Ramblin' on The Ring

The Ring of Kerry is simultaneously extolled as one of the most gorgeous parts of Ireland, and denigrated as touron chaos. Exploring in mid May, I've hit it lucky; the first part of the equation is spot on, and it's very quiet, in between the early May bank holiday and the summer high season. Ate at a fine restaurant in Sneem tonight, recommended by my B&B hosts, Friday night, not too early... 7-8PM...and I was the only diner!
Like any great scenic area, the Kerry coast produces some surreal scenes. Look at this water...green and crystalline. Bahamas? Hawaii? Nope. Ireland? Sure!

Went hiking on Valentia Island today. It's on the Skellig Ring, a smashingly scenic drive west of the Ring of Kerry. Only a few people here. I walked high upon a grassy headland, blending with the sea, sky, and land.

Here's Bray Head, looking out to the Skellig Islands. The right island, Great Skellig, was home to Christian monks from about the 6th to 13th centuries. It's harsh enough here on the mainland...cool and windy most of the time. It's cooler and windier out there. They built beehive-shaped huts out of stone, tended gardens in wind sheltered areas, fished, and traded goods with passing ships. But still, on a stormy winter day...REALLY harsh.

Late this afternoon, I drove through the resort town of Waterville, and caught the light just right. Blind pig syndrome at its finest.

After a sunny afternoon, the rain returned this evening. This shot was taken from my room at the B&B. I have a fabulous view...I can see the sea and sky changing all the time, and as dusk falls the light at The Bull, a rocky islet shrouded in the rain in this shot, starts beaming.