{"id":10017,"date":"2014-07-17T13:34:49","date_gmt":"2014-07-17T17:34:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=10017"},"modified":"2017-08-22T00:02:07","modified_gmt":"2017-08-22T04:02:07","slug":"groovy-furry-stones-irish-tales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/groovy-furry-stones-irish-tales\/","title":{"rendered":"Groovy, furry stones with Irish tales &#8211; it&#8217;s all here"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>(Continued from page one of two)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If you landed here without reading page one, <a href=\"http:\/\/wp.me\/p21Ejy-2Bx\">please go back to here to start<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1><strong>What kind of animal is that?<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Up another hill we found our way to the most enchanting of all the walks I did in Ireland this year \u2013 the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.westcorkalpacas.com\/\">Waterfall Farm and its Alpaca Walk<\/a>. We couldn\u2019t start the walk without first meeting Emma &amp; Markus Bird, owners of this little bit of heaven. They are still developing this as an attraction for individual walkers as well as school groups.<\/p>\n<p><center><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gxgx0JzV3P0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/center>Waterfall Farm has a variety of animals from Flemish Giant and French Lop rabbits to goats to the ungainly but loveable looking alpacas. Cautious but curious, the alpacas will certainly want to look you over.<\/p>\n<div class=\"et_pb_slider et_pb_slider_fullwidth_off et_pb_gallery_post_type\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_slides\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8847.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8871.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Donkeys-8877.jpg);\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Starting out at some of Ireland\u2019s remaining standing stones, the one mile trail leads you past the pens of the male and female alpacas, past the donkeys, along some joyous looking Yellow Gorse shrubs, and down to the river. It\u2019s here the real fun starts.<\/p>\n<div class=\"et_pb_slider et_pb_slider_fullwidth_off et_pb_gallery_post_type\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_slides\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8894.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8887.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8883.jpg);\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Walking along the stream, there are dozens of mini-rapids where the water spills quickly over rocks and makes the most remarkable and relaxing sounds.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8903.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-10026\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8903-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\" alt=\"Alpaca-walk-8903\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8903.jpg?resize=450%2C600&amp;ssl=1 450w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8903.jpg?resize=112%2C150&amp;ssl=1 112w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8903.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8903.jpg?w=768&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Wending your way through flower patches, under blossom-filled trees and over stone-step bridges, you\u2019ll find your way to a mighty waterfall that feeds this entire area. If you want to linger awhile, you\u2019ll find Ally\u2019s gazebo tucked away nearby.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8910.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-10027\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8910-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\" alt=\"Alpaca-walk-8910\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8910.jpg?resize=450%2C600&amp;ssl=1 450w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8910.jpg?resize=112%2C150&amp;ssl=1 112w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8910.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Alpaca-walk-8910.jpg?w=768&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Can stones really stand?<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Some distance away, we visited the Maughanasilly Stone Row which has been taking visitors since 1600BC. If you come here every 18-1\/2 years (the length of the full lunar cycle) you\u2019ll discover that the stones are perfectly aligned with the most northerly point of the moon\u2019s rising. Ever wonder how the Bronze Age people got so smart without the Internet?<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Irish males and Irish tales<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Another short drive and we met Dan Sullivan and his restored <a href=\"http:\/\/carriganasscastle.com\/\">Carriganass Castle<\/a> tower house (built in 1541.) This was originally a five-story castle and eventually enclosed by a stone fort along the Ouvane River.<\/p>\n<div class=\"et_pb_slider et_pb_slider_fullwidth_off et_pb_gallery_post_type\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_slides\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Carriganass-Castle-tower-house-8999.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Carriganass-Castle-tower-house-9002.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Carriganass-Castle-tower-house-9011.jpg);\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>It was here I learned the legend of Donal Cam, who disguised as a monk, found his wife\u2019s murderer here in the tower and tossed him to the river below. Factually there\u2019s no evidence this ever happened, but it\u2019s the best story going in these parts \u2013 so who\u2019s going to ruin a good Irish tale.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Inspiring pilgrims since the 6<sup>th<\/sup> century<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Finishing up the day we motored to the end of the St. Finbarr\u2019s Walk to see the glacially formed valley known as Gougane Barra. Here, set on the edge of an idyllic lake is the shrine commemorating St. Finbarr who built a hermitage here in the sixth century, before moving on to create a monastery and the city of Cork.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"et_pb_slider et_pb_slider_fullwidth_off et_pb_gallery_post_type\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_slides\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9040.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9038.jpg);\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<h1><strong>Warm hospitality in a glacial groove<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>As the day was drawing to a close, David and I were invited to the lovely <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gouganebarrahotel.com\/st-finbarr\">Gougane Barra Hotel<\/a> by proprietor Neil &amp; Katy Lucey for dinner.