Jasper was located in western Alberta and was completely within Jasper National Park. A major wildfire occurred on July 22nd, 2024. It was started by lightning strikes and it spread rapidly. More than 4,700 residents were forced to evacuate. By August 1st the fire had consumed over 80,300 acres. Jasper lost 1/3 of its buildings. We could see rebuilding as we walked around the town this morning.
One location of temporary housing from fireRebuilding from the fire
We had a tour booked for the morning to visit locations in the Jasper National Park but they emailed late and canceled our tour. After breakfast we took a walk to the tour office but no tours were available! It was chilly this morning so we stopped in a restaurant, The Maligne Range, and ordered hot chocolate or coffee so we could figure out what we were going to do today! The staff was great and offered suggestions.
The Maligne Range
We got tickets to take the Skytram up Whistlers Mountain. It was cloudy this morning but by the time we boarded we saw the sun and blue sky.
Map of the Skytram
Riding the Skytram up Whistlers Mountain
The views from the Upper Station were amazing.
We could see the remnants of the 2024 wildfire that went through Jasper.
We got down from the Skytram and the wind had picked up as the flag below demonstrated. We were the last car down before they suspended the Skytram due to the wind. Who knows how long we would have stayed up there!
Canadian flag at the base of the Skytram
On our way from the base of Whistlers Mountain heading into Jasper we saw elk along the side of the road, both male and female.
We spent some time walking around Jasper. It originally was a railway town. It still had trains passing through. In fact, our hotel room left ear plugs to use if the trains woke us!
Jasper Station
Jasper National Park was a designated UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Heritage Site. The park consisted of 4,335 square miles and it was also Canada’s largest park in the Rocky Mountains.
We really enjoyed our free day in Jasper. For dinner we went back to the restaurant that we stopped at in the morning. Our meals were delicious!
The bus picked us up early to take us to the train station. The bus driver and hostess were the sweetest married couple.
Many of us got our picture taken at the giant gold nugget, pan, shovel and pickaxe! Quesnel was located at the convergence of two rivers. It was named after Jules Maurice Quesnel, clerk to Simon Fraser, one of the first Europeans to explore the area. It grew rapidly during the 1862 Cariboo Gold Rush.
McLeese Lake was located south of Quesnel. It was originally called Mud Lake and then it was renamed to honor Robert McLeese. He was a hotel keeper, store owner, postmaster of Soda Creek for 25 years, owner of a sternwheel river boat, and member of the Legislative Assembly!
McLeese Lake
The Cottonwood River was a tributary of the Fraser River and located in the Cariboo goldfields.
Cottonwood River
Then we passed by Hixon. It was named after the 19th century gold prospector. He led expeditions and discovered gold in the area in 1866. It had about 240 residents.
Fraser River near Hixon
Near Prince George we saw a lot of plywood manufacturing.
The magnificent Rocky Mountains!
Crescent Spur showed evidence of a wildfire. This was from two years ago.
Crescent Spur
Rocky Mountains and the Fraser River
The village of McBride was located near the Fraser River. The Rocky mountains were to the east and the Cariboo mountains to the west.
Not far from McBride we crossed the Raush River which was a tributary of the Fraser River. The Raush River was fed by the Raush Glacier and a couple of nearby creeks.
Raush River
Dunster was a small farming community that we traveled by. It was home to one of the few remaining Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Stations.
Dunster
Valemount was an alpine village that was located at the junction of three mountain ranges: the Rockies, the Monashees, and the Cariboos.
Valemount
Unfortunately when we went by Mt. Robson its peak was covered. It was the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 12,972 feet. It’s a shame it wasn’t a clear day!
Mt. Robson
This evening we said goodbye to the Rocky Mountaineer crew that was with us for the three days we were on the train. They were an awesome crew and treated us like royalty!
Patrycia, Jade, Chase, and Kelly
Rocky Mountaineer
When we got off the train a bus took us to our hotel in Jasper! It was another great day of sightseeing on the train! Tomorrow we have a free day in Jasper!
We were leaving Whistler before sunrise to take a bus to the train station. The full moon was still shining brightly!
Full moon over Whistler
Our bus ride from Whistler to Pemberton station was about thirty minutes. Children that live in the town of about 3,400 come to see the Rocky Mountaineer leave the station. It was so sweet.
