Killarney National Park: Part I

The best part of our drive around the Ring of Kerry being relatively quick? Having time once we got back for a walk in Killarney National Park. Our hotel was right on the park border, and just a 4.8-kilometer walk to Ross Castle. That's roughly three miles for you Yanks. ;)

The walking path bordered a beautiful green meadow which had a lovely mountain backdrop.  Kind of amazing that just 50 yards behind me or so was a heavily trafficked road.

The trail then went along the River Deenagh, with many folks out biking or walking, either by themselves or with their dogs.  I decided to go black-and-white with this shot to emphasize the contrast and texture of the rocks, water and foliage.

Jaunting cars passed over this bridge fairly regularly for folks who preferred riding to walking.  Despite what the blur implies, they don't really move particularly fast.

The park is home to the country's only herd of red deer, who have a very different set to their jaw than our mule deer and white-tailed deer.

It may look this doe spotted me and sounded the alarm.  They weren't really that perturbed by the presence of people, though.  That makes sense given how many of us they likely see every day.

I rarely even got a glance from the deer.  When I did, it was mild curiosity at the most.

I ended up preferring several shots from my walk in black-and-white, including this one of ivy and lichen living on a tree trunk. 

I do want to give a fair sense of just how green and lush the area was, though.  So here you have trees and undergrowth in all their vibrant green glory.

Gray clouds above and gray rocks leading to the waters of Lough Leane begged for black-and-white yet again.  The shot is much moodier this way, which I like.

Click here for Part II.