09/16/2026
🍀 Ireland Day… I’m Pretty Sure We Did About Three Days’ Worth of Things Today!
Today started with an early breakfast because apparently Ireland has decided that 8:00 a.m. is practically lunchtime and then we were off to Killarney National Park for an adventure on the famous Jaunting Cars! 🐎
And let me just say… our jaunty car drivers were AMAZING. Witty, hilarious, full of Irish charm, and incredibly knowledgeable about everything we were seeing. They could tell a story, make us laugh, point out wildlife, explain history AND navigate the roads — all while sitting comfortably in a horse-drawn carriage. I’m thinking they may have missed their calling as stand-up comedians. 😂
We spotted Sika deer, which aren’t native to Ireland but were introduced here in the 19th century, along with the beautiful native red deer. We learned about the incredible trees and plants throughout the park, including one whose compounds are used in the production of paclitaxel, a drug used in cancer treatment. Nature really is quite the pharmacist.
And then there were the views. The Killarney Lakes were absolutely spectacular from the various vantage points throughout the park. There are moments when you just stop talking because the scenery has done all the talking for you.
We also learned how Killarney National Park came to be. Much of the land was once part of the Muckross estate, and in 1932 the estate was donated to the Irish state by William Bowers Bourn and his wife, Maud. That gift helped establish what became Ireland’s first national park. Today, the park protects thousands of acres of mountains, lakes, forests and wildlife. Not a bad legacy at all!
Then we headed toward Upper Dunloe for a group photo.
Now, getting a group photo with this group is apparently an Olympic level event.
“Everybody get together!”
People scatter.
“Come back!”
Someone is shopping.
“Where’s everybody?”
“Ooh a rainbow!”
Someone else is taking a picture of a dog.
Do you get the picture?!?! 🤣🤣
Eventually, we managed to corral enough of our wandering travelers into one location to capture photographic evidence that we really are traveling together.
And then… SHOPPING!
We stopped at a wonderful family-owned woolen mill market where we had the opportunity to browse, shop and, apparently, prove once again that our group possesses championship level shopping skills.
Our coach may need a trailer by the time this trip is over.
Back on the bus, we continued toward the Ring of Kerry, stopping at a little bog village where we learned about one of Ireland’s most fascinating traditions — the peat bogs and how peat has historically been cut, dried and used as fuel.
We also got up close and personal with some absolutely magnificent Irish Wolfhounds, saw the adorable little bog ponies, and learned about the Irish Travellers, a distinct cultural community with a long history throughout Ireland.
It was one of those stops where you think, “Okay, surely THAT was the educational portion of the day.”
Oh, my friends.
No. We were not done.
Next stop: McGills Brewery!
McGills Brewery
We learned about this fascinating family, their history and their connection to this part of Ireland. We also learned more about the Gaelic language and Ireland’s efforts to preserve and revive it, including teaching children through conversational learning in schools.
And then came the really important educational component:
🍺 B**r tasting.
We sampled the b**rs they are currently brewing while enjoying delicious food pairings designed to bring out the flavors of each brew. We learned, we tasted, we laughed, we enjoyed the craic and eventually there was even a little sing-along!
Because apparently a proper Irish tour cannot be completed without someone breaking into song.
Then back onto the coach we went, heading toward the spectacular coastline and the Wild Atlantic Way.
And WOW!
The scenery along the coast was absolutely breathtaking. Dramatic cliffs, rolling green landscapes, the Atlantic crashing against the shoreline and vistas that make you understand exactly why people fall in love with Ireland.
We stopped for photos whenever we could, encountered quite a few very friendly dogs including some wonderful rescue dogs who had come from shelters in Dublin and soaked in as much of that incredible coastline as possible.
Eventually, it was time to head back toward Killarney.
But naturally, there was one more very important stop:
Bathroom break which always translates into an ice cream break??
At this point, ice cream has officially become a central character in this Ireland story. I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring, but I feel confident saying there will probably be ice cream involved.
As for me…
I’m back in my hotel room, still trying to fight off this stubborn cold. 🤧 I am EXHAUSTED after the day we just had and have officially surrendered to my bed and this computer in order to get this post out and get some work done on a grant that popped up in my inbox.
But the rest of our fearless travelers?
They have headed back into Killarney for one more dinner, one more pub visit and a little more Irish music.
Because apparently tired is merely a suggestion on this tour.
Tomorrow we board a ferry that will take us to the Cliffs of Mohor then on to Galway and Limerick, where tomorrow evening we will experience a medieval banquet.
A ferry. Cliffs. Galway. Limerick. A medieval banquet.
Sure. Why not?
At this point, I’ve learned not to ask what’s next.
I just get on the bus and count to make sure we have everyone.
Stay tuned for tomorrow night’s chapter of our Irish adventure! 🇮🇪💚