On our way to the train station we passed by Green Lake which was located north of Whistler. It was known for its turquoise-green water created by glacial silt flowing from surrounding mountains and Fitzsimmons Creek. The sun wasn’t up over the mountains yet so you can’t really tell how beautiful the water color was.
Green Lake
Our motorcoach traveled past the Nairn Falls Provincial Park that was located near the village of Pemberton. It was situated on the Green River.
Catching the train at Pemberton Station
The sun was rising over the mountains as we traveled along!
It was such magnificent scenery! Below were pictures of Anderson Lake. It was located in the Squamish-Lillooet region of southwestern British Columbia. The lake was 13 miles long and in some areas 700 feet deep!
D’Arcy was a small community located at the southern end of Anderson Lake.
Waterfall in D’Arcy.
In the Squamish-lillooet regional district we saw this beautiful lake.
Seton Lake was an emerald-green, glacially fed freshwater fjord and hydroelectric reservoir. The lake was about 14 miles long and had a maximum depth 1,500 feet.
Seton Lake
In the mountains near the lake we saw some California Big Horn Sheep!
Female California Big Horn Sheep
Crossing the Fraser River near Lillooet.
The district municipality of Lillooet was located on the west bank of the Fraser River. Its population was over 2,300.
Fraser canyon and Lillooet’s baseball field.
The landscape of Fraser Canyon was striking.
Another beautiful waterfall
As we traveled along we passed through Pavilion. It was an unincorporated community whose name dates back to the 1858-1862 gold rush.
Our Rocky Mountaineer crossing through Pavilion.
We watched the sunset from the train.
When we arrived in Quesnel it was dark. It was a long day on the train but the scenery was breathtaking. Tomorrow will be our last day traveling on the Rocky Mountaineer train.
This morning we checked out of our hotel and boarded a bus that would take us to the Rocky Mountaineer. It was exciting to board the train and find our assigned seats!
Part of our group before boarding our car!
We were impressed with the train car, the staff, food and drinks.
Ready to travel on the train.
The seats were so comfortable!
As we began our journey, the staff served mimosas!
We traveled from north Vancouver to Whistler that was located in the Coast mountain. The scenery was gorgeous!
In the tunnel
Our arrival into Whistler was around noon. It was a municipality in British Columbia with over 15,000 permanent residents. Over two million tourists visit each year.
Arriving at the station in Whistler
After checking our carry on bags we boarded a bus to visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center. It’s a First Nations museum where we learned about the Squamish and Lil’wat peoples’ past and present way of life. We had a guide who explained some of the historical artifacts as well as the exhibits from the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.
Some of our group let us know that a black bear was on our hotel’s property. Of course we quickly took a look and then got out of its way.
We spent time walking around the quaint city of Whistler. The Olympics were held here in 2010. Whistler has about 15,000 permanent residents. The fall colors were starting to show. The weather was perfect.
The Whistler Olympic Park was the location of the Nordic and Biathlon events.
After a good night’s sleep and breakfast, we got back on the Hop On Hop Off bus. It was cloudy with some rain but that didn’t hinder us from getting off at the Stanley Park, Prospect Point stop.
Prospect Point
We hiked from Prospect Point down to part of the Vancouver Seawall. It was the the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, over 17 miles. We only walked part of the path!
Hunting for foodCaught a Sea Star
The Brocton Point Lighthouse was a historic landmark on the eastern tip of Stanley Park and was built in 1914. It was a white tower with a signature red band and its supports were arches where the lower Seawall path runs through it! It was deactivated in 2005.
Brockton Point Lighthouse
Looking across Burrard Inlet to downtown
We walked by the Lion’s Gate Bridge that officially opened in 1938. It was a historic suspension bridge that was built during the Great Depression by the Guinness Family. The bridge spans Burrard Inlet and connects downtown Vancouver to West Vancouver.
Lion’s Gate Bridge
Eerie view of Vancouver
After our morning walk we needed to get back to our hotel to get ready for our afternoon excursion. We booked a “Granite Falls Zodiac” tour. It was raining when we arrived at our meeting point. They had us get fitted with a warming suit to wear over our clothes and we were also provided with a disposable poncho to wear over our warming suit.
