Not a lot to report on today. And no photos. Spent most of the day on buses, first Bus Eireann – Kenmare to Killarney, then Dublin Coach – Killarney to Dublin.

We have been thinking about how this walk compares to last year in Spain. They are both interesting, fantastic walks but have a lot of differences. So here goes:

Camino Frances (St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostella) 800km
More social, met lots more walkers, all with a common goal and destination, walking the Camino you were part of something. It is a religious, or spiritual or cultural experience.
Lots more villages (every 5km) so more cafes, bars, pharmacies, etc. The villages are often only there to support the pilgrims.
Didn’t have to plan the day’s food, drinks so much.
Way finding was easier (painted arrows) and many people about to follow or to ask.
‘The Bible’, John Brierley’s guide book is excellent and updated each year.
The route is more direct, not sending you on tortuous “scenic routes”, pilgrims just wanted to get there the easiest way.
Fuentes (water fountains) everywhere, lovely fresh, cool water.
Track is graded much better, wider, smoother, easier walking.
A gentler experience through developed countryside.
Much more infrastructure in place for many more walkers (200,000 per year).
Many accommodation options from expensive to cheap.
Language can be an issue, but not much, English is the language of the Camino.
You pass through major towns and cities (pop 200,000).
This Camino is not on the coast, totally inland.
Although it climbs to higher peaks (twice to 1500m) is overall  a much flatter walk.

Ireland (Dingle Way, Kerry Way, Beara Way) 500km
Very few people walking any of the Ways. Met a few, but it is far less social. Some days we saw nobody walking in either direction.
It is primarily a beautiful place for walking in a variety of landscapes, not a religious or spiritual experience.
Very few intermediate villages, usually nothing all day. The villages are there for other reasons not primarily to support walkers.
So you have to plan and take own food, drinks etc.
Way finding and guide notes good, but far less than Camino, and we did get lost.
You have to pay attention all the time because you are on your own.
The route is not the shortest most efficient (as the Camino), it is tortuous, scenic, goes where they can get access, where farmers give permission  etc.
Track is non-existent much of the time, just following poles across hills, fields, etc.
Very steep ascents and descents.
Muddy, boggy, wet, mucky, rocky, slippery, but also long distances on tarmac minor roads and gravel roads.
No Fuentes, often have to carry all your water for the day.
A more rugged experience through wilder, raw countryside and coastline.
Smaller range of accommodation, mostly B & Bs (but still excellent).
Language not a problem for English speakers.
No cities or major towns. Mostly small villages and small towns. Largest town is Tralee 23,000.

Overall we found the 500km in Ireland much more physically demanding than the 800km in Spain. But loved them both.

Tomorrow we are being seniors tourists and going on a day coach tour to Newgrange.