Continuing on from Castletownbear I headed for Dursey Head planning to take the cable car across to Dursey Island. However there was a 2 hour wait so I continued on. Verena had told me how beautiful Allihies was and that the arches is a special place where Sacha had proposed. I never did find it. A lady I asked gave me directions but her first response was'Have you visited there before?'
A very scenic but windy road took me onward to yet more fabulous places.
Next wild camp was at Portmagee just across the road from the Garda station next to the beach. Walked back to the village to the pub where they allowed Sach to come inside. Chatted with another newly engaged couple from Chicago who invited me to join them in the nearby restaurant for dinner but again I felt too tired to socialise.
This area is part of the famous Ring of Kerry and I drove onto touristy Killarney.
Checked in at the YHA which was run by young Germans in exchange for bed and food.
Had lunch of bacon and cabbage at Macs of Main St. Was expecting bits of bacon but two huge chunks of delicious lightly smoked ham was dished up. See photo.
The van was worrying no me as each time I braked there was a little knocking sound. As it was Saturday not many garages were open. One mechanic looked at it but didnt know what it was and couldn't fix it as he was on his own. At least he didn't charge.
I then visited Muckross house and the gardens. Killarney has many horse drawn carriages called 'jaunties'.
It all seemed busy after the remote areas I had been in.
I was still concerned about the van but being Sunday I couldn't have it seen to so decided to risk it and move on to Dingle.
I should mention that maybe I damaged something when I was stuck down a steep stony track with nowhere to turn.
It was scary as there were some steep drops and rocks. After much screeching and burning of rubber I somehow managed to get out. Phew.