Our zodiac captain was James. The four of us were the only passengers on the tour!
Our zodiacOur guide and captain, James
When we walked to the zodiac we felt like “teletubbies”! ⬇️
On the zodiac
As we left the marina, a harbor seal followed us for a short time.
Harbor Seal
Siwash Rock
This rock outcropping has a legend among the indigenous Squamish people. It was a basalt sea stack that formed around 32 million years ago. Molten magma pushed up through a crack. The Squamish legend was about a man who was transformed into stone by the transformers as an indestructable monument to clean fatherhood and unselfishness. It was also called by early European mariners called it Nine Pin Rock because its shape resembled a bowling pin.
Prospect Point Lighthouse
We passed by the Prospect Point Lighthouse. It was a historic landmark located on the northern tip of Stanley Park. This current structure was built in 1948 and it’s a square cement tower with a red horizontal stripe.
Some cruise ships were in port as we left the Burrard Inlet.
Cruise ships docked in the port.
The drizzle stopped and our zodiac ride was comfortable. James took us by harbor seals that were relaxing on some logs.
We traveled into the Indian Arm fjord. It was created by glaciers during the Ice Age. It was flanked by the North Shore mountains that were very steep. There were no bridges or roads that cross it.
We saw several waterfalls as we went through the fjord. Granite Falls cascaded down the mountain and we saw some kayakers that had set up camp at the base of the falls.
Granite Falls
Below was the private Wigwam Inn with a waterfall up the mountain. You could only reach this by boat. There were no roads in this remote area of the Indian Arm.
A couple more waterfalls that we saw on our ride.
The historic Buntzen hydroelectric powerhouses were built in the early 1900s. They were located on private property that was owned by BC Hydro. The Buntzen Power Station #1 was still functional but #2 was shut down some twenty-plus years ago.
Buntzen Power Station #1Buntzen Power Station #2
A pair of bald eagles were hanging out on two neighboring trees.
Bald Eagles
Our ride lasted longer than advertised and we were thrilled to have extra time on the water. James took us up to the dry dock area where a yacht was being updated.
Yacht in dry dock
It was a beautiful sunset as we traveled through the Port of Vancouver.
The lights of Vancouver looked beautiful as we headed back to the marina.
What a way to spend an afternoon and early evening!
Rise and shine at 3:00 AM for a 4:00 AM pick up to head to the airport. Eighteen out of twenty passengers flew out of Columbus. We met our last two passengers in Vancouver!
We left Columbus for Chicago and had a quick turn around for our flight to Vancouver. Our flights weren’t delayed and we arrived in Canada late morning. The Vancouver airport was beautiful.
Photo credit: Linda R.
After collecting our luggage we waited for our bus for the drive to our hotel. We were fortunate because our rooms were ready. We dropped our luggage and went to the Italian restaurant attached to our hotel for a delicious lunch/dinner! No meals were served on our four and a half hour flight from Chicago so we were very hungry and with the time change it was close to our dinner time.
The lobby of the Georgian Court HotelFrankie’s Italian Restaurant
Our hotel was located across the street from the BC Place. It was a multi-purpose stadium. It was the current home to the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League, Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer, Canada Sevens, part of the World Rugby Sevens Series and the BC Sports Hall of Fame.
BC Place in Vancouver
We purchased Hop On Hop Off Tickets and walked to the closest stop to tour the city. It was a rainy afternoon and the bus was covered! It was a great way to see the city.
Vancouver Public LibraryFlame for the 2010 Olympics held in Vancouver
Located in the historic Gastown neighborhood was the Gastown Steam clock. It was built in 1977 by horologist Raymond Saunders. There were underneath steam pipes connected to a generating plant. This system provided heat to most of the downtown core and provided the steam for the whistles of the Gastown Steam Clock.
Gastown Steam Clock
Once we finished the loop we had a good idea of how to spend our free day tomorrow!
We were exhausted from a long day of travel and sightseeing so we headed to our room to relax and then to sleep!
Today is our last full day in Ireland. We leave Killarney this morning and head to Kilkenny with stops along the way. It was a gorgeous day!
Waiting on Martin and our van!
There was beautiful scenery as we drove East.
Our first stop was at Bailick Park in Midleton.
