Killarney National Park

A few kilometers outside of Killarney, the houses thinned out and I encountered this sign near Torc Waterfall indicating that I was well within Killarney National Park.

I didn't know it then but jaunting car is a known term. It was a means of sightseeing that became popular in the years before the Victorian Era.

And here is the waterfall I stopped to view.

The surroundings.

Downstream.

On the other side of the road is Muckross Lake. The adjoining Lough Leane is the largest of the three sights but wasn't on my route.

The shallows.

The road gained elevation and a few kilometres further on I encountered, no not Leprechaun Crossing, but Ladies View. It was named after Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting expressed their admiration.

And here is what they oohed and aahed over. The lake you see is Upper Lake.

There's a cafe if you want to linger and savour the view. There were a whole lot of Quebecois bikers, presumably on a group tour.

A map to give you your bearings.

Moving on, another stop for Looscaunagh. This is why having a car is an advantage over a tour bus, you can stop whenever the scenery beckons.

Rhododendrons are very widespread along road sides in western Ireland.

It's an attractive colour but unfortunately Rhododendron ponticum is an invasive species in Ireland. You can see how thick the shrub is. Some years ago there was a story in Irish newspapers about some walkers who got lost in a rhododendron thicket and couldn't find their way out and had to be airlifted. It must also be very hardy to survive the climate.

And here we leave Killarney National Park. It's not a big NP, and within easy reach of Killarney, thus it's popularity. But don't leave, there's a ring coming up.