Mon, 23 Jun 2003

author Tim	location Glenross Caravan & Camping Park, Glenbeigh, Kerry, Ireland
posted 09:28 BST 24/06/2003	section Europe2002/Europe/Ireland/Ireland 1 ( all photos )

South-West Cork and Kerry ( 23 photos )
Monday was the day to put some serious miles on the clock as we headed around the wonderful coastal landscapes of south-western Cork and Kerry. First was Mizen Head Peninsula, where we drove right down to the lighthouse along some treacherous one-track roads, had a look around the visitor's centre where a great little old Irish guy was playing an accordian and singing folk-songs. We listened for a while, and became charged once again to find a pub doing the traditional music, which has thus far been hard to come across.
Morning tea stop was at a little cafe where they had donkeys and horses in a field which we fed before getting back on the road, heading towards the famous Ring of Kerry via great little towns such as Bantry and Glengarriff.
The Ring was reached through a high mountain pass with tunnels and the like - Liz was having a ball! We joined the ring at Kenmare, where we drove west along the Kenmare River, constantly in awe at the views. The reputation this area has is certainly justified. There's not really words for it, you just have to see it for yourself.
One stop we made was at the 2000 year-old Staigue Fort, 4km of the beaten tourist track up very narrow one-track roads we just managed to squeeze through. The dry-stone fort was built in such a location that you have a great view of the water on the river, but it is almost impossible to see from the river itself.
Pushing ourselves, we viewed most of the ring from the van on our way around, as each little town could have taken a few days of exploration, but the thousands of tourists on coaches really blighted the thought of that. Perhaps next time, off season.
We did stop at one stage at a pub which claimed to have "the most famous view in Ireland". I wouldn't disagree, it was such a wonderful vista over the islands below, and the weather held out well to provide a stunning scene.
The night was spent in the Glenross Caravan and Camping Park, on the outskirts of the town of Glenbeigh. More expensive than we were hoping, it was nice but now it's time to push on - we are aiming for the curiously-titled Kerry Bog Village Museum.

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