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Map of Ireland
The ever splendid Emerald Isle, land of endless green countryside... shadow swept rolling hills...castles, forts and stone circles...

From ancient Celts to medieval knights to leprechauns and faeries, Ireland is truly a magical land rich in history and lore.

I've been to this magical land twice now: September 1996 and May 2000. Both trips were a glorious exploration of southwest Ireland, including Dingle Peninsula, Killarney and the beautiful Ring of Kerry.

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Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher Cliffs of Moher panorama view

The grandeur is unbelievable... You can actually walk right to the cliff edge!

Cliffs of Moher Turn right to follow the path to O'Brien's Tower...
Cliffs of Moher Stunning coastal scenery just beyond O'Brien's Tower
 
 

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Shannon

Bunratty Park A stroll through this magical Tolkeinish land...
Bunratty Park Ireland has the most beautiful countryside I've ever seen
 

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Dingle Peninsula

Dingle Peninsula Cead Mile Failte! (Gaelic for 'One Hundred Thousand Welcomes')

Slea Head on the western coast of Dingle Peninsula. Dingle's energy is so unique - very ancient and haunting

Dingle Peninsula Slea Head a bit further up the road

My B&B was nearby in Ventry: Mount Eagle Lodge
If you're heading to Dingle stay here for a friendly welcome, reasonable prices and stunning views!

Dingle Peninsula Path to ancient Celtic Dunbeg Fort, down by the shore
Dingle Peninsula Dunbeg Fort

The peninsula is chock-full of ancient ruins such as this one

Dingle Peninsula View of Clogher Head from Dunquin
Dingle Peninsula Scenery from Clogher Head looking to the northern coast of Dingle.

See the 3 bumps in the middle? Those are called the 3 Sisters.

Dingle Peninsula A snaking road through the center of Dingle takes you high up to Connor Pass. The views will astound you...
Gallarus Oratory Gallarus Oratory

Over 1300 years old, this watertight, perfectly symmetrical structure was made without mortar - only rocks fitted perfectly together.
Pretty amazing...

St Brandon's Church Kilmalkedar Church

One of the many ancient ruins still standing on the peninsula

St Brandon's Church Kilmalkedar Church

A look inside...

Dingle Peninsula The ruins of Riasc Monastary dating from the 7th century
Dingle Peninsula Though in ruins, Riasc seemed to me to be so alive. I kept sensing ghosts of little children running around -- then on a nearby plaque I read the site had once been a children's graveyard
Dingle Peninsula Ogham stone at Riasc
 
 

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Killarney

Killarney The charming town of Killarney

With friendly people and gorgeous scenery nearby, once I arrived I didn't want to leave!

Killarney Everywhere are B&Bs and souvenir shops...
Killarney Unlike American homes, many homes in Ireland do not have front lawns, but rather have driveways extending the entire width of the house, often with ornately patterned masonry.
Knockreer Killarney National Park

Entrance to this glorious green park on the outskirts of Killarney

Knockreer Knockreer Estate
 
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The Ring of Kerry

Gap of Dunloe Gap of Dunloe

A winding road leads through a dramatic gorge created by glaciers.

Ring of Kerry Gentle sheep dot the countryside on the tip of the peninsula
Ring of Kerry On the road to Glenbeigh. Driving on the left side of the road was actually fun!
Molls gap Moll's gap

Breathtaking view of the mountains. The interplay of sun and clouds sweeps dramatic shadows over the terrain.

Straigue Fort Staigue Fort

Constructed (without mortar) in the Iron Age, this fort is one of the best preserved in Ireland. (from a postcard)

Straigue Fort Exploring the inside...
Ladies View Ladies View

By far the most beautiful spot on the Ring of Kerry, in my opinion.

Ladies View Ladies View

A view fit for a lady...

 

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Carrigafoyle Castle

Carrigafoyle Castle Of all the castles in Ireland, to me this one was the most fantastic. Located just south of Shannon on the western coast, it dates from the 15th century and stands unrenovated. A stone spiral staircase takes you up 5 flights!
Carrigafoyle Castle A look inside...

So much is left intact after all these centuries

Carrigafoyle Castle Climbing almost to the top looking out on the glorious countryside
Carrigafoyle Castle Looking down from the very top...Don't fall!
 

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Rock of Cashel

Cashel Dating back to the 5th century, this impressive building stands proud atop a high hill
Cashel A look up at round tower
Cashel Stepping into the elaborately ornate cathedral
Hore Abbey Strolling down a pretty path to the remains of Hore Abbey
Hore Abbey Hore Abbey
Hore Abbey Exploring the archways and doorways of this fascinating structure, imagining what it must have looked like centuries ago...
Hore Abbey A peek into one of the many doorways
 
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