A hardy group of 31 retired teachers braved the early morning start at 10.30am to meet at Muckross, Killarney, on 3rd November for our first hillwalk ably led by Joan McCann. We walked through the grounds to Muckross Abbey where we stopped briefly for a quick look around. Having crossed the main road at Muckross Park Hotel we headed into the shelter of The Queen’s Drive, a tree-lined path, upwards towards the mansion built by Bill Cullen & Jackie Lavin, now up for sale. (Several large cars passed in the vicinity!)
Curiosity got the better of most of us. We ventured into the grounds to view the house through its many windows. Who knows how many were envious of the very large snooker room, the private sauna or even the lake and tennis court on the overgrown grounds?
Continuing on our way uphill we soon became distracted by the beautiful views of Torc Mountain covered in autumn coloured trees.
We stopped and rested on some handy logs and rocks to have our picnic lunches before heading along the path once again towards Torc Waterfall, the rushing, gushing waterfall in full spate. Crossing under the main road by a short tunnel we arrived back at the Muckross estate. A well earned coffee awaited some of us in the café.
A great day & beautiful walk lasting 3.5 hours- many thanks to Joan McCann for guiding us so ably. Amazing double rainbows to be seen over the Cork Kerry border on the road home.
RTAI CORK BLOG - Suíomh na Múinteoirí Scortha Chorcaí 