We had missed going to the Dingle Peninsular yesterday we thought we’d try to see part of it today. The weather is still not the best. It is typical Irish weather from what we hear. We drove northwest from Killarney toward Tralee. It was decided in advance that we would drive until 10:30 and then turn around. We managed to get to a beach area on the north side of the peninsular. The wind was the biggest challenge when being outside. The sun came out briefly to give up a rainbow.
We turned back in the direction of Cork and Blarney Castle. The visitor count was light at the castle. We made sure to have our umbrellas with us. We paid our entry of €13 and went onto the grounds. There is construction going on currently. Looks like they are upgrading some visitor amenities. The walk to the castle was very cold and windy. (Thanks Storm Jake!) The castle was enclosed and the wind wasn’t so bad during the climb up. Brenda got a little nervous about the climb, but she made it to the top. Once there though, she didn’t want to kiss the Blarney Stone. I assured her that I wasn’t going to either, as I more than have the “gift of gab.” We climbed back down the spiral stairs and once at the bottom the sky opened up. It rained quite hard. We were glad that it hadn’t rained like that up on the ramparts of the castle. If the weather had been better we might have walked the gardens. Instead, we purchased a cup of tea to takeaway and started the drive to Cashel.
The Rock of Cashel is amazing. We were both very glad we went there. It took us a few times around town to find the parking lot. The walk up to the entrance isn’t too long. At the ticket counter we were told that there would not be a charge. For some reason it was complimentary for the day. The usual cost if 4.50 euro per person. We did have to pay for parking, but at €4.50 it was a bargain. The Cormac Chapel is undergoing major restoration. When it is completed it will be absolutely fantastic. That portion of the site dates from the 12th century. It is difficult to fathom that these building are almost 1,000 years old.
We continued on to Kilkenny for the night. The Hotel Kilkenny is quite nice. After getting settled in we walked into the town center for dinner. On our way we stopped at a sweet shop named Kitty’s Cabin and bought some candy. The shop owner was very helpful. We choose Langton House Hotel for dinner, based on Rick Steve’s book. It was nice, but more expensive than we had been paying. Busy place with lots of locals. Brenda had a lamb stew that she really enjoyed. I went with the fish and chips. We wanted to hear more music, so we walked up toward the north side of the river. Just across was Matt the Millers. This was also listed in Rick Steve’s book. A group called Wallop the Cat was suppose to be playing. We arrived to find a single guitar player singing. He was good though and kept the music up. Not really traditional Irish music, but fun. When he took his break we had a chance to talk to him. His name is John Kavanagh. He is part of Wallop the Cat. His partner was very sick so couldn’t be there. John said he loves to visit the states and has been to 36 of them. Much more than either Brenda or myself. The bar staff was the most friendly of all the places we have been to so far.
Took a taxi back to the hotel as it was too cold and windy. The driver said that we couldn’t stop after only three pints, that it was against the law. He was yet another of the friendly people we have met.
We would like to plan the driving days better though so we can spend more time in the town. We got to see the Kilkenny Castle by night, but not during the day. Next time, as there is lots more to see and do in Kilkenny than we had time for.
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