Friday adventure photo:
Take a ride in an Irish jaunting car
When you go to Killarney, Ireland, be sure to go to the National Park. There are some very cool things there, including Ross Castle (absolutely fascinating, and deserves a post of its own), Inishfallen Island (ruins now, but a place for scholars and princes in its day), and fancy-schmancy Muckross House (which will make you think twice about inviting the Queen to visit). There's more too - it's a large and scenic park.
But whatever else you manage to fit in on your visit, do take the jaunting car back to town. As your horse clop, clop, clops through the park, and the driver tells stories and jokes, you get a different view of the place, and even a different sense of time.
It's so peaceful! Sure, you will see a few other cars jaunting out on the paths too, but it's a far cry from the busy traffic of Killarney town! The hustle and bustle and high-activity of the town are totally missing out here. Here, you just clop along, stopping now and then when a photo-op appears. When you return to the town center, it feels like your pleasant dream was interrupted by a buzzing alarm.
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This photo is from our Ireland tour for women this summer. The jaunting cars may seem touristy (and they are -- it's not like the locals commute this way!), but the ride really is worthwhile. And if you go, please let me know -- do ALL the drivers tell the "beech" joke? 
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5 responses so far ↓
1 Lulu // Sep 24, 2008 at 1:23 am
I've always wanted to take a carriage ride in Killarney. A good friend of mine did and said it was a great experience. Now, reading your post makes me want to go and do it now! It seems like such a relaxing and different way to see the sights. Thanks for reminding me how much I want to do this.
2 doll tor // Sep 24, 2008 at 4:11 am
We'll certainly look out for this, my daughter'll love it.
3 Deanna Keahey // Sep 26, 2008 at 10:37 am
If you get to Killarney, definitely give it a try. And let me know about that "beech" joke. (-:
4 Maureen Bike // Feb 27, 2010 at 9:10 pm
Hi, I am a friend of Delores Keahey - it's a joy to know her - and to get this newsletter - all about my area of Ireland. Alas, I cannot make the trip ...but wanted you to know I am a member of the O'Donoghue Clan who defended the west coast of Ireland in the 1400's in Ross Castle! And I think it's one of my cousins John or Hugh Murhill who's driving that jaunting car ... they are drivers around the Lakes of Kerry and Muckross House. Maureen (nee O'Donoghue) Bike, Tucson
5 Deanna Keahey // Feb 28, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Maureen - That is so cool that you have family ties with Ross Castle, and the jaunting car drivers too! You do come from a very lovely part of the world. (-:
And then you're a friend of Delores, too -- what a small world! Thanks so much for writing!
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