Though I’ve been to Ireland before, this spring was the first time we wandered the Iveragh Peninsula, AKA the Ring of Kerry in Southwestern Ireland. In the past we’ve been in Ireland in late fall, when the Wild Atlantic Way can in fact be quite wild, but this spring was lovely. The 180 km driving route features dramatic coastal views and small villages. Fun fact – Waterville, a small village, has Charlie Chaplin themed statues and events. Apparently he and his family spent holidays there for decades.
The high point for me, though, wasn’t ocean front at all. For me, it was the tree-lined drive from Killarney to the Torc Waterfall, where a short walk through primeval-feeling forest of moss covered, gnarled trees leads to this beautiful scene. The light is especially dramatic, even on an overcast day, as you emerge from the moody woods. The waterfall isn’t the end of the walk, though. For those with the appetite for more, there is a 300-meter hike up the “Cardiac Steps” to see above the treeline.
As I read the news today, only 2 months later, it’s hard to imagine that this lush route is currently closed due to wildfires, the same day that air in my other hometown of Chicago is full of smoke from Canadian fires.