Statistics: 15 1/2 miles, ascent 1454′, descent 1384′, 6 1/4 hours
Our very kind hosts, Joe and Maureen Murphy, at Coomassig View B&B unexpectedly packed us a light lunch. The hike today was a bit of a gamble, since rain was predicted. We hoped to beat the rain to Kenmare but a pouring rain caught us before the end of this trail.
Today’s path began at the west end of Sneem; since we were moving east, we were able to walk through and enjoy this picturesque town once again. The path then took us up through woodland paths and wild moorland which was already beginning to reveal its autumn colors.
The woodland paths were very secretive in appearance and bid us on to enter and explore them. Reminded us of Alice and the rabbit hole!
Today was another day for interesting ruins, including this rather intriguing building, which kind of takes “shabby chic” to a whole new level!
And next was the gate to nowhere!
Shortly after the “shabby chic” hut we came upon a beautifully kept house and grounds in the middle of the woods with no other houses near it. To learn more about this intriguing, out-of-place estate, I googled it. The house, Glashnacree House, was built by a well-known architect in 1822. In 2000 it was seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau from a Dutch drug lord!
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Yesterday was ponies and today it was donkeys! They were quite interested in us and came over to the fence to say hello!
As we regained a little elevation we had another fine view of the Beara Peninsula across the Kenmare River.
Eventually, our path took us down to the shore of the Kenmare River and we followed the river for sometime on a quite pleasant, undulating route.
Soon we were walking through a beautiful forest with towering trees as the weather began to change for the worse.
When the rain came upon us, it really poured without letting up. We were on the outskirts of Kenmare, but still 3 miles from our B&B. Fortunately, we came upon a professional riding stable; the staff allowed us to take refuge from the rain in one of their horse stables where we were heartily greeted by a group of stable dogs. 45 minutes later, after lots of tail wagging and petting, we called our B&B host, Julia O’Connor, who immediately offered to come and fetch us, an offer we could not refuse! Soon we were snuggled up in her very inviting An Bruachan B&B, sitting around a toasty fire, drinking tea.
Julia recommended a local pub for dinner where we could enjoy a great meal and music provided by a local group of musicians. We took her advice and enjoyed a wonderful evening.
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