Ring Of Kerry

Our first of two consecutive Pit Days (I know, what were we thinking) had us driving a full loop of the Ring of Kerry plus the less traveled Skellig Ring at the very west end of the Iveragh Peninsula. Sadly the weather didn’t cooperate and we experienced a rainy, cloudy, grey day which detracted somewhat from the natural beauty of the area.

We knew in advance that the large touring coaches must travel counterclockwise hence our route was the opposite. Thus you go through Killarney National Park to get to the true start point at Kenmare. It’s 135 miles (217 Kms) to do the loop plus we tacked on another couple of hours on the Skellig Ring.

The map labels the Ring an “N” level road which normally means a modestly wide, two lane affair, minus, of course, any shoulders. With Peter at the wheel we would beg to differ as it was anything but normal. Lots of twists, blind corners and sections where there was a lot of collective breath holding.

With the rain, wind and clouds our photo ops were limited at first so we did the next best thing.

The land is rugged and rocky. Rock walls and abandoned stone buildings abound and one can only imagine the labour it took to create them.

Without the sunshine it’s a cold bleak landscape in places.

In the mist you can see Skellig Michael which was home to monastery beginning in the 6th century. Little Skellig appears beside it. The monks lived in bee hive style rock dwellings and somehow survived as an order on the island for more than 500 years.

Then it was on to the Sellig Ring which is the very western tip of the peninsula. No bus allowed! Still the one lane road meant pulling off into tiny spaces in the hedge or backing up to let a car come past. Peter was a pro.

The Kerry Cliffs were spectacular. We climbed to the highest point to get the best views.

Back in the car for the harrowing journey (nearly exchanged outside mirrors with one oncoming car) through Portmagee and onto the “big” ring and home to Killarney.

Dinner in an Irish pub and a whiskey tasting thereafter. Mind boggling choices from 1,600 different bottles.

Touring the Dingle Peninsula tomorrow including a big dinner celebration for Peter’s birthday.