10 Sep 2024
Mary picked me up at my hotel at 8 a.m. so that we could drive the Gap of Dunloe before the single track road became clogged with "jaunty" carts. It was a perfect Irish morning -- intermittent drizzle with the sun peaking through the clouds occasionally. We periodically stopped so that I could take photos or simply to enjoy the absolute quiet and peace (and for the sheep!). After we left the mountains, we visited sites in and around Killarney National Park, including Muckross Abbey and Muckross House. Mary's knowledge of Irish history and folklore go beyond the Chamber of Commerce talking points on the region's landmarks.