There are always places where you can stop and enjoy the view.



Driving can be a bit tricky at times. While you usually have a nice view, it is quite narrow. And yes, there is oncoming traffic, of course. The advantage of having a bus in front of you is that no one can come towards you unexpectedly (the Irish often drive at breakneck speed on roads like this). On the other hand, it takes forever because someone walks in front of the bus in narrow places and the oncoming traffic has to back up quite a bit. For me, it's a cardinal mistake that buses aren't banned on roads like this or that they aren't made one-way. But buses bring in money, after all.

The Blasket Island Centre is a relatively new museum. It focuses on the offshore islands where people lived in fairly basic conditions until the 1950s.















The main island can be seen particularly well from the terrace.


The cafeteria offers decent food, but at quite high prices. Fish and chips cost �18.20, and Atlantic Way Seafood Chowder with Treacle Bread costs �9.30. It should be noted that this is a self-service cafeteria.

It is an 8th-century house of worship, which is now one of only three dry stone churches remaining in Ireland. But first you have to go through the entrance and walk a little way.



The building itself is visibly old and quite fascinating.

We continued over Conner Pass, Ireland's second highest pass (maybe I'll show you the highest one later, who knows). At the top there is a parking lot with a viewpoint.

On the way down, we stopped at Conor Pass Waterfall. The waterfall wasn't really that impressive.

We climbed up to the lake via a path that wasn't really developed. It's very nice there and you have a good view of the pass.

Somewhat unexpectedly, the navigation system took us along the Caherconree Scenic Route. What looked like a main road on the navigation system was more like a dirt road. At least the route was scenic and the sheep had something to look at.

The food at Aghadoe Heights was decent, but a bit too much for four evenings. So we decided to eat out one evening. The only restaurant with a Michelin plate in Killarney is the Peregrine, so that's where we went.
The restaurant is located in the Killarney Park Hotel. The hotel has been newly renovated and from what I've seen, I can imagine that it's a nice hotel. The only thing you have to do without is the view of Aghadoe Heights, as it's located in the middle of the city.

The restaurant has been newly decorated in a bistro style, which we found appealing.


The menu was also appealing, and it wasn't difficult to find something.



Bread

Little Leading Lady (Mocktail)

Blue Cheese Tortellini - Lovage & Parsley Velout�, Parmesan Foam, Rapeseed Oil and Celery Leaves


That tasted really good and was of a high standard.
Traditional Prawn Cocktail - Baby Gem Lettuce and Marie Rose Sauce


A delightful classic with excellent flavor.
Pan Seared Turbot - Cauliflower Puree, Samphire, Tempura Oyster and Squid Ink Tuile



Tasty
Cod with mussles (dish of the day)

Amatika Milk Chocolate & Cherry Delice - Tarragon Ice Parfait, Rice Crispy and Sour Cherry Sorbet


Raspberry & Lychee Almond Tart - Vanilla Caviar Cream, Elderflower and Raspberry Ice Cream

Petit Fours

The bill

An all-round successful evening, we really liked the restaurant.

I'd kill for that prawn cocktail. The "Blue Cheese Tortellini - Lovage & Parsley Velout�, Parmesan Foam, Rapeseed Oil and Celery Leaves" was visually interesting to say the least!

The prawn cocktail convinced GF to chose the restaurant, I was after the Tortellini.

It was the famous Blarney Castle. Its fame was reflected in the price: �23 per person.
The gardens look pretty, and then you come to the castle.





The castle can be visited, but here are some exterior shots. It is possible to visit the interior, but when we were there, there was an hour-long wait. The reason is simple: the Blarney Stone, which you are supposed to kiss, is waiting for you at the top. No, thank you, I'll pass.














As already mentioned, the gardens are beautiful and spacious.

















Then there is also the newer mansion, which the family still lives in. For �10 per person, you can take a guided tour. Of course, we were happy to pay! Photography was not allowed inside.



To be honest, it's a fairly pleasant place, but there are many like it in Ireland. It's not worth the admission fee; you pay to see the Blarney Stone, which I consider to be nonsense.

Next, we headed to Cork. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul was our first stop.

The absolute top attraction in Cork is the English Market on Grand Parade.

OK, a G was probably too expensive...

We were probably a little late, as many places were already (or permanently?) closed. But the junk shop was open.









Another highly acclaimed attraction that you don't really need to see. The market is quite nice, but that's about it.

Grand Parade is Cork's main boulevard. Unfortunately, it's not all that grand. Many shops and the Savoy cinema are empty, which is quite sad.
















It's not really any better in the side streets.

Since there was nothing decent to eat at the English Market, we went to Brown Thomas department store. There was a brasserie there. It was quite nicely done and the food was acceptable, albeit rather conveniance.

I don't know how you see it, but I think it makes a lot of sense. I saw it for the first time.