Walking on the Kerry Way

As the forecast promised no rain yesterday we set off to walk a part of the famous Kerry Way. Sorry to talk so much about the weather, but this can be a real issue when you're about to walk all day in difficult terrain and the Irish weather is no less versatile than the Scottish is.
Anyway. We drove an hour to Galway bridge and entered the Kerry Way heading towards Killarney. I was taking in every bit of the way as I intend to walk the whole of it next year anyway. First we walked through a beautiful forest with moss covered oak trees. Lots of green again but you just cannot get enough of it.

Later the trees vanished and the broad path wound its way though an almost tree-less plain with views of the surrounding hills as well as the McGillycuddy Reeks. We took a break at a waterfall and climbed Torc Mountain later on. It's not very high but nevertheless you have a stunning view of Muckross Lake, Killarney, Lough Leane and more peaks on the horizon.

The way up was not very long and steep so going down was rather easy going. Infact I ran down the last third of the path hopping over stones and having a blast. I never knew how much fun this could be! Once you feel surefooted enough to hop from stone to stone it's pure joy. Now I know why trailrunning is getting more and more popular.
After the Torc mountain intermezzo we continued along the Kerry Way, passed another very scenic oak-tree-forest and an impressive waterfall. The closer we got to Muckross House the more people we met. Seems to be a very popular place. Even in the middle of the week.
Muckross House is not as impressive as all the present tourists may imply. Still it's a nice old manor house. Took some pictures, had a stroll through the very well-kempt park and went home to have dinner and afterwards a whiskey with the fire blazing in the chimney.