Chauffeurdriven vacation in Killarney/Ring of Kerry/Dingle

This morning we left Kinvara on our way to the south of Ireland, and the great town of Killarney. The weather was not the best, cold and misty, but we were hoping that it might be better in the south, and that is exactly how it worked out.

Our first stop off was the popular town of Adare. Here you see the old Fitzgerald castle on the outskirts of the town.

My family standing outside the Tridentine Abbey church in the centre of Adare. This is a really beautiful old church and well worth a visit.

Here we have Michael, Terry, Ted, Kaitlyn and Erin with the famous Adare thatched cottages in the background.

I think Erin took a fancy to this strange Irishman outside the Heritage centre in Adare.

High on the hillside as we neared Killarney. Erin and Ted braved the chilly winds for this photo.

On reaching Killarney, and after checking in to our lovely hotel, the Killarney Plaza, we made our way to the Muckross House estate for our tour of the farms there. This is a really special tour and we all had a great time, as you can see from the photos below.

Erin, Michael and Kaitlyn, making friends with this beautiful cart horse.

 All together outside the small farmers house.

This fine big sow was glad to take a break from her piglets, pictured below asleep in the pig sty.

There were actually eight of them, all fast asleep.

Terry was feeling a little tired but Michael was making sure that she was well looked after.

One of the farmers wives cutting and buttering the freshly made soda bread in one of the cottages.

I took this picture as we made our way around the farms but you can see from the sky how much the day had improved. The Kerry mountains and the lakes of Killarney are there in the background.

Another new friend, this tethered goat was looking for attention, but we were a little wary of him.

Now this guy was a little different. Kaitlyn wanted to bring him home, but we have to wait until we get his passport sorted out. It is worth remembering though that these Irish Wolfhounds need an awful lot of good steak every day to keep them happy. He was beautiful though, and i would bring him home myself.

Here we have the farmers wife in the large farmers house. The iron stove (range) in the centre, is over one hundred years old, and still as good as ever. They were expecting a group in for a banquet this evening and the tables were set for the function.

Ted with our new Wolfhound pal.

Pictured on the lawn in front of Muckross house, with the lakes and mountains in the background.

Here you see Ted, delighted after discovering Sheehan's pub in Killarney. Seemingly Ted has a buddy back in Boston who is a member of this Sheehan family and that this is going to be our pub for the duration of our stay in Killarney. Ted figures that because of his relationship with his Boston pal, we will get special discounts on our drinks here.

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Ted, Kaitlyn, Erin and Michael outside our hotel in Killarney this evening.

This was a really great day today and one that we all really enjoyed. This evening we dined together in the wonderful Mexican restaurant, Casita Mexicana, in the centre of Killarney. Everybody was really hungry and the display of dishes on the table was just mouthwatering with Enchiladas, Tacos,Mexican rice and refried beans, and a whole lot more.

The Sullivan clan were the last of the famous Irish clans to succumb to the British, and,here we have the family crest which will very soon be displayed in the home of the Sullivan family back home in Boston.

More excitement tomorrow as my family head for the magical Gap of Dunloe.