Monday was wet and we got a very late start, but we got to see some pet lambs at Coolross. Then we headed to the Rock Tavern and our timing was perfect. There was a sheep about to have a lamb. We put on Wellies and headed to the shed with James and Tom and young Michael followed. Michael was just in time to pull the lamb who arrived healthy and hearty.
Not ten minutes later a calf decided it was time to see the world and once more a great scene for a couple of city slickers.
Tuesday was probably over scheduled but we got in all in. Kilkenny was our first destination and little did I realize that driving in that city would be such a nightmare. Getting there was the only fun. The streets are narrow and twisting and our timing was such that we enjoyed not only the morning rush hour traffic, but garbage trucks and construction vehicles taking up most of the roadway anyhow. Eventually we got back and found a parking spot near the castle - and took the self-guided tour. This was not actually a choice, but the only option. Worked just fine.
Subsequently we had to move the car - ugh - but found a parking garage and then got back to the castle just in time for the city tour. I don't know if you'd call it by trolley or train but it had a driver in the first 'car' and a couple of other cars linked behind. The guide was recorded and played at appropriate points of interest, interspersed by traditional music, and to our chagrin, the barking of Typhoid Mary in the row behind us. So far we don't seem to have picked up the bug that ailed her, thankfully.
We spent some time wandering and dropped into the new Medieval Mile Museum. They've done a fabulous job renovating the old church into an amazing display space. But that's mostly what it was - space. There are very few exhibits other than medieval tombstones, a few swords and assorted limited other old things. We were less than impressed but as it was the grand opening, they let us in for free. Well worth the price.
From there we went to Rothe House and I asked to speak with Mary Flood, a researcher who has been very helpful over the years, so I could thank her. She was busy but since I "knew" her, they let us in there for free too. This was a terrific tour - three very old homes, well maintained, belonged to the merchant class. There were interesting artifacts. Best of all, at the top level, was a restored garden space. It was huge and for a reversal of the usual way, a parking lot was removed to put in the garden.
Then it was back to the car to get to Coolross and see the rest of the family. We had very little time but maxed it well. Off to the shed we went with Jim and Maria who mixed up the formulas and kept filling bottles. Heather and I, with help from Jim, got to bottle feed the swarm of hungry pet lambs. We had a great time.
But it was off again to the House of Stories at Ballyduff. In a thatched cottage, dimmed to candelight, we listened to recitatons, personal stories, music, songs and poems. There was Irish soda bread baked in a cauldron suspended over the fire - very tasty and served with loads of butter.
It was a pair of tired travellers that dropped into bed that night.
Wednesday we drove to New Ross and toured the replica of the Dunbrody Ship which had carried Fitzwilliam Emigrants to their new life in Canada. Our ancestors were on a different ship but the experience would have been the same. We were the only people on the tour. Bonus!
From there it was off to Kilmore Quay in pursuit of the best fish and chips in Ireland. Well, the place was still lovely but the chip shop didn't open till 5. We went back to Mary Barry's where Marg and I had eaten a couple of weeks prior. The fish cakes were just as tasty this time.
Said lots of good-byes to the family. We picked up Kathy D for a drink at Jim's pub in Carnew but made it an early evening.
Thursday was our journey to Cork - via Waterford where we just drove around and then got back on the road. First real stop was Blarney Castle. I declined to climb again - twice is enough. Heather made it up in record time and didn't have to wait. Moments later the line ups started. Yay again.
From there it was Kinsale and the sun came out. Driving first to Charles Fort we had super views of the harbour area and a quick stop at Bulman's Pub for a nostalgia visit. Once again the town offered driving challenges but we found parking "up the hill".
Then it was time to find the hotel and I must say there is no part of Cork traffic that I find amusing. The city is old, the streets are narrow, and the 'creative parking' puts one's patience to the test. We had to circle the hotel once and drive around the block to pull in near the hotel and unload. The Metropole is very old and is an interesting building. I think the walk from the lift to our room was about half a kilometer, and included four steps. I particularly enjoyed the steps while schlepping two suitcases. But - location was perfect.
Fading fast now - I'll bring you up to date tomorrow night.
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