Tag Archives: Macgillycuddy’s Reeks

Destination, Photography, Travel

THE BLACK VALLEY – COUNTY KERRY – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND #discoverireland

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The Black Valley

If visiting County Kerry in the Republic of Ireland, be sure that the Black Valley is on your list of destinations.  It is a short deviation, in distance, from the Ring of Kerry.  The roads in and out of the valley are narrow and full of curves.  It takes a wee bit of effort to get in and out of the valley, but it is time well spent.  The scenery is quite amazing.

The Views

After traversing the Gap of Dunloe, the lovely view of the Black Valley is exposed.  You can see the highest peak (Carrantoohil) and the 4th highest peak (Cnoc na Peiste) of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks towering over the valley in the distance.

Here are few more images taken in the Black Valley

The Sheep

Breakfast @ B&B

Our choice of Hillcrest Farmhouse B&B was perfect for our travels in and around the Black Valley.  Just down the road were multiple pastures full of sheep.  We spent a fair bit of time photographing and rolling video of these vocal beasts.  The baby sheep were so inquisitive and the parents watchful.  The markings on each sheep were as unique as each individual’s baa.

Map - Baby SheepWe were was not expecting all the gates to be open and all the sheep running around wild and free.  Thankfully we were never charge or mauled; they were quite well-behaved.  It was a spectacular site to see and experience.  This was a top memory of our visit to Ireland.  We visited this area both days we were here.

iPhone videos

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Destination, Photography, Travel

IVERAGH PENINSULA – COUNTY KERRY – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND #discoverireland

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The Road to Iveragh Peninsula

Our adventure continued as we made our Map - Killimer to Killarney, Iveraph Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, County Kerryway from Loop Head heading further South toward the Iveragh Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry in County Kerry.  We decided to save some travel time and take the ferry from Killimer to Tarbert instead of driving all the way around the bay through Shannon and Limerick.  Again, meeting our goal of steering clear of major metro areas.  The bypass of the Dingle Peninsula was intentional; instead we headed toward Killarney area where our next scheduled B&B was located.

West of Killarney on N72; just North of Beaufort is another remarkable stone arch bridge.  I never tired of these beautiful bridges.

Stone Arch Bridge

Hillcrest Farmhouse

Map - Killarney to Hillcrest Farmhouse, Iveraph Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, County KerryWe stayed at Hillcrest Farmhouse, Black Valley B&B for two nights.  This B&B was a perfect place to spend two days and explore area attractions such as Ring of Kerry, Ring of Reeks, The Black Valley, Killarney National Park and Dingle Peninsula.

You don’t just simply make a few quick turns on the main road and arrive at Hillcrest Farmhouse.  At least that is not the case when coming from the Northside.  You path goes right through The Gap of Dunloe.    The Gap of Dunloe is a lovely mountain pass. The pass is located between Macgillycuddy’s Reeks (west) and Purple Mountain (east) in County Kerry, Ireland. It is about 11 km (6.8 mi) from north to south.

road signsOnce through the gap, you enter The Black Valley.  The views are something to see.  Once in the valley our B&B was a short distance away.  Most areas of Ireland are very well marked with signs.  From the B&B sign, it was a single lane road around a small bend.  You can see where the Purple Mountains get their name from, the rock here had a definite purple hue to it.Purple rocks

As if appearing out of nowhere; nestled in among the hillside was our home for the next two nights.Hillcrest Farmhouse, Black Valley B&B

 

Once we checked in and got settled into our room we explored the valley a bit and set out to find some dinner on the Ring of Kerry in town named Sneem.

The second highest peak on the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks range

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