Killarney national park

Going to Killarney National Park.

Along the roads we have seen lot of tunnels made by trees...

And lot of trees strangely shaped, twisted and leaning,

sculpted by the force of the prevailing winds. 

We learned that they are sometimes called “flag trees”, 

because their silhouette looks like 

a flag blown in a single direction.

They seem “combed” in one direction, 

with all branches pointing away from the winds.

These trees have become an iconic image of Irish resilience,

 much like the dry stone walls that withstand the storms.

Often hawthorn, beech, Monterey cypress or maritime pine, 

which struggle against the wind and end up being sculpted by it.

Some old twisted hawthorns are also linked to Celtic traditions 

and fairy folklore (the “fairy trees”), which are still respected today.

We went to the Torc waterfalls:

it drops about 20 meters from the slopes of Torc Mountain, 

surrounded by lush oak woods and moss-covered rocks.

We were lucky it was early because when we passed by

in the afternoon it was full of tourists!

Then we walked along the Muckross lake

Can you see the little stones bridge?

Here is the Old weir Bridge !

The point where the Muckross Lake meet

the Upperlake and the Leane Lough.

                                    This bridge was built in the XVI Century.

The landscape is so beautiful:

lakes, mountains, clouds, stones, trees..

Colors are incredible.

And then we reached the Ladies view !!!

The main mountains we can see

all around are:

MacGillycuddy's Reeks (North West)

Purple Mountain (East)

Torc Mountains

Mangerton Mountain (south east)

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We could see the 3 lakes and the rivers 

going to each other

Ladies View is named after 

Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, 

who admired this viewpoint 

during a visit to Ireland in the 19th century.

Shadows of the clouds on mountains were stunning.

Peacegull your mind

and breathe deeply...

Then we reached the Upper lake:

    

                                                                    We found a kind seal...

                                        

Amané loves Ireland

                                        

                                                                            It was so peacefull that

                                                                            Yuta fall asleep there !!

                                             

                                                                                Then a little step

                                                            in the park of the Muckross House

                                                which was built in the XX, in victorian style.

                                                            King George came and slept there.

                                                    

Now it's like an "amusement park"

where families come and enjoy time on week-ends.

After letting our stuff 

to the bed and breakfast 

we reached the pub in a little village 

in order to eat irish stew.

We were in County Kerry:

all the flags were green and gold

and lot of panels said

Go Kerry !!!

 

Little by the ocean Kinsale and big Cork

We arrived in little by the sea Kinsale.

Its name comes from the Irish Cionn tSáile, meaning “head of the sea.”

Nestled at the head of a sheltered estuary, it had a strategic importance.

In the Middle Ages, Kinsale thrived through maritime trade with Spain and France.

Its busy port also attracted pirates !

In 1601, the battle of Kinsale saw Irish and Spanish forces face the English.

This defeat marked the end of the great Gaelic uprisings against the Crown.

Kinsale later grew as a fishing port, especially known for sardines.

                            From the 19th century, its commercial role declined in favor of Cork.

Yet the town reinvented itself as a tourist destination.

                            It shows colorful center, with narrow lanes and vibrant houses.

Today, Kinsale is called the “gourmet capital” of Ireland.

There is a gastronomic festival each year.

Everywhere since the 1st day,

some declarations or flags proPalestina.

                                                                                    The street of love...!!!!

Amané did an oral about this woman pirate !

We didn't know she was born here !

Amané found her irish hat !

Same as in the american movie

The Quiet Man...

Yuta our captain !!

Then, let's go to the big Cork !

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland.
Its name comes from the Irish Corcaigh, meaning “marsh,” 

as it grew on islands in the River Lee.

                                        

Founded in the 6th century by Saint Finbarr, it began as a monastere.
In the Middle Ages the Vikings turned it into a busy trading port.
In the 12th century, the Anglo-Normans seized the town and fortified it.
Cork became an important merchant center, exporting wool, butter, and salted fish.

                                                

The 17th century brought turbulent times, including the Confederate Wars and the Siege of 1690.
Thanks to its vast natural harbor, one of the largest in the world, Cork prospered in modern times.
The 19th century saw industrial growth but also the devastation of the Great Famine.

 

The city played a key role in the Irish independence movement in the early 20th century.

In 1920, Cork was scarred by fires and violence during the War of Independence.

Today, it is a lively city made with briks !

But even in this big Cork, Amané's ginger ale is too small...

But for diner...!

Yuta's fish and chips is so huge !!

And we had parmentier...

But as Amané said: green vegetables are not cooked...!!