Another late start with breakfast at 8:30 and no bags out. Today is a free day in Killarney however we have chosen to do the optional excursion which starts at 10:05am.
First a ride in a jaunting cart; basically a buggy that seated 6 of us, pulled by Rosie, our pretty black cart horse and guided by the sure hand of Michael. Michael was happy to answer any and all questions as we jaunted through the Killarney National Park. It was quite enjoyable and something different for a change.
Michael and Rosie dropped us off at the lake edge. We assumed that the large boat was to be our vehicle but no, it was a much smaller one with an outboard motor. And lifejackets which had the extra benefit of keeping us a little warmer. It was freezing out on the lakes. We motored along for a long time - seemed like hours (perhaps because of the cold) but was probably more like 45 minutes. It was a little too long; on a warmer day I would have enjoyed it more. The boatman told us how the rhododendrons are taking over one island pushing out the native trees. They were like a solid wall to the water's edge. The water is around 10 metres at the deepest part and quite black. It was surprisingly warm to the touch but I suspect you would be freezing if you fell in.
We disembarked at the ruined Innisfallen Abbey with Muckross House, a short walk away. There was a provided guide who lectured us about the house as we walked from room to room. He did a good job and I didn't find it too long or tedious as some of these things can be, particularly audio guides. The house was basically shut up for decades before being reopened about 30 years ago. About 60% of the furniture in it is original to the house. The most interesting part was seeing the nursery wing and the servants area. So many of these house tours omit the day to day things like these. The original bells are still up on the walls, used to summon the servants to various rooms. After the house tour, we had free time to walk the gardens and get something to eat and drink.
Tonight's optional was a dinner and a visit to Siamsa Tire theatre. This shows stories in song and dance about Ireland's heritage. The musicians were very good especially the fiddle player. It was sung in Gaelic so very hard to follow and I found myself getting quite restless towards the end. Still, a different experience.
It is relaxing to know we don't have to worry about bags tomorrow. We need to get some washing done.
First a ride in a jaunting cart; basically a buggy that seated 6 of us, pulled by Rosie, our pretty black cart horse and guided by the sure hand of Michael. Michael was happy to answer any and all questions as we jaunted through the Killarney National Park. It was quite enjoyable and something different for a change.
Michael and Rosie dropped us off at the lake edge. We assumed that the large boat was to be our vehicle but no, it was a much smaller one with an outboard motor. And lifejackets which had the extra benefit of keeping us a little warmer. It was freezing out on the lakes. We motored along for a long time - seemed like hours (perhaps because of the cold) but was probably more like 45 minutes. It was a little too long; on a warmer day I would have enjoyed it more. The boatman told us how the rhododendrons are taking over one island pushing out the native trees. They were like a solid wall to the water's edge. The water is around 10 metres at the deepest part and quite black. It was surprisingly warm to the touch but I suspect you would be freezing if you fell in.
We disembarked at the ruined Innisfallen Abbey with Muckross House, a short walk away. There was a provided guide who lectured us about the house as we walked from room to room. He did a good job and I didn't find it too long or tedious as some of these things can be, particularly audio guides. The house was basically shut up for decades before being reopened about 30 years ago. About 60% of the furniture in it is original to the house. The most interesting part was seeing the nursery wing and the servants area. So many of these house tours omit the day to day things like these. The original bells are still up on the walls, used to summon the servants to various rooms. After the house tour, we had free time to walk the gardens and get something to eat and drink.
Tonight's optional was a dinner and a visit to Siamsa Tire theatre. This shows stories in song and dance about Ireland's heritage. The musicians were very good especially the fiddle player. It was sung in Gaelic so very hard to follow and I found myself getting quite restless towards the end. Still, a different experience.
It is relaxing to know we don't have to worry about bags tomorrow. We need to get some washing done.
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