Bailick Park
Here we visited the Kindred Spirits Monument. It is a tribute sculpture to the generosity of the Choctaw Nation and how they helped the Irish People during the Great Famine. In 1847, the worst year of the famine in Ireland, close to a million people were starving. The Choctaw Native Americans raised $170.00 of their own money which would equal thousands of dollars today in aid to supply food for the starving Irish.
The monument stands in the park as a tribute to the tribe’s charity during the famine. It represents a great moment of compassion, strength and unity. The artist was Alex Pentak and it was unveiled in 2015. The monument consists of nine 20-foot stainless steel feathers, shaped into an empty bow. Not two feathers are identical.
Kindred Spirits
We made a stop at the Jameson Irish Whiskey distillery in Midleton.
Midleton Distillery Experience
Since closing the distillery in Dublin, Ireland all of Jameson Irish Whiskey is produced in Midleton. It is a 15 acre site. We didn’t take a tour but we had time to look around the entrance and shop in the store!
We made a stop in Cork. It is the second largest city in Ireland. It is located at the head of Cork Harbour on the River Lee in southwest Ireland.
Rowers on the River Lee.
Cork’s city center is flat but as soon as you leave the central hub it is very hilly.
We visited the English Market that opened in 1788 and it is one of the oldest municipal markets around today.
English Market
In 1980 it had a fire and nothing was left except the exterior red brick walls and a decorated fountain.
Decorative Fountain in the English Market
This huge indoor market sells a large variety of fresh meats, fish, dairy, produce, flowers and more. Famous people have visited including the late Queen Elizabeth II!
Across from the Market was the Bishop Lucey Park or the “People’s Park”. The main gates at the park were moved from Cork’s corn market to this location.
Main Gates of the park.
Berwick Fountain was erected in 1860 by Walter Berwick who was well an important figure in the Cork judiciary system.
Berwick Fountain
The National Monument is located on the Grand Parade in Cork. It was built to honor the memory of the men and women who took part in the rebellions against the Crown in 1798, 1803, 1848, and 1867. It was unveiled in 1906.
The National Monument
The four statues on the monument portray Wolfe Tone who was the Leader of the 1798 Rebellion, Michael Dwyer who was part of the 1798 Rebellion, Thomas Davis who was part of the Young Ireland movement and Peter O’Neill Crowley who was part of the Fenian Rising. The fifth statue is the Maid of Erin.
On the rails around the monument are plaques. They are the Cork Coat of Arms, the Shield Hail Columbia with the Eagle & Flag of the USA, and the four provinces of Ireland; Munster, Leinster, Connaught, & Ulster.
The Cork Coat of ArmsThe Shield Hail Columbia with the eagle and the flag of the USAUlsterMunsterLeinsterConnaught
Below is a picture of the historic Singer Sewing Center on what is called Singer’s Corner. It has been a fixture since the 1870s. It is a landmark spot with its distinctive gold and black facade.
Singer Sewing Center
The black and gold motif was used to reflect the design of the black wooden Singer sewing machines which are kept in the windows below. The Singer store has closed and another business will be going in the space.
Cork slanted lightsLights and buildings along Grand Parade.
The street lights along Grand Parade are architecturally distinct. They were designed by Spanish architect Beth Gali. She designed the lights to be reminiscent of ships’ masts and she wanted to incorporate Cork’s maritime and harbor history.
Michael Collins statue was unveiled in 2023 on Grand Parade. He was an important Irish Revolutionary leader. Kevin Holland was the sculptor.
Michael Collins Statue
This near life-size statue was on Grand Parade in Cork. He is with his bicycle because he cycled all around Dublin. This site was chosen because on March 12, 1922, the “Big Fella” which was his nickname attended a rally here. He delivered a passionate speech to a reported crowd of 50,000.
Martin and Dave with the “Big Fella”.
A march was happening along Grand Parade as we were walking along. It included flags and dress from many African countries.
After our time in Cork, we are on our way to Cashel.
The countryside as we head to Cashel.
When we arrived in Cashel we had lunch at a local family-run restaurant.
CashelLooking up at the Rock of Cashel that we will visit after lunch.
Some of us finished lunch quickly and walked up the path to enter the Rock of Cashel. The pathway was beautifully lined with trees and plants.
