We had a great opportunity to go hiking with Bret’s coworkers once again on Tuesday evening.  One of Bret’s coworkers, Dana, is leaving Cork later this week, so in her honor, we went to the Paps of Danu (almost Dana).  They are a pair of breast-shaped hills near Killarney.  Yes, breast-shaped hills are a thing!

The east peak is slightly taller than the western peak, which we climbed.   There are large rock cairns at the top of each peak (the nipples).  The cairns are thought to be prehistoric graves and the two peaks combined with a stone circle to northeast of the peaks are an ancient site for rituals and festivals to the mother goddess, Anu or Danu.

We left after work and there were 12 of us to shuffle to the mountain, but were ready to start climbing by 6:30pm or so.

We could not have picked a better evening for a hike with a view.

From the top we could see all the way to Killarney and Dingle bay to the northwest and Kenmare to the southwest.  It was quite chilly at the top, however.  We ate a quick bite, while a few more intrepid climbers hiked over to the eastern peak.  Then we stumbled back down the mountain in the waning light, with sheep escorts.

Thanks to all our fellow hikers for a really lovely evening, especially Chris for driving and leading us!