JULY 2014 : IRELAND : Kerry Way : Day 5 : Glenbeigh to Foilmore ( stay at Cahersiveen)

Today we walked along the Kerry coast and scaling from several large hills and then descending to the small hamlet of Foilmore. We were then driven to our B&B in Cahersiveen.

Distance : 21km. Weather : fine and sunny 

                                   We left Glenbeigh crossing the River Behy Bridge.

                                 

Then we climbed a path bordered by conifer forests and walked along with a fabulous view of the valley and our route yesterday, which we completed in thick fog. Lucky to have the contrast today.

    The amazing atrophying of a tree root system. It reminded me of a hardware store we saw in Dublin, called Knobs and Knockers.

We then followed the road, which was built on a disused railway line which serviced Tralee and Cahersiveen from 1893 to 1960. We have Drung Hill ahead of us as our first ascent for the day.

    

      Vibrant fuchsias (introduced - not native) lined our route growing along the hedge rows.

          Looking back towards Glenbeigh and the attractive valley we have passed through.

The Kerry Way skirts Drung Hill high above the coastline and the Ring of Kerry Road. Views across to Dingle and the Blasket Islands.

        

 We then rounded a corner into Farta Valley and we could see the seaside town of Kells and the viaduct 

                The next main landmark was Knocknadobar, a popular hill for climbing.

        

           Still finding different bog plants with their intricate eco-systems

   After a very scenic morning we had seven kilometres on a straight path and tarred road to Foilmore (which translates large boggy place). Here we can see Cahersiveen on the Valencia River in the distance.

Liz's sister, Mary, met us in Foilmore and drove us to the Southern Sun B&B in Cahersiveen.

One of the main buildings in Cahersiveen is the Daniel O'Connell Memorial Church. The only church in Ireland dedicated to a lay person. Daniel O'Connell (1775-1847) was born near here and is considered 'the Liberator' securing the right of Irish Catholics to sit in the English Parliament.

  Dinner at QC's in Cahersiveen with Liz and her sister, Mary. Delicious food and classy decor.

www.qcbar.com

Great day's walking today in very pleasant conditions. 

M&M 

13/7/2014