Climber's Inn

No Nappies!

by Dabs

The big news story in Killarney while we were there, if you can believe it, was the debate over whether the horses used to pull the jarveys (horse drawn carts) should be wearing nappies (dung catchers) or not, while we were here the jarveys were banned from Killarney National Park because they refuse to attach the nappies to their horses. The National Park and Wildlife Service argued that they should to control the enormous amount of horse dung that is littering the roads near Killarney, it probably also cost Killarney the coveted title of "Tidy Town". The jarvey drivers argue that they shouldn't as it was uncomfortable for the horses and potentially dangerous, in my photo you can see them protesting outside the national park. For a few months in the peak travel season, they allowed them to continue on without the nappies but as of October 2009, they have banned the jarveys for a 2nd time until they comply.

Now I've been lots and lots of places where there are horse drawn carriages carting tourists around and never have I seen it allowed for a horse to deposit their "apples" wherever they fall. It's not tolerated in other places and somehow the horses survive, I really didn't see any strong arguments being made by the jarvey drivers although they did trot out some veterinary experts to try and make the case for them.

Track the trails!

by tvdm

Be bold enough to wander off the main roads and hike along the trails, and you might get into traffic jams such as these. Not such a baaaaaahh'd thing because - as you can see - there's no rush anyway ;-)

Spectacular Falls

by SabrinaSummerville

You will hear Torc Waterfall before you see it and when I was last there, just after torrential rains, the falls literally roared as they gushed and burst their way down the mountainside, pouring into pools and tumbling over giant boulders. The spray was everywhere.

The walk to the falls is a pleasant one, and even possible for those who find it difficult to walk. That saying, there are a number of different trekking paths marked out in degrees of difficulty. Choose the one that suits your ability.

The walk starts just off the main road and climbs upwards through the forest. Here it is leafy, mossy, and very green. It's about ten minutes to the first main level where you can look right up at the falls. From there there's a much steeper climb which I didn't take.

My advice is to wear wellington boots or snug warm footwear as it can be mucky and damp even on the driest day.

Torc Waterfall

by Deefstes

If you just want to see the waterfall you can simply walk up to it and take a picture but there's a nice trail going up the mountain. You won't get any better view of the waterfall from higher up though but the walk is lovely as it winds through the wooded Friar's Glen.

The waterfall is lovely as it falls 18m and flows to Muckross Lake.

My Killarney and Ring of Kerry Page

by mrdarius

Killarney and the Kerry Peninsula contain some of the most beautiful landscapes I saw in Ireland. It's a lot to take in all at once, so make sure you plan to spend at least two days there. At least. The popular tourist area was not too packed with tourists when we were there, which was nice. I can't imagine how stifling it must be during the summer.

Took the train to get there. The pleasant ride lasted 4 or 5 hours. Some nice views along the way...a very smooth ride.

"Gap of Dunloe"

Here is a view of the Gap of Dunloe from our Ring of Kerry tour. It was kinda overcast that day, but beautiful nonetheless!

"Atlantic"

This was from around the midpoint of the Ring of Kerry by the Atlantic. The sea and wind were angry that day, my friends.