Story and Photos by Carol Canter
To experience the coastal drama of Western Ireland, we took to the road in early October of 2015 to drive a bit of the legendary Wild Atlantic Way. Stretching 1500 miles from Kinsale, County Cork in the South West to Inishowen, County Donegal in the North West, this designated wild coastal route is said to be the longest in the world.
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Part Two
Story and Photos by Carol Canter
Continuing our exploration of Ireland via its Wild Atlantic Way, we returned to Killarney, gateway to the magnificent 26,000 acre Killarney National Park. We wished for an extra day or two here to explore the park and its landmark historic sites like Muckross House and Abbey, its waterfalls, hiking and bicycle trails. But we enjoyed the lively and welcoming town of Killarney, where we devoured the best fish and chips ever at the legendary Quinlan’s Seafood Bar (www.kerryfish.com) to which everyone in town had sent us. It was worth waiting on line with other visitors, and the locals who advised us that the best fish to order was the hake–or was it the haddock! We were sent next door for dessert at Gaelic Gelato, which turned out to be another significant stop. Clive, the charming owner, designed for us the best driving route for the next leg of our Wild Atlantic Way journey.
Ghost Hunting in a Gothic Irish Castle
Story by Lee Daley
There’s a ghost in the house. At least that’s the rumor at Ireland’s Kinnitty Castle.
Although the 13th century medieval castle is now a luxury hotel, guests who spend the night often report sounds and sightings of ghosts, phantoms and banshees. Perhaps that’s because this Irish castle was built on land that was originally the home of Druids. Many believe the spirits of these ancient sorcerers remain here where they haunt their former home. If you’re adventurous enough to try ghost hunting, you may meet the castle’s most famous spirit, the Phantom Monk, who reputedly still cruises the castle’s creaky corridors and hidden staircases.
Fairy Ring Search at Haunted Waterford Castle
Story and Photos by Jacqueline Harmon Butler
“There’s a wee Fairy Ring out there in that meadow somewhere,” said the taxi driver as we drove up the long driveway to Waterford Castle from the ferry landing. “Can’t see it from the road but it’s there all right,” he went on. “It’s the truth, lass. People have said they saw some strange things going on out there in the wee hours of a moonlit night.” Was this a fairy myth or could Waterford Castle actually be haunted, I wondered.
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