Killarney and the Ring of Kerry

Mom and I headed west to Co. Kerry where we spent the entire day doing the Ring of Kerry. Basically, it involves driving on a specific road around the entire peninsula. We were told it takes about 5 hours, but it took us 8 hours because of our slow driving and all the stops to look at the gorgeous views or get a bite to eat. The weather was pretty finicky that day, but luckily it only torrential down poured on us once! After our tour of Co. Kerry, we went to dinner in Killarney and listened to some traditional music. We met a brother and sister who were visiting the town for a few days and they gave us a ton of laughs that evening. We were only in Killarney for one night, but I think we both agreed we wished it had been two nights!

Walking to the Gap of Dunloe. But we never made it the whole way because of the crazy rain!

Literally no one around to take our photo. This happened a lot on the trip.

We stopped in the beachy town of Waterville which had some crazy cold winds going on at the time!

Can you spot the rainbow?!

The Torc Waterfall

Our new amazing Irish friends Ronnie and Tom. 

Couldn't understand a darn word he was saying...it had Mom in hysterics.

Ross Castle

Apparently this is scarier than driving on the other side of the road.

Killarney was the cutest little town we ever did see!

Cork, Blarney, and Kinsale

Our second leg of the trip involved making our way to Cork where Denise lives! I've gotta say, it was really exciting having an Irish friend who was able to show us around, have us over to her apartment for tea, and even pick us up in her car to take us to Blarney. I know not many people get to have such an intimate experience when they travel abroad, so it is one that  Mom and I are thankful for!

Denise's lovely park job on the sidewalk.

Blarney Castle

Palm Trees in Ireland?! Well all right then.

An Irish Gnome! This one's for Jane :)

About to kiss the Blarney Stone!

Getting the Gift of Gab...like mom and I really need that!

Getting into position. I think I'm thinking, "Is my life really in your hands sir?!"

Kissing the Blarney Stone!

The view from Denise's apartment

A Heineken Factory

Listening to Traditional Irish Music

A Bailey's Coffee and a Cider...yum!

After our exciting day in Cork & Blarney, the weekend came to an end and Denise had to go back to work. Mom and I were on our own and we...duh duh duh...had to go pick up our car! Our little, cute, white, car in which we had to drive on the other side of the road. We were TERRIFIED to say the least. I had had so much fun in the cities and with Denise, that it was kind of scary thinking about being on our own and driving through an unknown country. But I must say, my mom ROCKED it! It took about a day or two for our nerves to calm down and before we knew it she was driving without even really thinking about it. She was even passing people on the freeway! We did a little day trip to a quaint fishing town called Kinsale to get used to the driving.

"Excuse me Sir...Where are we?"

That afternoon, we made it back to Cork safe and sound and in one piece, and parked the car for the rest of the evening. We met up with Denise for one last dinner together since our trip was going to lead us to the west side of the country the following morning. It was a fabulous few days being able to hang out with Denise again and I can't wait to see her again in 2014 for her first trip to America - My and Colin's Wedding!!! See you soon luvy :)