The Rock of Cashel sits on a limestone outcrop.
It is a group of medieval buildings that looms over the town of Cashel and the surrounding area.
Rock of Cashel
There is a cluster of medieval buildings (12th & 13th centuries) that includes a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a 15th century Tower House.
Roofless portion of the cathedral.Cormac’s ChapelThe Round Tower by the cathedral
When we finished at the Rock of Cashel we traveled on to Kilkenny. On the drive we saw the Clomantagh Castle. We could see its 15th century tower house.
Clomantagh Castle
The River Nore flows directly through the heart of Kilkenny. The river separates the medieval area from the newer developments.
River Nore
Kilkenny Castle was our next stop. It was built in the 12th century. The castle is famous for its 800-year history as a strategic Norman stronghold and the former seat of the powerful Butler family.
Kilkenny Castle
The castle sits on fifty acres of rolling parkland. It includes a formal terraced rose garden and a man-made lake that was added in the 19th century. It was a gorgeous day so many people were enjoying the parkland.
We did a self-guided tour of Kilkenny Castle. Check out the slideshow below to see a few photos from inside.
entrance gate to Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle
Grand Staircase
The Chinese Withdrawing Room
The Chinese Withdrawing Room
State Dining Room
State Dining Room
Entrance Hall
Tapestry Room
Drawing Room
The Chinese Bedroom
Moorish Staircase
Moorish Staircase
The Marble Fireplace
Private Staircase
Restored plasterwork from the south tower
The Picture Gallery
The Picture Gallery ceiling
The Picture Gallery Beams
After our tour of the Kilkenny Castle we checked into our hotel. Martin stopped a man with his hurling equipment and he was gracious enough to explain in simple terms the essence of the game.
Martin and a man who plays hurling.holding the ball and his hurley (the stick)
After dropping off our luggage we went out to explore the city and find a place for dinner.
The Kilkenny hurling statue is a 14-foot limestone and bronze monument at Canal Square that celebrates Ireland’s national sport. It was crafted by Barry Wrafter and was unveiled in 2016.
“Tribute to Hurling” Statue
Grace’s Old Castle is now the courthouse. The building became a courthouse in 1792 and much of the building has been replaced.
Grace’s Old Castle
Butter Slip was built in 1616 and was once flanked with the stalls of butter vendors on market day. It has an arched entry and stone steps that connects High Street with St. Kieran’s Street.
Butter Slip
Since it was a Saturday evening it wasn’t easy to find a restaurant with available seating. We found an Italian restaurant that was established in 1990. It is family run by the Cardillo family. Carlo Cardillo who originally came from Cervaro, Frosinone in southern Italy relocated to Ireland in 1974. We had a delicious meal.
Italian Connection Restaurant
Tonight we packed our things for traveling home tomorrow.
Sunday, May 24th, 2026
This morning we left our luggage in the hotel lobby and then went into the restaurant for breakfast.
Hotel lobby and restaurant
When we arrived at the Dublin Airport we said goodbye to our excellent driver/tour guide Martin! We took a group picture before saying goodbye. What a fabulous adventure we had in Ireland!
Our group of travelers with Martin!
Our first flight took us from Dublin, Ireland to New York. What was really nice is that we went through Customs in Ireland. Because we completed it in Ireland we didn’t have to recheck our luggage at JFK airport and go through security screening a second time.
We had a layover in New York before our flight to Columbus! We arrived home close to 12:30 AM. It was close to a 24 hour day! We didn’t mind because our trip was fantastic!
This morning we drove from Killarney to explore the Dingle Peninsula. Our first stop at the Aghadoe View which is famous for its sweeping panoramas of Lough Leone, the Lakes of Killarney, and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains.
Aghadoe View
The clouds did not cooperate with us this morning.
Near the Aghadoe View is the ruins of the Aghadoe Cathedral. It is from the 12th century and overlooks the Lakes of Killarney.
Aghadoe Cathedral ruins
We passed through Milltown on our way to Castlemaine.
Main Street in Milltown
Milltown is located near the Ring of Kerry and is situated on the Iveragh Peninsula. It is a small urban town.
The Castlemaine Harbour is located at the head of the Dingle Peninsula.
