Before I started sharing specifics of Rob’s and my Irish honeymoon with you all, I talked about the general slower pace of life I felt while there. What I think I failed to mention is the complete magic of the country as a whole, but especially at Muckross Abbey.

Along the Ring of Kerry, in Kilarney National Park, is Muckross House. Rob and I were able to catch the last tour of the house for the day and our tour guide kept mentioning the Franciscan friary on the property. By the time our tour ended, we were too hungry to do anything but find food.

Since we planned to drive the Ring of Kerry backwards the following day, we woke up early and took the short walk from the parking lot to Muckross Abbey. It ranks as one of my favorite sites of the trip.

As most tourists hit Muckross last because of the direction they’re encouraged to drive the Ring of Kerry, we had the entire monastery to ourselves, which is absolutely the most perfect way to see it. (We had decided to drive the Ring backwards.)

There was something magical in those walls, halls, and stairs. I’m not sure if it was the misty Irish morning, the silence, or history.

However, the truly the magical part was the large, twisting-trunk tree standing majestically in the center of the Abbey, growing up past three flours.

Something about that tree demanded a stillness and peacefulness. It was the kind of place you wanted to bring a book or notebook so you would have a reason to sit beneath it all day.

For it’s magic, Muckross Abbey should not be missed.

RQ: Have you ever been to a tourist spot when there were no other tourists?

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.