Day 81
The best sign in the world
We were having a day off, well technically only from the touring part, we were still off for a ride. Ever since we arrived in the Republic so many people have given us advice on where to ride. One name kept coming up, the Beara Peninsula. Not as famous as it’s neighbour Kerry, but quieter and just as beautiful if not more so.
Now if I’m not falling for Irish folklore it is named after a Spanish Princess. Con of the 100 battles married the daughter of the King of Castille, on returning home, he took his wife to the highest point and named the whole peninsula in her honour.
Today we were to ride around the peninsula and return to our campsite via the Healy Pass. Immediately the route gave us stunning view after stunning view. With a backdrop of mountains overlooking the sea and lakes how could it not. Some lanes were lined so high with rhododendrons we felt we were entering some magical green kingdom. One such lane led us to Derreen Garden and tea room. We cycled up, and after a lovely chat with the head gardener popped into the tea room for a coffee and as the scones had just come out of the oven, a plate of them too! The gardens are surrounded by the Caha mountains. They cover 60 acres, a series of paths lead through the woodland which was laid out 150 years ago. We didn’t have time to explore today, yet another reason to return. I have become aware that land ownership is a big issue in the Republic, this house and gardens are steeped in Irish history and are have played their part. Each day I want to know more about the history of this wonderful country as each day we are given another glimpse into it’s past.
The ride was nearly over, we had saved the best till last, the Healy Pass. We were riding it south to North, a fellow camper at Salthill had suggested this was the way to do it. My goodness was it good advice. The road slowly winds up and up the mountain. Never too steep, just miles of sheer beauty!
A fabulous descent followed, though I was so tempted at the top turn around and do it all again! That’s the magic of the Republic...
