Tuesday was our last morning in Dublin before heading out to the countryside. Before departing Dublin, we ended up in jail...Kilmainham Gaol. It was much more interesting than we had anticipated, and added more to our historical perspective of Ireland. It holds great significance to the Irish people, and our tour guide was passionate about explaining it to us.
We boarded our Fitizpatrick coach, a well appointed and spacious model, where each member had two seats to spread out. We headed out toward County Tipperary with wonderful views along the way. We had lunch at a TINY cafe, Granny's Kitchen, at the base of the Rock of Cashel, before heading up the rock for a guided tour. Rick's guidebook of Ireland states that the "Rock of Cashel rises high above the plans of Tipperary and is one of Ireland's most historic and evocative sites". Rick is exactly correct in his assessment of this amazing place. The rock is a 200 ft. outcrop of limestone, on which is built a church whose origins date to the 12th century. History records that St. Patrick baptized King Aengus there in about A.D. 450. Because of its location, the views of the surrounding countryside were spectacular! Even Annette (NEVER wears a coat) was glad she had on four layers of clothing, including a rain jacket, as the winds were quite strong on the top of the rock
Our coach arrived in County Cork, in the port of Kinsale, a picturesque harbor town, on the southeastern tip of Ireland. Before the new world was discovered, Kinsale was considered to be the "end of the world". The village is so small, and the streets so narrow, that our coach could not deliver us directly to our B&B. After a tortuous climb uphill (Rick warned us! We tried hard to remember the" no grump" policy), luggage in tow, we arrived at the Friar's Lodge, our home for the next two nights. Pascal had arranged for a group dinner at the best local pub, Kitty O'Se's. We had a three course meal, followed by lively entertainment by Irish musicians/comedians, who had the entire pub rocking and singing along. Anne and Annette were forced to try a recommended locally known Irish whiskey by the owner of the pub. #irishwhiskeyisthebest It was a late night for the old ladies, but a thoroughly enjoyable one! #pubfun #greatcraic
www.facebook.com/kittykinsale/
www.facebook.com/kittykinsale/
Just roll over the picture for the caption:
After oversleeping, EVEN after setting the alarm, we had breakfast and made it downstairs by the 9 AM departure time. Don, of Don & Barry's Historic Tours, provided a charming and insightful look into Kinsale's historic and strategic history. Following our time with Don, we headed to St, Charles' Fort, a massive 17th century star fort, protecting the bay entrance into Kinsale. The fort is massive and in it's day, quite revolutionary. We discovered that the Irish are fantastic storytellers and our guide, Mags, was exceptional. She explained the history of the fort in such an animated and humorous style that we all had several good laughs as we were educated about the fort's history.
On our own in the village by noon, we chanced upon the local fire station, and received a kind invitation to tour from the County Cork firefighters, who were eager to display their Irish hospitality to the travelers. Anne scored several station patches for Mason! ( Anne's son, who is a Houston Fire Captain)
With Liz, one of our adventuresome fellow tour members and an intrepid shopper, we strolled to the local market fair. We experienced local live music and and wonderful food booths, as well as locally made crafts. All three of us are now proud owners of handmade silver jewelry, made by a delightful and talented local artist. We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the colorful and charming streets and shops in Kinsale. After a bit of rest, and wine, in our room, we enjoyed an impromptu dinner with most of our group at the highly recommended restaurant, Fishy Fishy. Shout out to Pascal (we were just discovering what a marvelous RS guide we had) for recommending AND securing reservations at this coveted location!
On our own in the village by noon, we chanced upon the local fire station, and received a kind invitation to tour from the County Cork firefighters, who were eager to display their Irish hospitality to the travelers. Anne scored several station patches for Mason! ( Anne's son, who is a Houston Fire Captain)
With Liz, one of our adventuresome fellow tour members and an intrepid shopper, we strolled to the local market fair. We experienced local live music and and wonderful food booths, as well as locally made crafts. All three of us are now proud owners of handmade silver jewelry, made by a delightful and talented local artist. We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the colorful and charming streets and shops in Kinsale. After a bit of rest, and wine, in our room, we enjoyed an impromptu dinner with most of our group at the highly recommended restaurant, Fishy Fishy. Shout out to Pascal (we were just discovering what a marvelous RS guide we had) for recommending AND securing reservations at this coveted location!