Pictures Dublin to Killarney
Believe it or not....we all were up, showered, dressed, luggage packed and outside of our rooms and down to breakfast by 7! Thanks to a hearty Irish buffet breakfast (where the guys all tried blood pudding (got a negative from all) lots of coffee and excitement about seeing more of Ireland, we were off! It is nice to only carry what you need and leave the driving and luggage pick up and delivery to others!
We rode through central Ireland, a mostly agricultural area with lots of sheep and several types of cows in pastures between the vegetables and other products grown. We did pass some beautiful bright yellow Rape (Canola) fields among the lush green pastures and heavily wooded areas. We made several 'comfort' stops along the way - as always curious to see Subway, McDonald's, Burger King and other familiar places to grab a quick snack. We did think it funny that Art's Espresso came in a Seattle's Best cup! Our first photo stop was at Cashel Rock (think Cashel Castle), a castle built in the 5th century. We were all amazed that such an elaborate (currently undergoing renovation) structure could be built and still standing with the technology of the times. We then drove through Cork...2nd largest city in Ireland and another with 'a river runs through it' .... and on to visit the Blarney Woolen Mills outlet and the Blarney Castle with a requisite climb up to and kiss of the Blarney Stone of Eloquence - something the boys have in much abundance already. We had lunch in our first Irish pub where we enjoyed a light lunch and Aaron tried to order his first Guinness. He was carded since the legal age is now 18 so, instead, he had some of his Poppa's drink.
It started to rain, again, but we hardy Irish people just plod along. We walked through the lovely grounds about 10 minutes from the entrance up to the castle and then to the 122 steps up to the Stone. I quickly realized that there was no way I could climb the high and winding steps. So...with much sadness (it's the first time I even wimped out of seeing a sight). All of the guys climbed the steps. Aaron and Carson kissed the rock and are now oh, so eloquent. We returned to the bus in more light rain, rode through Macroom and into County Kerry (this trip took us through 8 different counties). The scenery turned mountainous and very beautiful with the sun flirting in and out along the drive to Killarney. On the way, we got our first glimpse of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks - high mountains forming a backdrop for our drive into town. By this time the sun was shining and it was a beautiful afternoon. Check-in was simple, our new rooms are across the hall from each other and luggage arrived almost as soon as we did. Art went out to buy a new converter since I fried the one we bought at the airport with my hairdryer this AM! Aaron decided he wanted to rest, the rest of us went out for a walk around this fun town full of tourists, lots of Pubs and shops. Carson bought a few things to bring his loving family and then we met Aaron and went into the hotel restaurant for dinner. We ate with a couple from Pennsylvania whose 4 adult children had given them the trip as a Xmas present. Aaron drank his first full Guinness and liked it a bit too much ;0.
Early to bed for all...the jet lag is finally wearing off and tomorrow we don't have to pack up since we'll be here for 2 nights! We get to sleep in until 6:30 and then we're off to drive the Ring of Kerry tomorrow at 8:30 AM!
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