Of the peninsulas we have driven, the Beara is the most beautiful and interesting. It is also the most remote and rugged which perhaps is part of its appeal. Though the day was cloudy and foggy at times, the vistas were quite inspiring. When we got out to the end of the peninsula, we came to some road construction which detoured us on one track roads that had grass growing the the center. Paul is to be commended on his masterful driving since very often we had to quickly pull over to let other vehicles pass us. I think his experience with off roading in his jeep stood us in good stead.
We passed through several towns that had brilliantly painted buildings with very bright colors. Several of them had won "Tidy Town" awards. At the far end of th epninisula, we crossed over a pass that went through some of the most desolate and rocky scenery I have ever laid eyes on.
After lunch in Castletownbere we traveled down to where the Healy Pass road takes off. After looking up the mountain where it runs, we decided it was too foggy to drive the very narrow road over the pass so we visited a lovely craft shop and then backtracked to where we could cross on a more well-traveled road back to Kenmare.
On the way back to Kenmare we decided to take a side trip to Glen Inchaquin Park where we had heard that there were some high falls. Once again we found ourselves on a very narrow one-track road. It seemed like we traveled forever before we caught a glimpse of a ribbon of water cascading down from the high mountains. Wow - what a sight! We continued past several loughs to where the road stopped at a visitor center of sorts. Here we saw a sign that said one should pay for the privilege of crossing the private land to see the falls. It was so beautiful that we felt we wouldn't mind paying. When we stopped the car in the parking lot, and Irish gentleman came and asked us if we would like to ride closer to the falls in his four wheel drive vehicle. He was the owner of the land!
We happily paid him the park fee and were soon whisked up past his sheep pastures to a viewpoint where we could see all the loughs we had passed and clear down to the ocean. Quite far the most impressive view to date! He then drove us past the base of the falls to another lough that seemed to be hanging over the valley. It was very lovely. How lucky we were to have the opportunity. And to think we almost decided not to go up that tiny road!
After thanking the farmer, we bid him farewell and made our way back to Kenmare where we had Quiness and dinner while listening to an Irish band in one of the local pubs. I don't think we could have had a better day!
Tomorrow we head for Kinsale.
