Kerry Way Photo Montage Pt. 1 - Killarney to Rossbeigh

The Kerry Way really is beautiful, as we’ve said. Additionally, we benefited from what I call the Galen Rowell effect, who, when asked how he got so many great photos, basically said it’s because he’s outside a lot. I’m a firm believer in this, especially at sunrise and sunset and you only really get that by camping (hah). We’ve already posted some of the topical highlights, but there are so many nice shots from along the way that I’m going to publish them as series of posts and do it according to the unimpeachable crutch of bad authors everywhere - chronological order.

Killarney to Black Valley to Rossbeigh

The first section starts with a pretty unpleasant 6-ish km, tarmac walk to Torc falls, but shortly after Torc falls, you pass into Killarney National Park, and it gets good, as you shall see.

As I previously regaled (bard-like), we camped in Black Valley, then dried out in a Rossbeigh B&B. Now behold, mile upon mile of violent green splendor:

A glen just above Torc Falls

Killarney National Park

Frickin’ horse leaches crawling on the road!

Throwing rocks never gets old. Never.

Oh, Ireland-naive hikers, who gleefully saunter along national park boardwalk, literally floating above the bog. How rude the rest of the trail foot conditions will be.

Graffiti from 1815 in the middle of nowhere

Break at the national park boundary

So, bad news for our stamina; after only about 8 miles, I laid down on the tarmac, exclaimed at how comfy it was, Em followed suit and agreed.

At the top of this hill, we crossed a road with a charter bus parked at the trailhead. The driver asked us it we’d seen 20 Finns. Err, no. “Tanks.”

We had expected only cheese and bread the first day, but stumbled on Lord Brandon’s Cottage, where there was a cafeteria!. Joe was delighted to have hot soup and brown bread.

JOE! Stop touching the ass!

The previously mentioned miles of barbed wire/no camping zone. Complete with Guard Sheep.

More fencing, but the day is oh so fine.

After a night by the river, we started up the gap from Black Valley to Bridia Valley.

A derelict cottage in the distance, ready for a cottage-core photoshoot.

Throughout Ireland there are about 1000 ancient standing stones whose purpose is generally hypothesized to be ceremonial/religious, though there is some doubt. I, however, am certain after seeing this stone:

Ancient Irishman: “Guys, guys, guys. I have a hilarious idea…”

Serious contemplation.

♪ I like big rocks and I cannot lie… ♪

At the top of the gap dividing Black and Bridia Valleys

So this is the road hazards sign for the Gap of Dunloe. This does not seem like a place where you should have a road.

The farms at the head of Bridia Valley

Ahhhhhh! Which way do I go? Or, Irish signpost version of the Scarecrow.

Em said I had to caption this one “Annoying/cheerful”.

In the art gallery, this will be called: “Sheep on green”.

Glenbeigh and Rossbeigh in sight!