Ring of Kerry

After spending a night in Killarney, we had two options for activities in the area. We could either bike around the Killarney National Forest or drive the Ring of Kerry. I honestly didn't know what to decide because these options both sounded amazing. I don't think I even voted. Since about half the group were kind of sedentary people we naturally ended up driving the Ring of Kerry. It was a beautiful drive and we got to stop at some gorgeous beaches and rivers along the way. This was one of my favorite days of the trip because we randomly stopped in Waterville, which is full of CURRANS! It was so cool.

We stopped to look at the beautiful view and met a man with donkeys and a pomeranian. Weird.

Kenzie and I

Jaci and Audrey

View of the ocean

Me, Cat, Carolyn, and Jaci

I can't remember what town this was! But we drove through it and it was pretty cute!

While driving along the Ring of Kerry, my professor's wife saw a view that she wanted to take a picture of. She did this all the time, so everyone else would usually stay on the bus while she got out to snap a few pictures. While we were waiting, Carolyn asked, "Hey, isn't your last name "Curran"?Look at all those headstones!" We had pulled up right next to a cemetery with a bunch of headstones with the name "Curran" on them. We ran off the bus to get some pictures really fast. Ian, the bus driver didn't notice we'd gotten off and almost drove away without us! I wish I'd had more time to look around. I literally was off the bus and back again in less than 3 minutes. Turns out we were in Waterville which has a lake called "Lough Currane" and a river called the "Currane River." Originally, Waterville was known as "Coirean." I've been trying to research it's history, but all I can find is that it is known for being one of Charlie Chaplin's favorite vacation spots and is very popular for fishing and golfing. There are a ton of companies and businesses with the name Curran- Curran Lodge, Curran Appraisals, Curran's Londis, Waterville Consulting is owned by Sean Curran. Pretty neat!

Photo of the church in the cemetery as I was running after the bus.

Lunch in Waterville

Europeans and their speedos....

We took a little detour to see Staigue Fort which was built during the Iron Age. 

Please note how blue the sky is in this picture.

Rachel, Me, and Alexis

Inside the fort

Remember how blue that sky was? Well all of a sudden, out of nowhere it starts pouring rain! We were soaked from just running about 100 ft to the bus. Ireland weather is so weird. 

Our last stop before going to Cork was in Kenmare, Ireland. It is the cutest little town and has a gazillion little shops and restaurants. It kind of reminded me of the Irish version of Carmel, CA. I should have taken more pictures of it. 

After stopping in Kenmare, we drove the last leg of the trip to Cork.