Sunday, August 26, 2012

God's Country



Ring of Kerry


We're just back from our Romantic break in Kerry - sigh!  We (myself and my husband) had a fantastic holiday.  I had never been to the ring of Kerry before and now I understand why they call this place 'God's Country'.   The views of the Ocean and mountains are spectacular.  Breathtaking . . .


Valentia Island


Cliffs - Valentia Island


Beach at Castlecove - Ring of Kerry


Me windswept on top of a Ring fort on Valentia Island


Dry stone structure of ring fort on Valentia Island

We visited two ring forts on our holiday - one on Valentia Island and the second one near Castlecove called Staigue Fort.   The amazing thing about these forts is that the walls are dry stone walls, just stone placed on stone with no mortar.  Staigue fort one of the largest ring forts in Ireland was built about 2500 years ago!!!! no mortar!!!!!  the mind boggles . . . 


Staigue Ring Fort near Castlecove - Ring of Kerry


Entrance to Staigue Fort


View from Staigue Fort

While touring the Ring of Kerry we stayed at Picin Cottage   which was gorgeous, the perfect Romantic country cottage . . .



Then for the last two nights we headed to Kenmare and the Sheen Falls Hotel.  The hotel is beautifully situated right beside the falls and on a lake.

http://www.kenmaretourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/sheenfalls.jpg


 The bridge over the Falls.




The setting really is glorious.  The Sheen Falls Estate is HUGE so miles of woodland and lake side walks.   We both loved this hotel, from the moment we arrived the staff made us feel welcome and were very attentive.  Our room was gorgeous - large and comfortable and the views were superb- and we had our own balcony!    While we were there we had afternoon tea by the open fire (it was the one rainy day we had the whole holiday!).  They have a spa at the hotel so we treated ourselves to massages.  The last night we had dinner in the main restaurant - La Cascade.  We enjoyed a really gorgeous meal in sumptuous surroundings with a grand piano playing in the background.  After all this luxury we were totally relaxed.  Bliss.

 
 The view of the Falls from our room . . .








 The view back up to the bridge . . .


Hydrangeas in the hotel garden . . .



 The view from the front of the hotel . . .

I really fell in love with this beautiful part of the world with its rugged, unspoilt landscape.   It has a quiet, majestic beauty. 

Timeless, eternal, magical . . .



 God's Country

10 comments:

Woodside Park said...

Absolutely beautiful, Sharon! I could get used to those views. I totally agree: rugged, unspoilt landscape......and very peaceful. Perfect for your romantic getaway with Niall :)
Cheers,
Loi

Susan T said...

I would dearly love to visit Kerry, it looks stunning. On a trip to Ireland years ago when the children were little we went to Newgrange tomb, we all sifted in one after another with the help of a guide with a lamp. Once inside the guide turned the lamp off so we could see the effect of sunrise coming from the entrance(Someone had placed a lamp there too) In the silence and darkness, surrounded by other tourists my daughter piped up "what on earth are we looking for" it sort of spoilt the moment.

Sara Louise said...

After living in Ireland for six years, and visiting there countless times growing up, I'm ashamed to say that I've never been to the Ring of Kerry! Your pictures of it are gorgeous x

The Snowdrop Project said...

What stunning countryside.
It sounds like you had a fab time.
Hope you have a lovely week,
Lizx

Bluebells and Lavender said...

Sharon, it looks beautiful! So many wondeful places to visit, those dry walls are amazing and to think they've been standing for so many years. So glad you had such a romantic holiday away...have a lovely Sunday. Sharon x

Dee Sewell said...

Sharon it looks beautiful, what a lovely and well deserved break for you. It's been several years since we were in Kerry and have yet to visit Valentia... One day :-)

Paula said...

Oh it looks so gorgeous! I've just got back from holiday too - although not quite as romantic as yours as it included three children, a dog and two parents in-law - sadly no holding hands while staring out over a dreamy and rugged landscape allowed!!
Glad that you had such a marvellous time - it looks stunning.
Paula xxx

Pura Vida said...

wow what lovely photos of God's Country..you look so tiny up against that rock wall. I love the mist

French Grey said...

Absolutely stunning!! I have never been to that part of Ireland, but certainly need to add it to "the list"!! Glad to hear you had a relaxing, much needed, holiday!

Blessings,

Cindy

Leslie said...

Gorgeous! I love the view of the hotel at night, and the stone work is amazing! Breath-taking views, and streams to watch.. so glad you got to get away!

xx
leslie

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