small portion of the park. We saw a Japanese Sika deer which is a non-native species introduced from Japan. Following their introduction to County Wicklow, deer were subsequently moved to enclosed estates across the country, including Muckross in Killarney in 1865. Many escaped during the Irish Civil War in the early 1900s and established thriving wild populations. We also saw a herd of the rare Irish breed called Kerry Cows whose milk is used to make Kerrygold butter.

The Johnny and Tilley took us to our hotel where we checked in and relaxed until dinner in the hotel. Tonight's optional event is to see Celtic Steps, an award-winning Irish music, song, and dance performance. The show features talented local performers, including world champion dancers and accomplished traditional musicians, celebrating Ireland's rich cultural heritage through lively jigs, reels, ballads, and storytelling. I look forward to seeing this show again. It is very good.

So that was our day. More adventures tomorrow......stay tuned.....

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