\u00a0 They\u2019ve been keeping a 400+ year-old family tradition alive since 2005. The hotel is open April through October each year. The hotel is recipient of dozens of awards and is a beautiful place to stay.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"et_pb_slider et_pb_slider_fullwidth_off et_pb_gallery_post_type\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_slides\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Gougane-Barra-Hotel-9085.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Gougane-Barra-Hotel-9084.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Gougane-Barra-Hotel-9083.jpg);\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>Food for the evening consisted of a salad of local West Cork cheeses with pear, bacon, croutons and honey dressing. The entr\u00e9e was delicious, fresh deep-fried Dingle Bay Scampi with homemade chips and tartar sauce. That should have been enough, but they twisted our arms and insisted we try the \u2018Gougane Mess\u2019 \u2013 a heavenly combination of vanilla ice-cream with homemade mini meringue, red berry coulis and cream. Heaven in a glass.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Unexpected discoveries<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Spending the evening with such good food, a view of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gouganebarrahotel.com\/st-finbarr\">St. Finbarr\u2019s Oratory<\/a> across the lake and in the good company of David Ross was truly a highlight of my Ireland trip. As we talked travel, faith and family, I was truly in awe of his accomplishments as a husband, father, minister, rancher and now proprietor of West Cork\u2019s newest tourist destination \u2013 the Pod Pairc.\u00a0 This man\u2019s energy knows no bounds.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_10066\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/David-Ross-and-his-dad-8813.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10066\" class=\"size-large wp-image-10066\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/David-Ross-and-his-dad-8813-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\" alt=\"David Ross\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/David-Ross-and-his-dad-8813.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/David-Ross-and-his-dad-8813.jpg?resize=150%2C112&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/David-Ross-and-his-dad-8813.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/David-Ross-and-his-dad-8813.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-10066\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">David Ross (r) and his dad<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I also made a discovery about myself.\u00a0 As a travel writer, I always tried to cram as many stops in one days as possible to be able to tell my readers more about what they could find at any destination. I measured success by how many photographs I could shoot in 24 hours.<\/p>\n<p>While that is still necessary at times, what I discovered is that the true Ireland can best be appreciated by walking its paths and getting to know its people. If you want to meet two of the best, head to Top of the Rock and meet David and Elizabeth Ross. If a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.westcorkwalking.com\/site52\/index.php\/home\">walking vacation<\/a> is in your future, you can\u2019t do better than this.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Top of the Rock details:<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>7 Pods available:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2 Luxury pods have toilets, double beds and hand wash basins with mini-kitchen and dining table. A pull out sofa can handle an extra two people. \u20ac69-79\/night (2014 rates)(pictured below)<\/li>\n<li>2 Family pods with three fold-up beds and handle five adults or six family members. Kitchen, shower and laundry facilities are in the main Pairc Centre building. \u20ac49-59\/night<\/li>\n<li>3 Standard pods come with two fold up beds for two adults and two small children (or three adults). Like the family pods, all services are close by. \u20ac39-49\/night<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"et_pb_slider et_pb_slider_fullwidth_off et_pb_gallery_post_type\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_slides\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3781.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3779.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3777.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3776.jpg);\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_slide\" style=\"background: url(https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-.jpg);\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>Meals can be enjoyed in the Pairc Centre building, or Elizabeth can arrange a breakfast bag to be delivered right to your pod in the morning. It features those great Glenilen Farm products, jams and Elizabeth\u2019s homemade scones (as good as I\u2019ve ever had.)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-4028.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-10053\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-4028-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400\" alt=\"Top of the Rock Pod Pairc\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-4028.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-4028.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-4028.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-4028.jpg?resize=140%2C94&amp;ssl=1 140w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-4028.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Good night<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3790.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-10049\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3790-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400\" alt=\"Top of the Rock Pod Pairc\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3790.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3790.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3790.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3790.jpg?resize=140%2C94&amp;ssl=1 140w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3790.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We got back to the Pod Pairc just as the sun had disappeared over the mountains. The twilight glow let me get a couple more photos before making a cup of tea and then turning in for a comfortable night\u2019s sleep in my pod. This day certainly reminded me why I love traveling \u2013 especially to Ireland.