Rocky Ford enterprise., 1909-08-13

It is a remarkable fact that no one
ever returns from visit to the south
Of Ireland without having something
to say in praise OF the country he has
left behind him. -
The south of Ireland on Saxon lips.
generally means the Lakes Of killar-
ney; but, as a matter Of fact, there
Is hardly an acre Of the kingdom OF
Kerry, especially Of its coast.line. that
Is not exquisitely beautiful. Now that
means Of transit are both SO rapid
and reasonable. 1t is a pity that all
this beauty Is not better known. The
best way to make its acquaintance Is
to go by rail to Kenmare. and then.
following the coach road round the
coast, lead up to Killarney. II desired.
As final. From Kenmare the road runs
close to the sea. though high above
1t, leaving Dromore castle to keep
watch over the blue waters OF Ken
mare bay on the left, until the bridge
Is reached beneath which the river
Blackwater Zone of II Blackwaters in
Great Britain and Ireland, by the
way), rushes seaward down a fern
clad ravine. Thence the track de-
scenas through thickets Of wind
gnafied oak and glistening arbutus.
intersected by water-courses. half hid
den beneath luxuriant growth OF the
great Osmunda RECALLS. to Parknasilla.
Parknasilla Is an ideal spot for
anyone in search OF warmth and SUM-
shine. On the north and east It is
~. xx,Nr nd hN t0h
mountains, and the breeze that blows
in from the Atlantic brings with 1t
balmy temperature OF the gulf stream.
In this sheltered spot palms and aloes
will winter safely out OF doors. and
the huge growth attained by delicate.
semi-tropical evergreens testifes to
the equableness Of the climate. Those
who can afford to travel In the leisure
ly manner such surroundings demand
should loiter a day or two at Parkna-
silla at the Great Southern hotel.
once n bishops palace, whose beauti-
full wooded grounds stretch to the
waters edge. Close at hand Is the
lovely Gararish island. where sandy.
sunny coves form an ideal resting
place for n summer afternoon.
Winding up from Parknasilla
through groves of oak and beech. the
road leads at last into the wilder
beauty OF the hills. which rise on the
right hand into the precipitous heights
OF Crohan mountain. Once upon n
dme this district was populous with
miners and smelters, for the noun
tains are rich in copper: but there are
NO signs of human habitation there
now. s.Another interesting relic of the
past, ,H.,se by. is Cahirdaniel. the site
u an n ID Danish fort. eloquent Of
stormyYtimes. The sea appears once
more at Derrynane. where a ruined
abbey stands on on rocky penin-
mla, while the erstwhile home of Dan
lei O'Connell. "the Liberator." stands
Within a stones throw.
From Derrynane the scenery is a
succession OF mountain passes until
the road descends to Waterville, lying
midway between the sea on one hand
and Currane lake on the other
Waterville affords ideal headquarters
jor the fisherman. The Tough is well
,tocked with brown trout. which give
,ood sport throughout the season. and
,upually to spawn. The sea angler
VII appreciate the pollack. fish
Inch will put up a good fight on n rod
9TH light tackle and prove equally
ood eating when landed. The archae-
logist also will! find Waterville worth
prolonged stay. and the prehistoric
emains of Staigue fort, within easy
istance, are reported to be at least
900 years old. Other points of In
.rest are the cable stations both on
IL mainland and Valentia island.
For the remainder of the journey
u way crosses rocky moorland in
,rspersed with bog and heather. until
,e railway is regained at Cahirciveen.
81 interest in this section OF the
,nd lies chiefly seaward. where be-
md clir-bound Ballinskelligs bay lie
q Two islets known as the Great and
lttle Skelligs. The Great Skellig is
liehthouse station, and on the sum.
IL of the rock are some interesting
,ehive dwellings reported to be Of
snasu origin. The Little skellis is