Life Is Full of Sweet Spots

“I felt my lungs inflate

with the onrush of scenery—

air, mountains, trees, people.

I thought,

‘This is what it is to be happy.’”

— Sylvia Plath

Next stop, Killarney, perfect hub for exploring the Ring of Kerry as well as the area’s charming towns and sights. Its nearby Aghadoe outlook offers a sweeping view of Lough Lein and Muckross Lake, as well as Killarney’s magnificent mountains from The Paps, through the Gap of Dunloe, and on to the high and rugged McGillicuddy Reeks stretching out to the Atlantic. (1)

Dingle, a beautiful Western Ireland coastal town is known for its beaches and prime location along the Dingle Peninsula, one of Ireland’s most scenic areas. Its colorful shops offer such specialties as fine Irish linens and lace as well as the not-to-be-missed Murphy’s Ice Cream, known for its handcrafted flavors. Best-seller is Sea Salt, flavored with Murphy’s own salt flavor made from Dingle sea water, collected at Bín Bán beach, then filtered and boiled down for their ice cream. (2)

The views from the roads of the Dingle Peninsula are pure, unadulterated beauty. (3)

The narrow, twisting road runs for 1.25 miles on the peninsula between Dingle on the south and Kilmore Cross on the north.  We particularly appreciated Daniel’s driving skills in those places so narrow and close to the edge that two cars cannot pass. (4)

In higher elevations, the visitor sees a glaciated landscape of mountains, corrie lakes (mountain lakes formed in a glacier excavation) and a broad sweeping valley spread out below. (5)

The Conor Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland and provides the most dramatic and scenic way of crossing from the north to south coast of the Dingle Peninsula. (6)

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Eighth of a continuing series of Ireland travels through words and images.
Photos 1-3 by Mary O’Connor • Photos 4-6 by Jan Logozzo

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