Killarney, Ireland

Because Ireland's rural roads are so narrow and often edged with rock walls, it was difficult to find a place to use our bicycles. The town of Killarney was definitely an exception. There were even bike lanes, on the left, of course. We rode to Killarney House Gardens and on to Ross Castle ruins (in the background of the photo below). 

Spontaneously, we took a private boat ride on Lough (Lake) Leane to Innisfallen Island where we hiked around and explored the Innisfallen Abbey ruins there.

In addition to the ruins, we also saw two stag deer on the island. They were small but because it was fall, they were in the rut. With sharp-looking antlers, they snorted and chased each other around; we steered clear of them.

Of course, sheep are common in Ireland. While driving in the area, we happened upon a border collie sheep dog (lying down, center left in the above photo) working a flock of sheep while the shepherd gave whistled signals. We couldn't help but pull over and watch.

Ireland's landscape, including Killarney National Park, is dotted with loughs or lakes. On our way to our campsite at Fleming's White Bridge Killarney Holiday Park, we stopped for a walk in the woods. So peaceful on this serene October day.