Saturday, June 16, 2012

Shopping, shopping, and more shopping!

Today was filled with shopping, bus rides, and a night out on the town of Kerry! We began our day with breakfast at the hotel, then hopped on the bus and headed for the Muckross House, the main focal  point of Killarney National Park. Once we got into the park, there were many "ooo's and ahh's" at the deer and other wildlife there.

The Muckross House was finished in 1843, and was owned by Henry Arthur Herbert and Mary Herbert. There were many owners after the couple, but it is now a part of Killarney National Park. We learned a good deal about the house, and were able to explore many of the rooms. Unfortunately, I can't show you what they looked like because the house did not allow flash photography, but I can share a picture I took of the outside of the house.

The Muckross House

One of the most interesting parts of the tour (in my opinion) was when we learned about Queen Victoria's visit. She called the Herberts six years in advance, telling them she was coming to visit the Muckross house. They arranged for her visit, changing rooms, having furniture made. When she came, she brought with her 100 servants and her own bed, even though the Herberts had one made just for her. They expected her to stay awhile; at least a few weeks, months, maybe even years. Guess how many days she stayed? The Queen stayed a total of two days at the Muckross House, then went back home. The tour group talked about that the whole rest of the day, still in disbelief.

After leaving the Muckross House, we stopped at a jewelry/clothing store. While shopping, the store workers served us coffee, free of charge. Many people bought souvenirs for themselves, loved ones and friends at the shop. After we sang "Danny Boy" for the store staff, we boarded the bus for the Ring of Kerry.

Because it is so vast, we rode in the bus for the tour of the Ring of Kerry. The views were absolutely breathtaking. I know I keep writing that, and that's because it's true. In Ireland, there is no shortage of amazing views. Or cows and sheep. :) 

Once we got to a high point of the Ring, we stopped for some photo opportunities. The wind was crazy, and we were a little afraid of being blown right off the edge! So we hurried and took the group picture, then ran back to the bus, happy to be in one piece. 

At a photo stop along the Ring of Kerry 
We had a few more stops, including lunch at the Scarriff Inn and another group photo (at the bottom of the page). Then we were back on the road! 

One of the photo points at the Ring of Kerry
Peter, our tour guide, gave us two choices. Behind door number one was to be dropped off right downtown to shop for the afternoon, then head back for dinner. Behind door number two was to be taken the hotel, then be able to decide what to do from there. Most of the group chose number one, but a few of us wanted to drop off our bags of souvenirs and things, then head into town.

The town of Kerry is very charming. The buildings are all painted different colors, and the architecture is neat. They had all kinds of stores, ranging from pubs to boutiques to a spa dedicated to pampering feet only. We had fun wandering around, looking in stores we weren't sure about, buying things for lots of people (at least I know that's what Ali K. and I did!). :)

After we had our fun shopping, it was time for dinner at the hotel. We had a delicious choice of 3 courses. I chose the garlic mushrooms, fillet of cod with herb sauce, and pear hellene. It was very good, so hats off to the chef(s). 

After dinner, many members of the group gathered down in the lobby of the hotel to get ready to walk downtown. We were going to the pubs! The Danny Mann was our first stop of the evening. We had a nice sit in the lounge, then some stayed to listen to the live music, and others branched out to explore the city. Everyone had a group to stay with, so don't worry. We're all safe! :)

The pubs were fun, and very different than American bars. We listened to a wonderful trio of male singers at The Danny Mann toward the end of the night. They sang a mash-up of "Danny Boy" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water". It was both interesting and entertaining. 

Group photo at the Ring of Kerry

It was an eventful day for the tour group! Tomorrow we'll depart Killarney and head for the good ole city of Dublin, Ireland. We're excited to give another concert tomorrow and hope the 4 1/2 hours on the bus will be good vocal rest time after singing loudly at the pubs. :) Thank you for reading and have a wonderful night!

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