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3801.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-10050\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3801-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400\" alt=\"Top of the Rock Pod Pairc\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3801.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3801.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3801.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3801.jpg?resize=140%2C94&amp;ssl=1 140w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-3801.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/dbhas.info\/1paqP41\"><em>Click here for the index of all Wild Atlantic Way articles in this series<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Killarney \u2013 a gem of a National Park\" href=\"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/2014\/07\/02\/killarney-gem-national-park\/\"><em>Previous article in the Wild Atlantic Way series:\u00a0Killarney<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a title=\"S.H.W. \u2013 Simply Heavenly Walking or Sheep\u2019s Head Way \u2013 you choose\" href=\"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/2014\/07\/22\/s-h-w-simply-heavenly-walking-sheeps-head-way-choose\/\"><em>Next article in the Wild Atlantic Way series: \u00a0Sheep&#8217;s Head Peninsula<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/dbhas.info\/1sEMe6R\"><em>Why travel the Wild Atlantic Way? [Infographic]<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>(Continued from page one of two) If you landed here without reading page one, please go back to here to start. &nbsp; What kind of animal is that? Up another hill we found our way to the most enchanting of all the walks I did in Ireland this year \u2013 the Waterfall Farm and its [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10061,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","cos_headline_score":0,"cos_seo_score":0,"cos_headline_text":"","cos_headline_has_been_analyzed":false,"cos_last_analyzed_headline":[],"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[233,2769,2792,1040,2797,2798,2794,1945,2796,2793],"class_list":["post-10017","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-alpacas","tag-county-cork","tag-drimoleague","tag-ireland","tag-pod-paird","tag-st-finbarr","tag-top-of-the-rock","tag-walking","tag-waterfall-farm","tag-west-cork"],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1",1024,768,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?fit=150%2C112&ssl=1",150,112,true],"medium":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1",300,225,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1",768,576,true],"large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1",600,450,true],"rpg_gallery_admin_thumb":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"rpg_gallery_thumb":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1",1024,768,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1",1024,768,true],"gb-block-post-grid-landscape":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1",600,400,true],"gb-block-post-grid-square":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1",600,600,true],"et-pb-post-main-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1",400,250,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=1024%2C675&ssl=1",1024,675,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=400%2C284&ssl=1",400,284,true],"et-pb-portfolio-module-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=510%2C382&ssl=1",510,382,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image-single":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1",1024,768,true],"et-pb-gallery-module-image-portrait":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=400%2C516&ssl=1",400,516,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth-large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1",1024,768,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--desktop":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=1024%2C720&ssl=1",1024,720,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--tablet":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=980%2C551&ssl=1",980,551,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--phone":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=480%2C270&ssl=1",480,270,true]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"<p>(Continued from page one of two) If you landed here without reading page one, please go back to here to start. &nbsp; What kind of animal is that? Up another hill we found our way to the most enchanting of all the walks I did in Ireland this year \u2013 the Waterfall Farm and its Alpaca Walk. We couldn\u2019t start the walk without first meeting Emma &amp; Markus Bird, owners of this little bit of heaven. They are still developing this as an attraction for individual walkers as well as school groups. Waterfall Farm has a variety of animals from&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Travel<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"Doug","url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"comments_num_v2":"2 comments","author_meta":{"display_name":"Doug","author_link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1","featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"Doug","author_link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/St-Finbarrs-Oratory-9048.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Travel<\/a>"],"unlinked":["<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Travel<\/span>"]},"tags":{"linked":["<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">alpacas<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">County Cork<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Drimoleague<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Ireland<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Pod Paird<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">St. Finbarr<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Top of the Rock<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">walking<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Waterfall farm<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">West Cork<\/a>"],"unlinked":["<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">alpacas<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">County Cork<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Drimoleague<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Ireland<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Pod Paird<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">St. Finbarr<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Top of the Rock<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">walking<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Waterfall