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"Out the Gap" - Black Valley and Gap of Dunloe

As I was going over
the Cork and Kerry mountains...

Whiskey in the Jar - Traditional.


Hello one and all and welcome back to The Art of Caesura!

Today we're going to leave Middle-Earth behind and enter a land...that really resembles Middle-Earth actually! 



A couple of months ago, while my parents were over visiting, my dad and I went on an epic adventure through places with equally epic sounding names: the Black Valley and the Gap of Dunloe - The Irish do know how to name things...I mean, even one of the major political parties - Fianna Fáil (pronounced FEE-na FALL) translates to "Soldiers of Destiny" I'm not making this stuff up!

So, to set the appropriate tone, get this song blasting in the background as you follow us on our adventure!



Anyway, we set off from a lay-by on the famous Ring of Kerry, a few kilometres before you get to Derrycunnihy Church on the River Galway


We set off early enough and were greeted by a bright rainbow guiding the way.



Next we came across a few small deer, see if you can spot them in the photo above. 



Looking out over Killarney's Upper Lake.


And then the adventure really began! As we progressed along the Kerry Way towards Lord Brandon's Cottage, many large sections of the path were flooded out. It being January, this wasn't exactly a balmy hot spring and in areas it came above our knees - but this only added to the sense of adventure!




Several times, we had only just dried our feet and re-laced our hiking boots when we would round a corner to find another flooded section. Eventually we copped on and just walked the rest of the low section in bare feet!

This part below was the worst of it, the flooding was so extensive that it took a little while to figure out which way the path was actually meant to go!


But wow, look at those reflections!



With a gentle climb to Lord Brandon's Cottage (and the adjoining wizard's tower) we left the flooded parts behind us. 



Approaching The Black Valley from Lord Brandon's Cottage. 


The sun made its way above the hills on the horizon as we walked through The Black Valley. 

"The road goes ever on and on..."


We rose out of The Black Valley with the Gap of Dunloe in sight. 


Our journey took us over the majestic Gap of Dunloe...



...Ending at Kate Kearney's Cottage for a well deserved pint - but unfortunately it was closed for renovations so we went to Bunkers instead!

It was a great day out and the total hike was around 16-17km. 

For those who are interested in doing this walk, I came across this blog with more detailed information. 

That's it, I'll see you next week on The Art of Caesura!


Reading: The Great Believers - Rebecca Makkai
Listening: Song of Durin - Clamavi De Profundus


Next Week: 

Get over here!

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