Magical Garden of Friendship
Guarded by the mighty McGillycuddy Reeks, the Killarney Valley must have been a magnificent discovery for the neolithic people. With the decline of the Irish chieftains in the 16th century, much of this area came under the control of two landlords, the Kenmares and Herberts. Today the valley is within Killarney National Park and is a treasure chest of Ireland´s natural heritage. Alongside Killarney´s three lakes are Ireland´s last oak and yew forests. The 27,000 acres also contain 141 bird species, red and sika deer, and a fascinating variety of plant life. All waiting for you to explore. Arthur Vincent donated Muckross Estate to the nation and said, ´I want Muckross to be a real garden of friendship - the greatest playground in the world´. You may agree his wish has been granted.
Traditional crafts - thatching
The thatched cottage, for so long a symbol of Ireland, dates back 5,000 years to neolithic man. Thatching has over the centuries become a valued craft. Thatch consists of reed pinned to sods of grass or peat covering the timber framework of the roof. The ´pins´ are hazel or willow rods. The thatch is an average 12 inches (30cm) thick. The hollow reed is an excellent insulator, keeping the house warm in winter, cool in summer, and sheds rain quickly. Rural folk saw thatch as a sign of poverty. Today, with upkeep and fire insurance costly, it denotes wealth. Funny old world!
See the Lakes
All-weather cruises on Lough Léin are now available by covered watercoach daily from Ross Castle. Lough Léin, the Lake of Learning, derives its name from the abbey on Inisfallen that was a famous centre of education in mediaeval times. The island is one of the many sights you will see. The trip is accompanied by commentary on the history and folklore of the lakes. There are shuttle buses from the Tourist Office, Dero´s Tours, and Destination Killarney. Open boats also operate trips to Inisfallen.
Muckross cycle tour
Why not park the car, rent a bike, and head for a cyclists´ heaven in the heart of Killarney National Park? Escape on comfortable cycle paths to the woods and lakes, to places that cars can´t get near. It´s only 15 miles, but give it a full day - there´s lots to see! The show begins with a stunning view at the first gate to Muckross House. Soon the ruins of the 15th century Muckross Abbey appear on the left (well worth a look).
From here the road passes in and out of lush, mossy woodland, punctuated by constantly changing views of the lakes and mountains. Keep right to stay on course. Soon passing a pretty pink cottage and Arthur Vincent House, you enter the Natural Zone of the National Park - realm of native woods and deer. A little lake on the right marks a geological divide from limestone to sandstone; notice how vegetation and tree types change abruptly. After Brickeen Bridge, where the water flows from Muckross Lake to the Lower Lake, you arrive at Dinis Island. Time to stop for a snack at the Cottage and admire the Meeting of the Waters. A mile ahead is the main road - turn left and beware of the cars! Another mile brings you to Torc Waterfall. Here leave the main road and head back toward the lake. The next stop is Muckross House, Muckross Gardens, and the Traditional Farm. The tree-lined avenue in front of the house takes you back to the main gate and Killarney.
Culture - the Celtic legacy
Kerry offers a rare opportunity to encounter the legacy of one of Europe´s great pre-Christian cultures. The Celts were a people originally from southeast Europe. They travelled across the continent before finally settling on its western periphery. By the first century BC an extensive and powerful group, the Eoghanacht, had established themselves around Loch Léin, Killarney´s biggest lake. A wonderful piece of their cultural legacy is found at Aghadoe. Aghadoe refers to ´The Field of two Yews´, a ritual site commanding wonderful views over lakes and mountains. Most importantly, it was in a direct eye-line with The Paps of Anu, two mountain peaks named after a female god of great significance. Her name is found across Europe - for example, the Danube is named after her.
Early Christians in Ireland built churches on Celtic religious sites. This was a typical way for the new religion to establish itself. Examples of this can be seen on the Dingle Peninsula, in south Kerry, and up through North Kerry. Ogham stones, inscribed in a Celtic language but with an alphabet based probably on Roman numerals, are found throughout the county. Also numerous are stone circles and stone alignments, used by the Celtic druids during religious ceremonies. Much of our rich culture we owe to the Celts. Our language, literature, and music all derive from them.
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