Today we drove the Ring of Kerry. Our first destination was in Killorglin where we saw a statue of King Puck the goat. This goat statue represents a legend of the town in which the Vikings were raiding the town, but luckily because the villagers were up in the mountains gathering their goats, none of them were killed in the raid. Considering this legend, the people of Killorglin now celebrate every year with the Puck Fair, where they pick out a goat and treat it like a king for three days. They feed it, give it water, and pamper it as a way of giving thanks.
Our next stop was in the Kerry Bog village that serves the Best Irish Coffee. The surrounding bogs contain peat moss which the Irish use to hear their homes. The village also had a gift shop that several people utilized as well as a museum. Unfortunately this was a quick stop so we did not have time to go into the museum.
Once we left the village we continued onto our sheep herding demonstration. We learned about common sheep breeds along with their purpose. One of my (Jared's) favorites was the Cheviot breed, mostly because it looked like a tiny llama. Upon additional research we found that it is a common breed not only in Ireland, but also in the United Kingdom, Scotland, Wales, Australia, and New Zealand. This one in particular is used for both wool and meat. Once we learned about the sheep we saw how Border Collies herd the sheep. This was very interesting because the shepherd told us how there are only a few basic commands but each dog has their own signal. Also, we learned that when some of the dogs are actually moving the sheep, the other dogs stay on the border to protect them.

After the demonstration we stopped for lunch at the (Cabin). The lamb stew was delicious along with the brown bread. It was clear to tell it was all homemade.

One of the best things about this particular endeavor was the view from the top of a mountain that Jared climbed. The view was absolutely spectacular. There was this incredible feeling at the top where you could see everything and you just felt peaceful and you couldn't help but smile. There is no way to capture the true beauty, but a some very nice pictures were obtained.
At the same stop there were lambs, kids (baby goat), and fawn. This was a fun opportunity to hold the animals as well as take ample pictures! Unfortunately this too was a quick stop as well.


Our final stop before heading back to Killarney was at a popular tourist stop called Ladies View, named for Queen Victoria who once visited. It was another gorgeous view and another must see in the Ring of Kerry.


The ride back was a bit of a squeeze. The roads around the last bit of the Ring of Kerry heading back towards Killarney are very, very narrow with many sharp, blind turns. There were a few times the bus and the oncoming traffic had to come to a very sudden halt and someone had to back up. Luckily the our bus driver Jerry is awesome and although a few of us may have feared for our lives a couple times, he got us through it. Thanks Jerry!
Once back at the hotel for our last night we wandered the streets for some last minute shopping. After shopping we ate American style BBQ at Rob's Ranch house. The food here was delicious!! People choose to have ribs, fajitas, chicken wings, and roasted chicken. No one had any food left! The atmosphere was made even better by the country music playing in the background.

This was our busy exciting day! We had a fantastic time here in Killarney!
Jared Smith and Elizabeth Johnson
Our next stop was in the Kerry Bog village that serves the Best Irish Coffee. The surrounding bogs contain peat moss which the Irish use to hear their homes. The village also had a gift shop that several people utilized as well as a museum. Unfortunately this was a quick stop so we did not have time to go into the museum.
Once we left the village we continued onto our sheep herding demonstration. We learned about common sheep breeds along with their purpose. One of my (Jared's) favorites was the Cheviot breed, mostly because it looked like a tiny llama. Upon additional research we found that it is a common breed not only in Ireland, but also in the United Kingdom, Scotland, Wales, Australia, and New Zealand. This one in particular is used for both wool and meat. Once we learned about the sheep we saw how Border Collies herd the sheep. This was very interesting because the shepherd told us how there are only a few basic commands but each dog has their own signal. Also, we learned that when some of the dogs are actually moving the sheep, the other dogs stay on the border to protect them.

After the demonstration we stopped for lunch at the (Cabin). The lamb stew was delicious along with the brown bread. It was clear to tell it was all homemade.
One of the best things about this particular endeavor was the view from the top of a mountain that Jared climbed. The view was absolutely spectacular. There was this incredible feeling at the top where you could see everything and you just felt peaceful and you couldn't help but smile. There is no way to capture the true beauty, but a some very nice pictures were obtained.
At the same stop there were lambs, kids (baby goat), and fawn. This was a fun opportunity to hold the animals as well as take ample pictures! Unfortunately this too was a quick stop as well.
Our final stop before heading back to Killarney was at a popular tourist stop called Ladies View, named for Queen Victoria who once visited. It was another gorgeous view and another must see in the Ring of Kerry.
The ride back was a bit of a squeeze. The roads around the last bit of the Ring of Kerry heading back towards Killarney are very, very narrow with many sharp, blind turns. There were a few times the bus and the oncoming traffic had to come to a very sudden halt and someone had to back up. Luckily the our bus driver Jerry is awesome and although a few of us may have feared for our lives a couple times, he got us through it. Thanks Jerry!
Once back at the hotel for our last night we wandered the streets for some last minute shopping. After shopping we ate American style BBQ at Rob's Ranch house. The food here was delicious!! People choose to have ribs, fajitas, chicken wings, and roasted chicken. No one had any food left! The atmosphere was made even better by the country music playing in the background.
This was our busy exciting day! We had a fantastic time here in Killarney!
Jared Smith and Elizabeth Johnson
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