Looking across the Castlemaine HarbourCastlemaine Harbour from another angle
In 1990 Castlemaine Harbour became a protected nature reserve. In the town center was a statue of the legendary Jack Duggan. He was a fictitious bushranger from a folk ballad. Castlemaine claims it was his legendary birthplace.
The Wild Colonial Boy (Jack Duggan)
Inch Beach is located on the Dingle Peninsula. It is a little over three miles of sand and dunes. It is popular for swimming, surfing, and fishing.
Dingle Bay
Our next stop was the Annalack Viewpoint along the Dingle Bay Peninsula. This scenic outlook offers views of the surrounding rolling hills and lush greenery.
Slea Head Drive starts and ends in Dingle. Parts of this drive is narrow and one lane only in parts. One of the most iconic stops on Slea Head Drive is the White Cross that shows the crucifixion. It is located between the rugged cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.
White Cross Crucification on Slea Head Dr.
Looking down the steep cliffs of Slea Head Dr.
From the “White Cross” we could see the Blasket Islands. They are a small archipelago of six islands and other smaller islands. These islands are Ireland’s and Europe’s most westerly point.
Blasket Islands in the distance
One of the Blasket Islands looks like a “Sleeping Giant” or “Sleeping Monk”. Does this island look like a giant that is sleeping to you?
Sleeping Giant
Blasket Islands
We made a stop at the Lios Stone Circle and Animal Feeding along the Slea Head Dr. The animals at the pet farm included sheep, lambs, goats, kids, horses, pigs, donkeys, and llamas. We walked around the grounds and fed the animals. We all enjoyed our time here.
This was another Discovery Point along the Wild Atlantic Way that looked out at Coumeenoole Bay.
Dingle Bay
Scenic countryside as we drove along the Dingle Peninsula.
We stopped in the town of Dingle. It is a port town that sits on the scenic Dingle Peninsula. We had time for lunch and some exploration of the city.
Dingle Marina
Dingle was busy with tourists and finding a place for lunch that had open tables wasn’t easy. We found the Dingle Marina Inn Bar and Restaurant. They didn’t have tables but we could sit at the bar and order food.
The Dingle Marina Inn Bar & Restaurant
The Fungie Statue was a bronze memorial to Dingle’s most famous resident, a wild dolphin. The dolphin interacted with locals and tourists from 1983-2000.
The Dingle Dolphin
At the Dingle Pier is a Rope Sculpture that was finished in 1995. It was two piles of bronze rope in a snake like fashion.
Rope Sculpture
This evening when we returned to Killarney we all went to dinner together at The Porterhouse Restaurant. We were celebrating one of our travelers, Donna’s birthday. It was an enjoyable dinner and celebration!
After breakfast at the hotel we went for a walk before our driver would be picking us up. We walked past the courthouse that serves the Circuit and District Courts.
Killarney Courthouse
In front of the Killarney Courthouse was a bronze monument by Don Cronin of life-sized red deer stags locked in confrontation. It was unveiled in 2012.
Red Deer of Ireland Monument
The weather was foggy and misty when we stopped and looked out at Derrycunihy. It is a nature reserve known for its geographic features in the Killarney National Park. It is located along the famous Ring of Kerry in southwestern Ireland. In the first picture it looks at the Killarney National Park and in the second picture it looks at the Looscaunagh Lough.
The weather didn’t cooperate at the Ladies View scenic viewpoint along the Ring of Kerry. The name stems from the admiration of the view given by Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting during their 1861 visit.
Ladies View
Our next stop was to view the Torc Waterfall. In Irish “Torc” means wild boar. It is also located in the Killarney National Park and is along the Ring of Kerry.
It is a five minute walk from the road through scenic woodland to reach the waterfall.
The walk up to the waterfall.
The waterfall is 66 feet high as it cascades over boulders and is 360 feet long. It is formed by the Owengarriff River as it drains from the “Devil’s Punchbowl” which is a glacial lake in the Mangerton Mountain.
Torc Waterfall
Enjoying Torc Waterfall
We toured the Muckross House and Gardens. The house was constructed from 1839 to 1843.
The house and its surrounding lands were donated to the Irish state in 1932. Queen Victoria once visited Muchross House. Below are a few pictures from the grounds of the house, inside, and the servant’s kitchen area.
