The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1888-12-01
BEAUTY's HOME, KILLARNEY
Erin's Paradise = Unique and
Splendid Beyond De-
scription.
IMPRESSIONS OF AN EYEWITNESS
Killarney's Scenery, Even in Clouds
and Rain, Has Its En-
chantment.

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and Rain, Has It's En-
chantment.
Killarney, says a correspondent in
the Dublin Irish Catholic, the home Of
Natures choice and varied beauties,
which affords such exquisite pleasure
to those who visit it, and which so
many are longing to see, is compare
lively a close furrough, a terra incog~
nita to most lrishmen, because Of the
illiberallty and want Of enterprise of
the Great Southern and Western Rail
way Company. This is the only rail
Way line &c convey persons to the paia-
disc Of Er1n's beauty. Those who have
seen Killarney, especially under favor
able circumstances, have declared it
unique and splendid beyond descrip-
tion. If a like place existed in Eng
land or on the Continent, the world
would have visited it. Most Of the ma
tives of Ireland know it only by name
and fame; the ordinary railway fares
are so great that most people are de-
barred from visiting spot they so long
to see. In the summer season, instead
OF a few not cheap excursions which
the company give, there should be one
every week at low rate, of which hun
dreds would avail themselves. When
we observe the low fares for excursions
given to Galway and Other places on
the Midland line, aud to places on the
Northern line Of far less Importance or
grandeur, we cannot help expressing
regret, surprise, and reasonable indig-
nation at the apathy and stlnginess OF
the Great Southern and Western. Kill
larney's scenery in fair sunshine is un-
equaled: even in the midst of cloud and
rain 1t has its enchantment. The boat
ing on the lakes, the varied imposing
scenery at every turn, the islands with
their mosses, ferns, eucalyptus. and
pleasing foliages, the giant mountains,
bearing romantic names, the umbrated
roads, the fantastic old bridges, the
green swards, the rustic cottages, the
luncheons, the boatmen, the Irish jar
vays, the mountain dew, the fair maid
ems, the legends and stories, all COM
bined make Killarney beauty's home.
In rain and storm also the lakes are
beautiful. Covered vehicles of all kinds
can be had at tine various hotels to
bring you in comfort aud ease through
all the winding roads and gorgeous
dells which encompass the steep, frown~
ing mountains with their shrouds of
clouds. New yistas appear at every
turn-the rugged, shaggy rocks over
hanging the lakes, the open glens, the
mountain ravines, the gaps, the old
ruined abbeys-everything pleases the
eye and charms the visitor. The writer
saw Killarney's scenery enyelcped in
nublbus and mist. and yet will remem-
ber long, and with unmixed pleasure,
the phases Of charm which the other
wise unwelcome elements lent to this
haunt of happiness. Leaving the Vic
toria Hotel, situated at the brink Of the
lower lake, commanding most sub
lime view Of the mountain, lake and
plain, with five genial companions, in
dreadnought waterproof visa Wis, well
provided with comforts for the inner
man, we drove through Lord Kenmare's
demesne, thence through Mr.. Herbert's,
skirting the lakes here and there, pass
ing through some Of the widest scenery
of Killarney, through roads and passes
and over bridges of exquisite natural
and artificial beauty, bringing US sud-
denly into mountain Businesses, which
locked us in solitude and gloom. The
mountains, with their lofty heads lost
in the clouds, hugged us like SO many
giants of nature This mountain prison
appals one for the moment, until he
realizes that its frowning walls are the
haunts of birds of liberty, and echo the
songs Of freedom. In an hour or two
we arrive at Dynas Island, where 3
lovely cottage is erected, and where
every requisite and accommodate for
luncheon is supplied. Here we opened
eur hampers and partook Of animal
comforts. In the midst of such sur
roundlngs the repast is most enjoyable.
Luncheon over, we explored the laby-
rinth Of avenues leading to the waters
edge. The old Weir Bridge is seen
here at its best. The boats, with their.
living freight, are seen passing under
It's arch doing the rapids. guided by
boatmen Of unerring skill. No sooner
haye they performed this daring feat
than they enter into q lake maze. out
Of which no inexperienced tourist can
discover egress. Here also we were be-
sidesthe mountain Of the; Eagles, n Nes..,,Sl
inaccessible 90 human Il nor ftor
dwelling g these scenes soi captIY IYating