When I’ve been asked about my trip to Ireland, the first word that comes to my mind has been “charming.” And while that has been my summation of my full trip, it’s also the first word that comes to mind when I recall my visit to Killarney.
The town is in the southwestern part of the country and was our homebase for touring around the Ring of Kerry. Colorful shops and dining were all within walking distance from my beautiful hotel, complete with blooming flowers draped over the signage (the above pic was not my hotel, but just one of the alluring buildings I passed). One afternoon, I stopped to get a highly recommended Murphy’s ice cream (I think I had the chocolate whiskey paired with the sea salt at the server’s recommendation). I took my ice cream and strolled through the town towards St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Note: the recommendation was a good one. Thie ice cream was delicious.
With my ice cream finished, and a very short walk through a small part of Killarney National Park with an entrance fortuitously located across the street, I wandered into the quiet of the Cathedral. There were very few people inside that afternoon, the quiet then inviting a soft peace to the space under soaring arches. It was a much different experience than the full rooms at Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and one of those reminders of why exploring can offer such rewarding moments.
I only had time for what I’d consider an introduction to Killarney National Park, first through a guided tour through a small part and then with a short walk at another entrance before visiting the Cathedral. My tour also drove through a stunning part of the park another day and we stopped to take in the view. On my first visit inside, I was fortunate to see the majestic antlers of one of the famed red deer in the park, and a little bit of the deer itself as it rested in the tall grass.
I think it’s clear that Killarney would stay on my list for my next visit to Ireland. It was a great base to see other parts nearby, like the Ring of Kerry (which I would love to see again), and there’s still so much to explore in the park and nearby, like Muckross Abbey. And of course, exploring more of the park itself.
I’ll wrap up iwth one of my favorite views was a stop in Aghadoe, and I’m sure there’s more to see there if – when – I make another visit. I’m grateful we made a stop here while traveling around and from Killarney. It was worth it.
