MALIN TO MIZEN: Kenmare

Day Seven from Tralee to Kenmare via Farranfore, Killarney, Glenflesk and Kilgarvan. Clocked Up 77.72 km

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The sun may have been shining as we left Tralee but suddenly the skies opened as one of the forecasted thunder storms unleashed itself - and on the open roads there was nowhere to shelter. The deluge didn't last for too long but spirits were still lower than usual when we stopped briefly in Farranfore. Thankfully we had dried up considerably by the time we reached Killarney and had lunch. Rather than taking on Molls Gap, we decided to take the longer, flatter route via Glenflesk and Kilgarvan. Arrived in Kenmare nice and early where we were staying at our finest residence of the week, the Shelburne Lodge. Had dinner in Mulcahy's - excellent - and later the three girls who were cycling the final leg with us, Sandra, Michelle and Lornie, arrived down from Dublin so we went for a drink in O'Donnabhains.

In Sight Of Home Outside Killarney!

Kerry Countryside

Kenmare

Day Eight from Kenmare to Mizen Head via Bonane, Glengariff, Bantry, Durras and Goleen. Clocked Up 91.04 km

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The final day began with the toughest climb of the week - a 350 metre ascent over the Caha mountains. Once negotiated, we free-wheeled down into Glengariff and onto Bantry where we had lunch. It was now time to say goodbye to Patricia who unfortunately would not be at Mizen Head by the time we would arrive as she had a hen party to go to later. We stopped in Durras for '99s' but the up-and-down nature of the terrain meant it was slow progress onto the 'Mizen village' of Goleen. The final twelve kilometres from Goleen and in particular the last three brought the most unwelcome climbs of the week. But finally we arrived at Mizen Head - and to a fanfare welcome from the Hurley clan and friends! Having popped the champagne, the nature of our feat began to set in - 751.25 kilometres of effort. On such a lovely warm evening, we were in no rush to leave Mizen Head, but eventually headed for Schull. Dinner that evening was at the Waterside in Schull where the group had swelled to thirteen. Afterwards it was on to Hackett's Bar where - as well as lovely pints - there was a large map of Ireland. And you couldn't take the smile off my face as I peered up at Malin Head and eyed the route right down to Mizen. Just a wonderful, wonderful week!!