Ring of Kerry & Fitzgerald family
As we traveled more into the southwest region of Ireland, we reached the Ring of Kerry, the edge of Europe on Ireland’s Atlantic seaboard. Based on a recommendation from one of those kind and helpful Irish, we decided to go at a little slower pace and enjoy the beautiful coastal views on the Iveragh Peninsula After all, in her words if we tried to drive the neighboring Dingle Peninsula, we would just be “looking back at ourselves”. Gotta love how the Irish can put things into perspective.
More long and winding roads.
At the edge of the peninsula we drove across the bridge from Portmagee to Valentia Island and were rewarded with beautiful views and cliffs.
Fogher Cliffs
Cliffs of Bray Head
The 360 degree views from the highest point of Valentia Island, the top of Geokaun Mountain were stunning even though it was a little overcast. On a clear day you can view The Skelligs, Dingle Peninsula, & The Blaskets, and the Fogher Cliffs from this viewpoint. Our only regret was that we didn’t pack a lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables with spectacular views on the mountain.
Cromwell Point Lighthouse
Even though we didn’t have lunch, we did stop for a treat (more sugar of course) at Ceol Na Mara Cafe. It was a nice little cafe in a sunroom attached to someone’s home with views of Skelligs and Bray Head while enjoying delicious homemade pie.
Valentia Island was the first place we confronted sheep grazing freely along the roads. I tried to do some research as to why the sheep all have paint markings and found some interesting results. Basically, it seems they are marked to easily identify which farmer they belong to without reading the tags since they are roaming freely. Also, I read there are harnesses sometimes worn by the rams they leave a colored marking on the ewes so the farmers know which sheep may be having babies soon. Interesting what you learn on the road.
Just before leaving the island, we came upon a cemetery just before leaving the small island of Valentia and decided to stop and take pictures because the ruins and stones looked so interesting. As I was taking pictures, my friend Bill discovered the entire fenced center section and the tower like memorial were all dedicated to Fitzgeralds. What a coincidence that this happens to be Bill’s last name. Amazing how we were drawn to stop at this particular location after driving past many similar sites the past few days.
From what we were able to read on the plaques and tomb stones we learned that
Robert Fitzgerald (1716-1781) was the 17th Knight of Kerry
Maurice Fitzgerald (1772-1849) was the 18th Knight of Kerry. Maurice planned and developed the island’s main village, Knightstown. He also opened the slate quarry in 1816 which still flourishes today. The slate has been used in many prominent buildings including the British House of Commons in London
Peter Fitzgerald (1808-1880) was the 19th Knight of Kerry
Maurice Fitzgerald (1844-1912) was the 20th Knight of Kerry
Not sure if they are any of Bill’s ancestors, but it was still fun to read about The Fitzgerald Family on Valentia Island. We saw the name Fitzgerald all over Ireland. Going to check out www.rootsireland.ie to see if we can find any correlation.
From the village of Knightstown, we took the Shannon Ferry back to Renard Point near Cahersiveen on the mainland.
We spent the night at another historic home found in Ireland’s Blue Book. Carrig Country House. This charming Victorian Hunting Lodge on Caragh Lake in County Kerry was a beautiful escape from our daily travels and one of our favorite stops in Ireland. We especially enjoyed the comfort of the warm and inviting drawing room where we sat to order our dinner while enjoying a glass of wine with appetizers by the log fire. The food at Carrig House was beyond amazing. We had booked a special two night offer including breakfast and 3 course meals each evening. From the first course of gourmet soup or salad, through the main entree of salmon fresh from the lake or specials of the day, through the third course of deserts almost too beautiful to eat – my mouth waters just thinking about it. If you are anywhere near the area, try to enjoy a meal in the award winning Lakeside Restaurant even if you don’t spend the night at Carrig House.
A short stroll outside the doors opened up to beautiful views of the lake and gardens. They could also be enjoyed right from the window of our room or the dining area.
The hosts/proprietors Frank & Mary Slattery were more than kind during our stay and in true Irish style very helpful with details and maps as we checked out to continue our journey.
