Off to Ireland: Part 7!

I have been a bit distracted this week by life, so Ireland posts got delayed.  But now, let's enjoy Kenmare and Ladies View on the Ring of Kerry.

Kenmare, as the sign states, is a market town, a place within a rural area where goods are sold and farmers bring their crops to sell.  

Actually, the main reason our tour stopped in Kenmare (besides the ice cream) was because Kenmare is famous for its lacemaking history.  The Poor Clare Nuns brought lace work to Kenmare in 1861 to create employment for local girls.  Their beautiful lace creations became famous.  If you want to read more about it, here is the link to Kenmare Lace.  We were able to watch a demonstration and hear more about the designs and how it is still a thriving craft in the area.  Sadly, I got no photos, mostly because I was standing in the very back of the presentation area and couldn't see much.

After our quick stop, we jumped on the bus and headed on north and east along the Ring of Kerry.  Our main stop was at Ladies View.  Why Ladies View?  This amazing vista of Lakes of Kerry astounded Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting during the queen's visit to Ireland in 1861.  Of course we had to take a quick hike to the best views.

Then it was back to Killarney through the national park.

And past fields full of grazing sheep.

And Irish barns.

And our day wasn't done by any means.  Great Southern Hotel provided an informal dinner meal (note the Irish brown bread!) and then we walked into the center of town to watch the Celtic Roots show.  

A quick detour to walk past St. Mary's Cathedral

Gaelic music and dancing!  It was amazing!  If you are ever in Killarney, go see them!

Not a great photo...but L and D and I with the singers, dancers and instrument players. (D's photo shared with me)

Early to bed; early to rise.  Because the next day we were off to Cliffs of Moher!