McGillicuddy's Reeks

Gap of Dunloe

When I was a small child, I remember reading in a book the name "McGillicuddy's Reeks" and thinking how exciting it sounded, though I didn't know what it meant.  I thought somehow that it was a swamp in Ireland.  But no, it's not, it's mountains in Kerry.  They are fairly inaccessible but we took a punt on a very narrow (one car wide) road and ventured to McGillicuddy's Reeks, and the Gap of Dunloe.  We were rewarded with amazing scenery, indescribable beauty and a deserted winding road.  I couldn't believe that I finally realised my childhood dream.

We also drove part of the famous Ring of Kerry, where we had been previously, so decided not to use the whole day for that. 

Thatched houses in Adare

We continued on to the "prettiest village in Ireland" - Adare, in County Limerick, passing by the Cliffs of Moher and Drumoland Castle, where we stayed during PM Keating's visit in 1993.

Lots of people speaking Irish in this part of the world - fascinating to hear such an ancient language, almost lost, but now revived.

We're now in Ennis, County Clare.  Tomorrow Galway!