We needed a hardy breakfast this morning for the "Tour de Killarney", our bike ride though Killarney National Park. To the south and west of the town of Killarney, are the world famous Lakes of Killarney. Killarney National Park, 10,289 hectares (we think we've converted correctly so that would be about 25,300 acres), comprises the mountains and woodlands which surround these Lakes as well as the Lough Leane, Muchross Lake and Upper Lake. The Park includes the peaks of Mangerton, Torc, Shehy and the Purple mountains while just to the west of the Park rise MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. During our ride we visited Ross Castle, Muchross Abbey, and the beautiful Toric Waterfall. Ross Castle, built in the 15th century, is considered a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. Muckross Abbey, a Franciscan Friary, was founded in 1448. The ruins of the Abby are well preserved and served as the burial place of local Chieftains. During our ride we experienced an extensive area of natural woodlands. The mild oceanic climate permits a luxuriant growth of mosses and filmy ferns. We followed pastures and woodland along the shores of Lough Leane and the Mountains beyond. We saw quite a number of plant species and a large herd of Red Deer. The bike ride was quite an adventure for all!
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