Today’s Distance: 100 mi/ 160 km
TOUR DESCRIPTION: At Killorglin, join the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive featuring sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly painted farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View.
OUR THOUGHTS: This post could have been titled moonshine, Danny Boy and close calls.
The day started with a 10 am stop at Kerry Bog Village museum where they were selling Irish coffees at the adjoining pub. Classic tourist trap but lots of drink takers on our bus. The next stop down the road was a fantastic viewpoint.
The tour leader said one of the hawkers who sets up there sold “potcheen” under the table. She went on to say it was moonshine and very illegal to not only sell, but possess. She later returned to the bus with a bottle discretely presented in a Pino Grigio bottle. She then went on to say how she used it in Christmas pudding. 80% proof!!
The Ring of Kerry is a gorgeous drive along the coast and through mountain passes. Our guide loves to play Irish music for us. At one point she put Danny Boy on and suddenly the sun broke through the clouds. Magical! The final leg of drive was through the Killarney National Park. Most of the route was on incredibly narrow roads and on a few occasions, resulted in a some calls. In fact, they have to drive the route in a certain direction because the other side of the road has rock outcroppings hanging too low. I can’t imagine being a tour bus driver.