Ireland 2012: Day Three - Killarney & Tralee

Today we left Galway for Killarney and Tralee, with a stop in Adare. Seamus obtained permission to do a drive by of the magnificent Adare Manor house within the manor grounds, so we got an up close view of this beautiful five star hotel, former home of the Earl of Dunraven. Then we made a short stop in the town of Adare to experience its quaint and charming character. Of course, we did find a pub! Across the street was a beautiful park in which I found a tree planted in memory of a young 18 year old American girl, who apparently had passed away and was very fond of Adare. The tree was dedicated by her parents.

Continuing along we finally arrived at Muckross House just on the outskirts of Killarney. This mid nineteenth century manor house was originally built for a wealthy gentleman, Henry Arthur Herbert, who lost it due to financial difficulties brought on by the cost associated with the extensive renovation and expansion of this 65 room mansion in preparation for a two day visit by Queen Victoria, a project some six years in the planning. The was subsequently owned first by Arthur Guinness ( yes, that Guinness ), and later by a wealthy American, Senator Athur Vincent, who later presented it to the Irish state as a gift in memory of his late wife, Maud. The guided tour of the mansion was very interesting and gave one insight into the living conditions of both the landed gentry and their servants.

After the tour of the mansion we spent some time in the town of Killarney before proceeding on to our hotel, Ballyseede Castle, where we were greeted by an unlikely pair, Mr. Higgins and Einstein, a huge Irish Wolf Hound and a much smaller dog of undetermined breeding. Mr. Higgins mainly seems to like to sleep and Einstein likes to carry around two favorite pebbles in his mouth and lay them at the feet of anyone who might throw or kick them so he can chase and retrieve them. Our rooms were beautiful and we had an excellent dinner in the castle.