Fortified with a "full Irish breakfast" at the hotel, Sharon & Rebecca set-off for the Killarney stables where they'd arranged a trail ride through Killarney National Park -- experienced riders only, Alec slept-in

Later we toured Muckross House. Built by the Herbert family between 1839-43. The estate includes extensive gardens that the Herberts developed in preparation for Queen Victoria's visit in 1861

Throughout our trip we came across many ruins, some ancient, like McCarthy Mor and some looking more recent. We later heard that the British taxed any dwelling with a roof and that when the owner could no longer afford the tax, they simply removed the roof



DAY FOUR

We started the day at Ross Castle. Originally built in the 1400's, an American purchased the ruin in the 1950's and spent the next 20 years restoring it to its original period. He eventually gave it back to the National Park as a gift
  • Muckross House and Gardens
          • The Sunken Gardens - and the fire escape built for Queen Victoria's visit in 1861
          • A horsecart ride to Torc Waterfall
              • Another Ruin, The result of trying to avoid British taxation
              • Ladies' View
              • Day Four - Ross Castle
              • The 15th century walled tower was restored in the 1950's by a Philadelphia Businessman
                  • Where to next? ... Off to Cork.