Now we head West. The South West coast between Cork and Kerry is one of the most scenic coastal areas in Europe, if not the world. The coast consists of many inlets, small towns and quaint villages. We pass through isolated farming communities and quiet unspoilt estuaries. Later on as we approach Kerry the landscape becomes more rugged, the hills higher and everywhere there is evidence of the last great Ice Age ten thousand years ago.
We are sure to pick up Ireland's newest breeding bird, the Little Egret, which has started to breed here only over the last few years.
The whole area is also rich in archaeological remains with a great concentration of Ring Forts, Standing Stones, Stone Forts and Stone Circles. As we cross the Caha Mountains we have views over some of the last aboriginal oak forests left in Ireland. We pass through the Killarney National Park with its herds of native Red Deer and of course the famous Lakes of Killarney.
Killarney town is nestled at the foot of our highest mountain range, MacGillycuddy's Reeks, and it is here we will spend the next two nights enjoying the hospitality of some of Ireland's friendliest people.