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.....