Day 5 – County Kerry
Drive from Kinsale to Dingle
First Stop – Kenmare
Another Irish Tidy Town
We were anxious to visit the Kissane Sheep Farm, but first, Paul had another surprise in store for us at our lunch stop in Kenmare. He led us to a nearby ancient stone circle consisting of fifteen stones surrounding a large central boulder. Constructed over 3000 years ago, it was likely a celestial calendar that marked the summer and winter solstices.
The Good Luck Tree
Paul then introduced us to the Hawthorne trees growing next to the circle. He explained that the Hawthorne tree symbolizes love and protection in Celtic mythology. The Irish believe that fairies are guardians who live under the Hawthorne tree, and thus, this sacred tree is known as the Fairy Tree or Wishing Tree. Paul then handed out tags and invited us each to write a wish and add it to the tree.
Peace in the world and freedom in Ukraine!
United Ireland!
Next, we had time to wander around the cute town and find lunch before boarding the bus for the sheep farm and the beautiful Killarney National Park.
Who knew that a visit to a sheep farm could be so delightful! The star of the show was a very smart border collie. We watched as the dog followed whistle commands given by her handler and expertly herded the sheep around the field and into the pen.
Next, we were herded inside for a sheep shearing demonstration. Amazingly, the wool came off in one piece! Last step was to vaccinate and paint the farm's ID on the sheep.
Job well done!
Killarney National Park
We had one final stop before driving through the scenic Killarney National Park on our way to Dingle. In 1861, Queen Victoria and her ladies-in-waiting stopped in this same spot and remarked at the view. The site is now known as "Ladies' View." It was a great photo op!
