Day 7 May 26

Did someone say that driving on the left side was going to be easy? And, did someone say that a GPS would be perfect to help us find our way? And, did someone say that our phones would work? ARGUH! Can you tell my day has been a tiny bit frustrating? BUT--we did see some spectacular sites and I still love the Emerald Isle! and, Yes Dorothy...I am coming home! sooner or later!

Now you can see why they call it the Emerald Isle! Beautiful greens, huh! I do love this tiny Emerald Isle! Note the rows that look like fences. Actually they are hedge rows. Also the hedge grows closely to the road so the landowners can claim more land. That helps make it more difficult to drive. These hedges were grown in the 17th century to prevent Cattle Raiding (us Texans call it cattle rustling) The Irish actually have a hedge row law that they must grow these hedges. They also passed a law stating that the hedge cannot be trimmed until late summer so all the birds and small animals can have their young!
 The Death Trap!

I know I look like I am smiling..but, not really deep inside!It took us circling the block twice to get away from the hotel! I just know our porters were standing and watching us and laughing! Actually the GPS was pretty good with directions, except it did not know where Kilkenny Castle was! Now if I can get Phil to slow down and do what it says, we just might survive! We did finally manage to locate Kilkenny Castle. It was a self guided tour, but an awesome site. Kilkenny is known as Ireland's Medieval Capital. I am sorry we did not get to spend any time there. I also hear that there is a great pub in Kilkenny, something to do with an ancient witch,  but didn't get to see it. Maybe another time! Kilkenny Castle was nice, well preserved or restored. It stands on 50 acres of a beautifully landscaped park. Told you, the Irish love their parks! The castle was built in 1172. and was the home to one of Ireland's most powerful clans, the Butlers. I looked at every single \portrait, and there were many, many hanging,  but could not find Rhett anywhere! Sorry Mom!

Next on our agenda was to visit the Rock of Cashel.  This stop was not planned on my itinerary, but one of our Irish guides urged us to go there. She did not stear us wrong either. It was an awesome imposing site...a huge castle seeming to rise out of the rocks! This castle was the seat to the Kings of Munster and St. Patrick was reported to converted one of these kings. This is also the spot that he plucked a Shamrock  to use in explaining the Holy Trinity.

The blog should read much, much better tomorrow night. That will be after I kiss the Blarney stone tomorrow morning (hopefully, if we can find it)!
Then on to Kilarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Lakes of Kilarney, and everything else Kilarnized! We'll stay there 2 nights.

Last view of the Emerald Isle from the Rock of Cashel doorway.
Until tomorrow then.....d