Cobh and the Ring of Kerry

You can't help but fall in love with the beautifully painted houses of Cobh as they zig-zag up the hill.  This would be our fourth visit to this quaint village that puts on a party each time we visit.

Always worth getting up early to see this as we sail in

We dock right at the train station which makes it really easy if you want to the spend the moring in Cork and then head back to Cobh for the festivities.

View from the bow

Ready to head off

Today was a long stay in port for the Coral Princess, which was just as well as we had a long day touring.  An 11-hour scenic drive following the route of the Ring of Kerry.  This included a drive through Kilkenny, a visit to the ancient Ring Forts, and the ruins of the Ballycarbery Castle.

Notice the tree at the top of the tower

Why do Killorglin love this goat!

Legend has it Puck the he-goat,  ran frantically into town which alerted the locals of the approaching pillagers. With the puck's warning, they were able to protect themselves, and every year since, held a festival in his honour.

How do they honour him?

 Every year a goat-handler goes up into the mountains to catch a goat. The goat is brought back to the town and the Queen of Puck, traditionally a young schoolgirl from one of the local primary schools, crowns him King Puck.   Let's hope he doesn't end up as LUNCH!

Stone Fort also known as Top of the Rock commanding some outstanding views.

The centre circle indicates someone important must of lived there.

Ballycarbery Castle

Followed by a drive around Valencia Island visiting the Slate Quarry, Lighthouse the other lovely vistas around the island.

Arrived at Valencia Harbour to board the car ferry to take us over to the island, only to find out it had broken down and we would now have to drive over.

There she is, stuck over the other side with no steering

Valencia Island

Grotto at the Slate Quarry

Slate Quarry

Lunch was at the small fishing Village of Portmagee.

Once back on the mainland, we drove the Kerry High Cliffs, through the little seaside villages of Waterville and Sneem, stopping at the Torc Waterfall before we ringed our way back to Cobh.

This statue of Charlie Chaplin can be found in Waterville. Erected by the town as recognition for the 10 years he took his family there for their holidays....  

Torc Waterfalls

Back on board on time but too late to enjoy some of the festivities being held in the streets of Cobh as they celebrate their Claytons Australia Day.