On the grounds of Muckross is a Craft Center. We stopped in after our visit to the house to see them throw pottery and weaving. Unfortunately they were finished for the day but you could still see the workshops.
We had a Jaunting Car ride today. I had to look up what it was ahead of our trip to Ireland. It is a 2-wheeled carriage for a single horse with a seat in front for the driver. It is a great way to explore Killarney National Park.
Our Jaunting Car and driver
We had an enjoyable ride through Killarney National Park.
Killarney National Park is home to the Muckross House and Gardens, the Lakes of Killarney, Inisfallen Island and more. It covers 26,000 acres and sits at the foot of the Macgillycuddy Reeks (Ireland’s highest mountain range).
Located by the park’s visitor center was a memorial to Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty. He lived from 1898-1963 and grew up in Killarney. In Rome during WWII he organized an escape organization for Allied POW’s and civilians. He and his colleagues had saved over 6,000 lives when the Allies arrived in Rome.
The park includes mountains, lakes, islands and flatlands.
Wild Irises can be found blooming throughout the park.One of the Killarney National Park Lakes.
Red deer can be found here but we only saw Sika Deer. The Sika deer is also known as the Japanese deer and they were introduced from Japan in 1865. The herd has grown to over a thousand.
Sika Deer
As we rode through the park we could see Ross Castle which is also located in Killarney National Park.
Ross Castle
The National Park is home to the most extensive area of natural oak woodland still remaining in Europe. You can also find the Arbutus (Killarney Strawberry tree) in the park. UNESCO designated the National Park as a Biosphere Reserve in 1981.
Our Jaunting Car ride ended at Ross Castle. The castle was built in the 15th century and is located by the Lough Leane which is the largest of the lakes. It is surrounded by a defensive Wall with flanking towers and two still remain.
Ross Castle
We boarded our boat for a cruise of the lakes by the Ross Castle. Due to the cloudy, rainy conditions the boat wasn’t crowded.
From the boat we could see the castle and get a different perspective.
This cormorant is cooling off its feathers as we cruised by it.
A cormorant
Martin went on the boat cruise with us and he spotted the eagle. He was SO excited and we were too!
The Brickeen Bridge dates back to the mid-18th century and is a stone arch bridge that connects Muckross Lake and Lough Leane.
Brickeen Bridge
On Lough Leane we saw Inisfallen Island. It was once home to a monastery dating back to 640 AD founded by Finian the Leper. The island was a place of solitude for the monks to reflect and pray. Today there are ruins of a 12th century Augustinian Priory and a Romanesque Church.
Inisfallen Island’s Ruins
Even though the sun wasn’t shining we enjoyed our time on the water!
Purple Mountain – red sandstone
On our way to the hotel Martin pointed out the only green light in town that is shaped like a shamrock! He drove slowly so we could snap a picture.
Shamrock Green light
After dinner we went into Buckley’s Bar for a drink with friends. We were enjoying our drink when the music duo sat next to us to begin playing their music!
An accordian player and singer/guitarist
They asked us where we were from and when the four of us said Ohio. They sang a special song, “Banks of the Ohio”!
This morning we walked along Lahinch’s promenade to the Celtic T-shirt shop. The Atlantic Ocean was really rough. We had to watch out for waves that came over the sea wall.
The Celtic T-shirt shop is family-centered. We met the artist who created the silk screen shirts we purchased. The shop opened early for us and we were appreciative of the owner making this accommodation!
CelticT-Shirt Store
This plaque was placed on a business wall adjacent to the Wild Atlantic Way on the 50th anniversary of a US B-24 Liberator’s emergency landing on the beach. The aircraft was running low on fuel and didn’t have radio contact.
Plaque commemorating 50th anniversary of B-24 bomber’s landing
We drove by the Ennistymon Cascades of the Inagh River. We could hear the water cascading across the rocks. It is the most photographed natural attraction in Clare. The river flows over a ridge of rocks toward the bay and then on to the Atlantic Ocean.
Ennistymon Cascades
Our next stop was a visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park that sits on 26 acres.
Map of Bunratty Village
This is the 15th century Bunratty Castle. The site where it stands was once a Viking trading camp in 970. This castle is the last of four castles to be built here.
