An Excerpt from Snapshots of Ireland Volume 2: Travels in Kerry
Enjoy an excerpt from Snapshots of Ireland Volume 2: Travels in Kerry. Snapshots of Ireland is the overarching title for this series of travel books that offers the reader an up-close and personal glimpse of the Emerald Isle, along the Wild Atlantic Way. The pictures and the author’s conversational notes reflect her love for Ireland and her keen eye for places and experiences that capture the Irish spirit. She includes the obvious tourist stops but relishes in sharing hidden treasures that may be just a few miles off the beaten path, especially those the Irish call thin places. Readers going to Ireland will find guidance in these soft-covers, lightweight, handy books (8.25 x 6 inches). Armchair travelers will enjoy a vicarious tour. Those who have already visited Ireland will find the pictures and commentary evoke fond memories.
Dingle
Tralee is the county seat of Kerry, the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula, and a lively town known as the home of Ireland’s National Folk Theater Siamsa Tire. Stately hotels and government buildings abut a beautiful park of old-growth hardwoods and a rose garden that honors the “Tose of Tralee”.
The nearby Banna Strand of Tralee Bay is subject of another ballad. The landmark Blennerville Windmill, an uncommon site in Ireland, serves as a welcoming center to the peninsula. I took pause here to honor those who left this port on famine ships as I walked the nature perserve.
The drive along this northern coast offers lovely view of Tralee Bay, then continues northwest to Mt. Brandon and Brandon Bay. Recently, the pilgrim path following the steps of St. Brendan The Navigator from Tralee to Dingle has been revitalized-tempting, but too rigourous for me.