farm<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">West Cork<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":2,"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 12 years ago","modified":"Updated 9 years ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on July 17, 2014","modified":"Updated on August 22, 2017"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on July 17, 2014 1:34 pm","modified":"Updated on August 22, 2017 12:02 am"},"featured_img_caption":"","series_order":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p21Ejy-2Bz","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10015,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/dont-make-mistake-visiting-west-cork-ireland\/","url_meta":{"origin":10017,"position":0},"title":"Don\u2019t make my mistake when visiting West Cork, Ireland","author":"Doug","date":"July 17, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Today our Wild Atlantic Way journey takes us slightly afield, about 16km from Bantry to the little town of Drimoleague, where we meet up at the Top of the Rock Pod Pairc and spend the day exploring West Cork with David Ross. This was one of my best days in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Top of the Rock Pod Pairc and Walking Centre","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-4004.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-4004.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-4004.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Top-of-the-Rock-4004.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9707,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/killarney-gem-national-park\/","url_meta":{"origin":10017,"position":1},"title":"Killarney &#8211; a gem of a National Park","author":"Doug","date":"July 2, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Killarney National Park is 25,400 acres in size, contains three lakes and just to its west is the MacGillycuddy\u2019s Reeks, the highest of all Ireland\u2019s mountain ranges.\u00a0 Centerpiece of the park is the almost 10, 000 acre Bourn Vincent Memorial Park (which all the locals call the Muckross Estate.) In\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Ireland-5516.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Ireland-5516.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Ireland-5516.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Ireland-5516.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":169,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/a-perfect-weekend-roadtrip-in-pa-follow-this-barn-tour\/","url_meta":{"origin":10017,"position":2},"title":"A perfect weekend roadtrip in PA &#8211; follow this barn tour","author":"Doug","date":"June 25, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"The perfect getaway - great scenery, interesting farms and squeezably soft alpacas. Be sure to see the slideshow. http:\/\/dbhas.info\/c5zW8C More stories about Butler County, Pennsylvania: Two historical gems along the Butler Freeport Community Trail Halloween events in Butler County A day away in PA - a tour of the barns\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Blog&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/_-lDfC-5y5Zk\/TCTRJRjioNI\/AAAAAAAAAOw\/-FZMl9-OwL0\/s640\/575-100515_3CS0264.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/_-lDfC-5y5Zk\/TCTRJRjioNI\/AAAAAAAAAOw\/-FZMl9-OwL0\/s640\/575-100515_3CS0264.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/_-lDfC-5y5Zk\/TCTRJRjioNI\/AAAAAAAAAOw\/-FZMl9-OwL0\/s640\/575-100515_3CS0264.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9489,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/secrets-irelands-wild-atlantic-way\/","url_meta":{"origin":10017,"position":3},"title":"The Secrets of Ireland\u2019s Wild Atlantic Way","author":"Doug","date":"June 23, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"By Doug Bardwell If you have ever dreamed of a \u2018big\u2019 adventure, but never followed through on it, now may be the time to make it happen. How about the roadtrip of a lifetime, through some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth? It\u2019s all mapped out, with helpful signage,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Cliffs of Moher","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Ireland-4103.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Ireland-4103.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Ireland-4103.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Ireland-4103.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10106,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/s-h-w-simply-heavenly-walking-sheeps-head-way-choose\/","url_meta":{"origin":10017,"position":4},"title":"S.H.W. \u2013 Simply Heavenly Walking or Sheep\u2019s Head Way \u2013 you choose","author":"Doug","date":"July 22, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"It may be named for the sheep, but the people and the trails make this a fabulous destination. Ireland\u2019s southwest coast is a series of finger-like peninsulas extending into the wild Atlantic Ocean. One of the slimmest is Sheepshead Peninsula \u2013 extending from Bantry on the north, past Ballymoor Mountain,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Sheeps_Head-3230.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Sheeps_Head-3230.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Sheeps_Head-3230.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Sheeps_Head-3230.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5836,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/kinsale-a-picturesque-harbor-town-in-county-cork\/","url_meta":{"origin":10017,"position":5},"title":"Kinsale &#8211; a picturesque harbor town in County Cork","author":"Maureen","date":"July 5, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Popular with the yachting community, Kinsale is a beautiful little town in southern Ireland, clustered around a harbor. White sails still reflect the sun as small and medium sized sailboats come and go, some preparing for the many sailing competitions held here annually. In the 17th & 18th centuries, Kinsale\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Colorful storefronts in Kinsale","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/Kinsale-2464.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/Kinsale-2464.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/Kinsale-2464.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10017","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10017"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10017\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10017"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10017"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10017"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}