| Killarney |
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| The three lakes of Killarney are located in the Killarney National Park. We rented jaunting carriages in Killarney and rode through the park to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane. It was easy to see why this beautiful scenerary has captivated so many artists and writers. Many shades of green were in full view as a thick forest and emerald mountains surrounded us. The jaunting car drivers provided a running commentary as we moved along the narrow road. The drivers are called jarveys and they come from the O'Grady family that has provided carriages in this area for generations. |
| Ross Castle stands on the shore of Lough Leane across from one of the large islands in the lake. The fortification was built around 1420 for the O'Donoghue chieftains and was the last Irish stronghold to be taken by Cromwell's forces in 1653. This is a perfectly picturesque setting for a castle. |
| Muckross House is an imposing Elizabethan style mansion house built in 1843 which overlooks Muckross Lake, one of the Lakes of Killarney. The gardens are manicured. Although not quite as grand as the Gardens of Powerscourt, the gardens and grounds are striking. |
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| Ireland is literally an emerald isle and Killarney is one of the most lush and green parts. Beautiful! |
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