Bunratty Castle
The Folk Park adjoins the castle and portrays what everyday life was like in rural Ireland about 100 years ago. It is a living museum. The village has over thirty buildings that contain reconstructed farmhouses, cottages, and shops. We wandered the streets of Bunratty Village.
The Golden Vale is a 19th century restored farmhouse where a properous farmer and family would have lived.
In a restored Artisan home was the O’Neill Jewelry and Pottery store. You could buy handmade jewelry by Shirley O’Neill and her family had been making pottery for many years. Each piece is unique.
We stopped in the Doctor’s House.
We walked up to the Bunratty House which wasn’t opened. It was built in 1805
The gardens and pathways were well maintained. We walked the entire grounds.
The Ardcroney Church was part of the Church of Ireland. It was built in 1838 and was moved to Bunratty in 1998.
Ardcroney ChurchInside the church
The Vertical Water Mill is a reconstructed 19th century. It is operational and uses a vertical waterwheel to turn the grinding stone. It uses traditional Irish engineering.
When we left the village we stopped by the Adare Manor Golf Club. As we approached we saw the Adare Desmond Castle from 1200 AD that is located on the edge of the village of Adare and sits on the banks of the River Maigue.
Adare Desmond Castle
The castle is a beautiful backdrop to the 1st and 15th greens at Adare Manor Golf Club.
The Adare Manor Golf Club is an 18 hole championship course and will host the 2027 Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup is held in September and is a match between Europe and the USA. There is a gate to drive into the Club and is manned by a well-dressed gatekeeper.
Martin talked to the guard and he let us through so our golfers could visit the Pro Shop.
Martin saw the owner of Adare Manor Golf Club and had his picture taken with him! JP McManus is a billionaire who also is a businessman and racehorse owner.
JP McManus owner of 2026 Ryder cup golf course and Martin
While our golfers were in the Pro Shop Martin drove the rest of us to the Adare Heritage Village. It is lined with traditional thatched-roof cottages. We had lunch in the cafe at the Heritage Center.
On our way to Killarney we made a stop at the Barnagh Viewing Point. It is a scenic spot with panoramic views. On a clear day you can see the fertile pastures of the County Limerick, Golden Vale and into the Counties Cork and Clare. It was an overcast day for us.
Barnagh Viewing Point
Newcastle West overlooks the winding River Arra. We drove through the town center and saw the Desmond Castle.
Desmond Castle and Banqueting Hall
The Desmond Castle is a historic complex from the 12th century and located in the city center. It was built by the Earls of Desmond and was occupied until the 1930s. Its main feature is its two-story banquet hall.
It was early evening when we checked in to the Arbutus Hotel in Killarney. It was in a great location for exploring the city.
These are a few pictures from inside our hotel! The Arbutus Hotel was established in 1926 by Tim Buckley and his wife Julia. The hotel is still family run. They named it after the only tree native to Ireland, the Arbutus. Tim Buckley also liked that the hotel name began with an “A” because it would appear earlier in brochures and pamphlets!
Once we dropped our luggage we met others to begin exploring the city and find a place for dinner. As we walked we stopped and did our tradition of spelling Ohio with our arms.
O-H-I-O
Near the car park in Killarney was a mural painted on a gable wall by artisits Adam and Darren Warren. It illustrates Killarney’s past.
Mural in Killarney
As we walked we were impressed with the workers who were scrapping, cleaning and painting the poles along the roadway in the evening.
Workers on the main street of Killarney
We found a restaurant named Hilliard’s that opened in 2022. It once was a well-known department store. People would come from all around to shop here. It was a department store where you could buy anything and it was of good quality.
The Hilliard’s sign on the building is from 1917.
The Drapery department is where the new restaurant is located and the cocktail bar stands where the shoe department was located.
Our meal was delicious.
On the menu they mention the history of Hilliard’s.
After dinner we walked back to our hotel. Left our coats in our room and went down to Buckley’s Bar which is part of the Arbutus Hotel.
Buckley’s Bar is a traditional Irish bar with live traditional music. The bar has oak paneled walls, a turf fire and serves bar food. We enjoyed a drink and listened to a trio perform. The musicians just sit at a reserved table and begin playing. The bar is known for having some of the country’s finest musicians drop in for an unplanned jam session!
After our drink we were ready for some sleep for tomorrow’s adventures.
