To Kilkenny

We’ve heard it rains a lot in Ireland and that’s why I felt disappointed in myself for leaving my rain jacket on Pender Island last weekend. As it turns out, I haven’t needed it. The weather has been warm and balmy with wood smoke in the air and no rain to speak of. At dinner last night we chatted with our waiter who is from Dingle, on the wet west coast, and he assured us that rain it would. “You can count on it.” Every. Other. Day.

So we stopped in at a department store called Dunnes when we arrived in Kilkenny and found an inexpensive waterproof slicker, just in case. The Irish tell me that just because I did, it will rain. But they also believe in fairies.

The ride from Dublin to the Rock of Cashel was lovely — lush and green. The toll highway was an easy go. If you’re in Ireland, I recommend stopping at the Rock. What a setting! And the history is pretty fascinating too. Located on the highest point of the Plain of Tipperary (we were reminded that it’s a long way here) the Rock was the seat of ancient royalty from 300-1100 CE and then served the church. The architecture is early Christian, Romanesque, and Gothic so the place feels a little like a giant’s home renovation. The graveyard is still in use today and the Celtic crosses are some of the best preserved we’ve seen to date.

Next we took to the side roads on our way to Kilkenny to see its famous castle. My man put on his Mario Andretti hat, driving on the opposite side of the road, swerving tight around the corners, hugging the hedgerows so-to-speak, and brought us safely to our accommodation. But not without some nail biting from his navigator. Even the hotelier remarked on the crazy drivers in this part of her island.

We ate Italian, walked the castle grounds, took in the cute touristy shopping district, and headed back to our room to attend to some housekeeping duties. A great day and we’re ready for the sack!