The Edge of Europe – Kerry
Our Gappers planned, organised and took us all on a trip to Kerry, what a way to end their amazing 12 weeks in Ireland on the edge of Europe. Kerry is one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in Europe, the scenery, the atmosphere. the food and the people are known world wide which is why it is one of the most visited counties in Ireland.
Kell’s Bay – Kerry
Again our amazing gappers had to navigate us to Kell’s Bay in Co. Kerry, with a pitstop in Galway to have lunch in Boojum (Brian was obsessed!) It was a stunningly sunny day and a real indicator that Summer was arriving. After a beautiful and large lunch we got back on the road to Kell’s Bay. As we were staying in an AirBnB we decided that we would do a lot of our own cooking during the week, so a stop to do some grocery shopping was needed. With Emily & Shane on dinner duty that night we were guided by their idea to have ‘Breakfast for Dinner’ not something the leaders had ever heard of, much to the amazement and amusement of the Gappers!! Fully stocked we headed to our beautiful house. ‘Breakfast for Dinner’ was definitely enjoyed by all and with a long day’s travelling behind us it was an early night for all.
Dingle – Kerry
Up early and out the door the next day for a drive around the bay to the beautiful town of Dingle. The weather was beautiful and calm along the Wild Atlantic Way on the most Westerly point of Europe. Dingle is such an beautiful town with a myriad of shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and art galleries. There was something for everyone. The Gappers took the opportunity for some free time set off exploring until lunch time. One of the tasks that the organising group had was to find a restaurant and book it for the evening meal before we headed off around Slea Head to take in the beautiful Dingle peninsula.
Slea Head – Kerry
Slea Head is a promontory in the westernmost part of the Dingle Peninsula, located in the barony of Corca Dhuibhne. Slea Head is together with Dunmore Head the westernmost point of Ireland and arguably is the most western point of Europe. It is a well known and recognised landmark and also a very scenic viewpoint, with a dramatic view of the Blasket Islands. The drive was epic, stopping along the route to take in the scenery and take a stroll in the lovely summer weather. The route loops around back to Dingle town for a pint or two and dinner.
Valentia Island – Kerry
The following day we headed off early to Valentia Island for more epic scenery and amazing walks. With a view of the Skelligs in the background the Gappers decided to pose for a Star Wars themed photo, unfortunately it was May 5th and not the Fourth ;P Skellig Michael where Star Wars was filmed is also known as Great Skellig, this is the larger of the two islands, with two peaks rising to over 230 m above sea level. With a sixth-century Christian monastery perched at 160 m above sea level on a ledge close to the top of the lower peak, Great Skellig is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gap of Dunloe – Kerry
The Gap of Dunloe was our next stop, so up early the next day and down to Killarney we went. Wow! what a hike, the scenery was unbelievable. The pass is located between MacGillycuddy’s Reeks (west) and Purple Mountain (east) in County Kerry, Ireland. It is about 11 km (6.8 mi) from north to south. Within it are five lakes: Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough (north to south). 
These lakes are connected by the River Loe. Between the first two lakes is an old arch bridge called the ‘Wishing Bridge’ so named because it is said that wishes made while upon it are destined to come true. At the end of the hike we had a 13km boat ride back to Ross Castle. Charlie the dog joined us and we were regaled with stories by our very knowledgeable guide, Donal from Gap of Dunloe Traditional Boat Tours. When we arrived back to Killarney our Gappers decided to have some free time before we headed for an early dinner. With everyone, fed watered and suitably exhausted from our hike we made our way back to K
ell’s Bay for our final night in Kerry.
Epic does not aptly describe this trip!!!