{"id":1405,"date":"2017-02-06T17:24:59","date_gmt":"2017-02-06T17:24:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.guidekillarney.com\/?p=1405"},"modified":"2017-02-07T11:58:53","modified_gmt":"2017-02-07T11:58:53","slug":"earl-desmond-beheaded-captain-robert-monteith-hidden-away","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.guidekillarney.com\/index.php\/2017\/02\/06\/earl-desmond-beheaded-captain-robert-monteith-hidden-away\/","title":{"rendered":"WHERE THE EARL OF DESMOND WAS BEHEADED … & Captain Robert Monteith was hidden away"},"content":{"rendered":"
The weather forecast said it would be overcast but there would be no rain. \u00a0But as I was leaving the\u00a0Bernard Collins Carpark<\/em> the dark clouds were almost dripping. \u00a0For the two and a half hours I was likely to be walking the\u00a0Lenihan Trail<\/em> it was best to wear rain gear.<\/div>\n
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The information panel just inside the entrance to Gleann na gCaointe Wood describes the area as the Sherwood Forest of Ireland.<\/div>\n
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On forest road along the open hill on the southern side of a steep, narrow valley with the greenest field along the valley floor … dense conifer wood covers the steep northern wall of the glen.<\/div>\n
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At its eastern end the road becomes a trail. \u00a0Crossing over a stream a further information panel tells that the last Earl of Desmond was beheaded here. \u00a0The place is named the vale of the wailing.<\/div>\n
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Now rising under a thick canopy of conifer wood. \u00a0By a holy well with waters, we are told, that have unique powers to satisfy thirst.<\/div>\n
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High up looking down over a great panorama of hill and wood. \u00a0A further panel tells how Captain Robert Monteith, who landed on Banna Strand with Roger Casement, evaded capture here.<\/div>\n
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Along the way … occasional primroses …<\/div>\n
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and a rich abundance of newly bloomed Hazel catkins<\/div>\n
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… by furze in full bloom.<\/div>\n
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An information panel tells that Stephen Fuller, who was the only survivor from the bloody massacre at Ballyseedy in 1923, was spirited away here.<\/div>\n
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Further illustrated panels tell of the athletic prowess of Dan Ahern and Tom McCarthy.<\/div>\n
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Now rising high on open hill with great panoramas – in the right visibility – of Tralee Bay … Killarney lakes and mountains from the Paps to Knockadobar.<\/div>\n
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What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon … and the rain that appeared imminent at the beginning never came.<\/p>\n

– Frank Lewis<\/b><\/div>\n

for more information or to book a stay\u00a0Gallan Eile<\/i><\/strong>\u00a0…<\/p>\n

\u00a0Book Here<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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