Caresiveen


We planned to stay in Dingle, which is north of here, but a planning snafu led to last-minute changes and here we are. Caresiveen is on the Ring of Kerry--when I heard that name I thought it was a string of castles; however, it's a long tourist trail of sights, sometimes choked with buses. But Caresiveen itself is a friendly town, and its main street is lined with friendly pubs. Our last night here we lucked into one with live "trad" (traditional) music.

Here's the view from our apartment. This is where the weather truly meets Europe.




In town are a large Neo-gothic church,




and the Old Barracks. This was originally home to the Royal Irish Constabulary.


Outside of town is the Cahergal Stone Fort, built around 600 AD.





In the distance, the ruins of a castle.


In the parking lot was this character with a lamb in his van. For tips, he lets tourists take pictures with the animal. When Jo asked to take his picture, he complied but tried to hide his face. We suspect what he was doing is not legal.




We didn't have any small change for a tip--the smallest was a 10 pound note from the UK, which he was happy to take. I asked for change: I figured I'd give him a couple pounds. But he was reluctant to part with the bill once I handed it to him. I said, "You know, that's a lot of money." He replied, "Oh, it's not a lot of money." I was reminded of what Rick Steves said about getting your pocket picked in Italy: "You're rich, they're not. Don't let it ruin your vacation." So, I let it go.

Our evening was a delight. We found a pub, Mike Murts, with live trad music. This is Ireland at its most endearing.








The publican kept the boys filled up with beer and stout. We suspect that was their pay.

Tomorrow it's on to Galway with a stop along the way to view the Cliffs of Moher. 











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