Dear all,
We have decided to visit Derrynane, the home of Daniel O'Connell, near
Caherdaniel on the ring of Kerry on Tuesday next, 17th July. I suggest
we meet in Ardgroom about 9.50 and leave at 10.00 am, having sorted out
car sharing. I would expect to arrive in Derrynane shortly after 12.
There is a cafe in the grounds, so we could have some lunch straight
away, if possible before all the crowds arrive, and then visit the
place. The house is open for guided tours, about an hour long, I
believe, which are very interesting, and cost 5 euros. However, I shall
walk around the grounds, because I feel there is a lot of interest
there. The Office of Public works has done a lot of work both on the
house and in the grounds, which are extensive, comprising 120 acres
along the shoreline and containing important oak woods an Abbey and an
island, accessible usually on foot. The area isone of special
ecological as well as historical interest, and is the home of the only
Irish toad, the Natterjack toad, as well as the Kerry Lily. However,
feel free to take the tour of the house, which is of importance in
Ireland's history, and later stroll around the grounds. You can have an
online tour ofboth house and grounds by looking up Derrynane House on
the web, so you have an idea of what would interest you.
In Caherdaniel itself is, I am told, a lovely little tea shop with
delicious cakes, where we could have afternoon tea before starting the
return journey. I imagine we would be home by 6 or 7 pm. Of course, not
all the cars have to travel home together. Some might go earlier, or
indeed later or via somewhere else, as suits.
Feel free to offer other ideas.
I know Christine and George are coming with the grandchildren. And Paul
and I will go. Any other takers?
Charmian
