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Once upon a time, in Killarney, visited a travel writer and her husband. Afforded the opportunity of an incredible journey around Ireland, they found themselves in the midst of a fairytale setting. On a horse and carriage ride, in a pristine, natural environment, untouched, in fact, it’s a Biosphere Reserve, in Killarney National Park.
Greenery lights up the background, red deer make appearances, and the lakes add a mirror of reflection for the sunset. Fascinating, charming, unique, pristine and romantic are all optional words when explaining the carriage ride fit for a princess visiting Ross Castle In Killarney.
Today, was Valentine’s Day and what better way to enjoy ourselves than in a horse and carriage ride to Ross Castle in Killarney National Park? A romantic day in every way and a destination that delivers huge on beauty. Truly this ride is fit for a princess and the backdrop I am about to share is beyond picturesque.
A Carriage Ride Fit For a Princess Visiting Ross Castle In Killarney
We were visiting the country as guests of CIE TOURS and our adventure was boundless. Every day a new destination, uncovering Ireland, county by county. I love experiential and adventurous travel. Our trip allowed us versatility and the ability to discover on our own.
Such a moment of discovery happened when our CIE TOUR guide suggested a Horse and Carriage Ride. While it was not part of the tour package, the $25 price tag was more than worth its weight in Kings Gold.
The Horse And Carriages
Carriages are situated right across the street from the Killarney International Hotel, exactly where we were staying. As you might guess, this makes for easy access to this Killarney attraction.
Both Michael and I are the same when faced with the opportunity to see more, we both were ALL IN. The only part of this I did not like was that we had to share our ride with 4 others.
Items that figured into the rideshare (haha, who thought you would call a horse and carriage rideshare): daylight was disappearing quickly so the carriage drivers could not accompany each of us separately, which is what I would have preferred.
That said, we still had a wonderful experience and that does not change the destination.
Clippety Clop
Our ride began in front of the Killarney International Hotel, right down the main street to the entrance of Killarney National Park. The first thing we encountered was a true thatched roof, which is less seen than you might suspect throughout Ireland.
As we moved on, the famed Red Deer could be seen in a field grazing. At first, I was not excited to see the deer, after all, deer are deer are deer, but, these are famed deer.
In fact, these can be dated back to the last Ice Age. They are native of Ireland. Special and Red all for Valentine’s. Then there are the babbling brooks, truly outstanding.
In The Distance
Along the way, there were true babbling brooks, green as far as the eye could see and then, there was this. Yes, a Castle. No one told me, that I was going to see a castle on this carriage ride and now the excitement set in.
We journeyed forward, racing against the daylight so that we could capture some ‘forever after’ moments and we arrived.
The Lake
In front of the castle is the most picturesque, photo-worthy lake I’ve seen to date. It was everything and then some. The Swans and ducks and geese were flying and swimming and so social.
I spent time photoing them for a bit, and then it was time for Michael and me to capture our photo.
It’s that one moment, where my Prince and I got to pretend for one moment, we were the Prince and Princess of the Castle. There’s so much to look at, and in February the daylight escapes by 5ish so, our hour-long journey needed to end.
While we bid adieu to our ‘castle’ we do intend to return during summer hours. We want to venture through the castle and spend more time inside of the Killarney National Park. Along the way home, we were so fortunate to see other beautiful homes.
From start to finish, absolutely Instagram and memory worthy. I definitely suggest a ride with a horse and carriage and don’t forget to tip your driver. ~ Dana XO.
