Virginia Voyages: Ring of Kerry, Ireland

"The hospitality of an Irishman... springs like all his qualities... directly from the heart." So said Daniel O'Connell, whose beautiful estate was part of the walk over the mystical Ring of Kerry. Ireland's past was present in Iron Age forts, Celtic churches and the mysteriously carved Ogham Stone. The Irish celebrate this land of emerald hills, woodlands, lakes and sea with annual walking festivals. When not blazing these stunning trails, visitors can fish, ride, sail and surf. We reveled in Irish music, be it a rousing rebel song or a lyrical harp. Irish spirit and spirits prevailed in the convivial pubs and the countryside where we heard the lilt of Irish laughter and the old Gaelic language - Caed Mille Failte - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes!

Highlights of the trip included:

A walk in Killarney National Park where we visited Muckross House and Gardens and took a horse and cart ride to Torc Falls.
Flying kites and paddling in the water at Derrynane Beach.
We crossed Caragh Lake in motorized rowboats skippered by fellow walkers.
Members of the group cut turf (used for winter fuel) at a local farm.

Photos by traveler Robert Edsall.