Hore Abbey is a monastery ruins near the Rock of Cashel and while it is really nothing spectacular in itself, it is very beautiful viewed from above at the Rock of Cashel. There is no guided tour or visitors centre but anyone can walk around inside. If you are at the Rock of Cashel, it’s certainly worth a stop by for some photos.
Dramatic is one word I would use to describe this place. An imposing structure perched high on the “rock” with sweeping views of the countryside all around. The “Rock” of Cashel is not really a rock at all however but a steep green hill with limestone outcrops. At the top is a stone fortress that includes a 13th Century Gothic cathedral, a 12th Century Romanesque chapel, and a stone round tower. There is also a […]
Yes it’s probably the most touristy thing in Ireland….Yes it’s overpriced……Yes it’s probably unhealthy and a wee bit gross kissing a piece of stone that hundreds of others have put their mouths to just that day – but do it anyway! It’s fun being part of a tradition so special and the castle itself and the grounds are actually very beautiful to meander around. There are also a couple of great pubs around the town […]
Kinsale is a colorful old fishing village on the south west coast. It’s a popular destination not only for tourists but for the Irish as well. We didn’t partake in any of the golf, yachting or fishing which is the biggest draw here but instead spent most of our time in the harbour area. There are so many artsy shops and pubs as well as some very nice restaurants and Kinsale has even been hailed […]
We stopped at Killarney National Park on our drive from The Dingle to Kinsale. Again, a sunny and unseasonably warm day, great for a little hiking. What an absolutely amazing park. From the lake with the mountains (McGillycuddy’s Reeks) as it’s backdrop to Torc Waterfall to Muckross House with its beautiful gardens and unbelievably big azalea bushes, I was really wishing we had allotted more time to spend here. I especially would have loved to […]
While this is on the Dingle Peninsula which I have already posted about, I feel that this was such a fascinating place that it deserved a blog spot all its own. Sitting silently on the side of a beautiful, rising slope in the middle of a pasture – and guarded by nothing more than sheep and cattle – this remarkable stone church is impressive and awe-inspiring. From an architectural perspective, it’s crazy. Built entirely of hand-placed […]
Going on our sixth straight day of sunshine and mild temps which is almost unheard of in Ireland. But we certainly didn’t look that gift Connemara horse in the mouth as it was a great day to drive “The Dingle”. Supposedly a half day drive, we planned on the whole day as I was sure we’d be stopping more than the average tourist to take pictures. Many people question which is the better drive…The Dingle […]
If you are driving into Dingle, there are only two roads that will take you onto the peninsula: the N86 and the R561. The N86 is the northern most, coming from Tralee, and to take the Conor Pass drive you’ll want to exit at the village of Camp. Be aware that the drive has narrow, one lane, twisting roads and large vehicles like campers and trucks are restricted from taking the route. Once you start […]