Killarney

Nice riding day today... Waterville to Killarney.  We traveled a back road that wasn't too busy which was really nice considering the narrowness of the roads!  I didn't take too many riding pictures today, as we were kind of on a mission to get from point A to point B.  We had our toughest hill to climb on this ride.  At one point, there was an 19% grade.  I wouldn't know as I had to stay focused in order to stay on my bike!

We stopped at the bottom of the hill in a small town with 1 pub for lunch.  Only in Ireland would they have a pulpit in the middle of the bar!  I guess they were thinking just like Jesus.......go where the people are!  Mitch's sermon was short and sweet, "Take courage, only one more big hill before we arrive."  HA!

 

 Absolutely loved finding this gem right in the middle of nowhere on our ride!  GORGEOUS!

 

 

 

KILLARNEY

 

Here are ten fact about the place described as ‘Heaven’s reflex’ by local poets.

 

1. Killarney means 'Church of the Blackthorn’ and nobody is quite sure why.

2. Immaculately kept it was voted Ireland’s tidiest town in 2011.

3. It was first made popular by Queen Victoria who visited Killarney in 1861 staying at Muckross House.

4.  Killarney is included in many popular songs , most famously ‘Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ra’ which Bing Crosby sang in ‘Going My Way’ in 1944. ‘Christmas in Killarney’ is another perennial favorite from the music hall era.

5. With the exception of Dublin there are more hotel beds in Killarney than in any other town or city in Ireland.

6. Actor Micheal Fassbender is the most famous local resident. Though born in Germany he moved there as a young child with his  parents who took up work there running a restaurant. 

7.There was a major dispute recently over jaunting car drivers refusing to have their horses wear diapers to stop dung on the streets. Eventually the jarveys gave in after ongoing protests.

8.Ireland’s highest mountain Carrauntoohill 3,400 feet is nearby ringing the majestic lakes of Killarney. Some say it would be even higher if it wasn’t set in a depression

9.Ireland’s greatest gaelic footballer, today is Colm ‘Gooch’ Cooper a native of the town and captain of theKerry football team.

10. Ireland’s first talking film "The Dawn" , was filmed, scripted and acted in Killarney and based on a War of Independence story. They recently reshowed it on the 75th anniversary and had to turn hundreds away.

Our hotel was about 1 mile and a half from the center of town.  We decided to walk to dinner instead of taking a taxi.  Such a cute town!

We wanted to take in some Irish music and had a fun night at Courtney's Pub!

Tomorrow is kind of an "on your own" day.  Some people are riding horses, some are riding the horse and carriage, some will shop, and some will ride their bikes for the last time.  We will decide in the morning!