Cork is definitely not my place. I left the B&B at about 9am to have a drive around before hitting the highway for Cashel but it was the worst driving experience – not really knowing where I was going, and ending up driving along one-way streets, going the wrong direction, twice! I decided to bail out of town.
This might be a controversial move but I did not go to Blarney Castle. I had no interest in bending backwards (back already not too good at the moment), and kissing a stone that a million other people have put their saliva on. Sorry to those who thought it was great...just not my thing.
Instead, I hit the motorway (gee I love straight roads!), and drove to Cashel as I really wanted to see the Rock of Cashel. First stop was a coffee, which was very difficult to come by at 10am in the morning (actually found a place next to Gleeson pub!), then headed up to the Rock.
Rock of Cashel – the ‘Rock’ is a prominant green hill, banded with limestone outcrops. In the 4th century the area was chosen as a base by a clan from Wales, and built on the site. Since then, there is an incredible story of clans over taking one another, the site being handed over to the Irish Church. There are a number of buildings on the site, that were built at different times, and in a variety of styles according to the religious and cultural influences at the time. It really is a fabulous place, and we had a fabulous guide who brought the history to life. A gale was blowing and there was misty rain so it was really hard to concentrate when just trying to stand upright. I was disappointed that I couldn’t get a good brochure on the site cause my photos won’t do it justice.
The Queen and Obama are coming to Ireland – Queen Elizabth on Tuesday 17 May and Obama the following week. I am so very lucky that I wasn’t around then as security will be tight. Even today there were many Garda (police) at the Rock of Cashel site, as the Queen will be coming here, and guys abseiling down the fort walls (checking for bombs??). The Queen is also visiting the English Market in Cork that I wanted to get to, but unfortunately it was closing as I arrived. Most people on the radio appear to be happy that she is coming, but reportedly not everyone is of the view because Ireland is in a poor economic position, but they need to pay the bill for all the security – which is going to be a huge expense!
I drove from Cashel to Kilkenny, my stop for the night. Kilkenny is a lovely town – I really prefer the smaller places as people are friendlier. I’ve repacked my backpack ready for the flight the following day back to the UK – didn’t buy a lot but still need to ensure it all fits in.
I had plenty of time to wander around the town in the afternoon, exploring Kilkenny Castle, the streets, along the River Nore and the parks. I has a good feel about it. So many people were out and about.
I ended up popping into a bar to see about Irish music later that night - unfortunately nothing by a dj. I stayed for a drink then found a French restaurant that was reasonable – I was longing for vegetables! I had the most delicious Irish lamb shank stew with loads of steamed vegies. Whilst there, a song came over the stereo that reminded me of a beautiful movie Nic M and I watched when in Borneo on the in-house movie station. The movie I found out was Irish and called “Wants”- memories!
I ended up popping into a bar to see about Irish music later that night - unfortunately nothing by a dj. I stayed for a drink then found a French restaurant that was reasonable – I was longing for vegetables! I had the most delicious Irish lamb shank stew with loads of steamed vegies. Whilst there, a song came over the stereo that reminded me of a beautiful movie Nic M and I watched when in Borneo on the in-house movie station. The movie I found out was Irish and called “Wants”- memories!
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