Saturday, August 5, 2023 – Killarney and Killarney National Park
We stayed two nights in Kenmare, which gave us a day to explore without packing up, checking out, and moving to a new hotel. Our Saturday agenda took us from Kenmare to Killarney and through the stunning Killarney National Park, with several stops along the way.
The day started with truly Irish experience: misty rain and a full, bright rainbow. Driving through a lush green valley, we spotted a magnificent arc of colors stretching across the horizon. We pulled over to snap pictures and marvel. It was the kind of scene you imagine on a postcard—pure Ireland.
Our next stop was the main visitor area of Killarney National Park, where we explored the Muckross House and Gardens and strolled along the shores of Muckross Lake. A hike to Torc Waterfall followed, complete with the soothing sound of cascading water and the earthy scent of the forest after a rain.
In Killarney, we wandered through the bustling town center, indulged in Murphy’s Ice Cream, and naturally found ourselves in a pub for a Guinness. No day in Ireland would be complete without one.
Back in Kenmare, the rain held off, and our energy levels were far better than the previous evening. We decided to take a leisurely 15-minute walk into town. Compared to Killarney’s buzz, Kenmare felt like a calm oasis. We don’t usually shop much when we travel, but the Weavers of Ireland drew us in with its colorful display of wool sweaters and hats. Chrissy fell in love with a sweater and hat. She got them both and I’m glad she did—they look great on her, and she insists they’re as comfy as they look.
We wandered around Kenmare’s charming triangular town center, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. Dinner was another quintessential Irish experience: a hearty meal, a pint of Guinness, and a cozy pub. Feeling perfectly content, we walked back to the hotel to call it a night.
One surprise highlight of the evening came from the hotel itself, which had a cozy nook with fully stocked bookshelves. There was no sign explaining the setup, but it seemed to operate on a “take one, leave one” system. Since my reading life has gone mostly digital, I didn’t have a book to leave. But I did borrow one for the evening: Ireland by Frank Delaney.
The book is historical fiction, weaving Ireland’s rich history through a series of interconnected stories told by characters spanning generations. Delaney, born in Ireland and later based in New York, published this gem in 2005. I started it that night, got hooked, and bought a digital copy to finish.
Reading Ireland during the trip added a whole new dimension to our travels. Many of the places we visited appeared in its pages, their significance coming to life through the book’s storytelling. It was a joy to read, though I couldn’t help but wish I’d discovered it earlier—it would have inspired a few more stops along the way. Then again, it’s always good to leave something for next time, isn’t it?
Where Are We Going Now? 