Killarney National Park-Muckross House

Muckross House, oh it is indeed a lovely place to visit. Beautiful gardens and wonderful views of Muckross Lake and all in the Killarney National Park. As we waited for our tour we wondered what interesting things we'd learn about the history of the area and this massive old house that (if a few turrets were added) it could've doubled for a small castle. To be honest though, we were engaged and interested in the tour, for about 30 minutes. After that the tour just seemed to drag on...for another hour. Unless you are a history buff, it was a bit too much time for me. We moved from room to room of the house learning about the renovations that ruined the family that owned the house when a queen had come to visit. Don't get me wrong, it was interesting but I think the tour might have been shortened a bit. Once we finished the tour, mom and I lit out of the house to visit the ground and take a horse drawn cart ride into the park. THAT was the highlight for me.

 We walked around to the horse drawn carts and found one available and off we went. The cart jerked a bit as we rolled down the lane. Clouds hung low overhead threatening rain and obscured the view of the mountains ahead. It was amazing, in my mind I had thought that most of Ireland was rolling green hills. The large mountains that loomed ahead were unexpected and beautiful. Our tour guide and driver explained that we were heading to Torc Waterfall which was the 2nd highest waterfall in all of Ireland. We weren't diappointed. As we travelled back into the forest the trees surrounded us, blocking the view of Muckross House and Muckross Lake where we'd just spent the last few minutes travelling along the shoreline. I was in awe at the forest. Being from Arizona, I had seen forests in the state but they are nothing like this one. Every shade of green you can possibly imagine resided in the plants, on the trees, on the ground, you name it, it had green. Parts of the forest that I normally associated as having brown or grey (like tree trunks or rocks) were green. It was amazing. Finally the driver stopped and let us out saying we could take a walk up a short trail to the Torc Waterfall. Off we went oohing and awing over the beauty that surrounded us. When we reached the fall we stopped and stared at the lovely view. I'll admit, the falls weren't as high as what I've seen in the states, but the beauty that surrounded the falls made the trek so worth it. If I were to go back to Killarney National Park, I'd definately visit the falls again. Perhaps though, I'll skip the tour of the house and instead see what other treasures wait in store in Killarney National Park.