Awoke in Kinsale to the sound of rain on the roof. We have been so lucky with the normally very rainy Irish winter weather, that we were not going to complain. Decided to have a cuppa in the room then drive to somewhere along the route for breakfast as little was going to be open now. Made our way along secondary roads in order to bypass busy Cork. That worked and soon we were on the efficient M8 heading north. Sky was now a weak blue. After a lovely breakfast at Fermoy we turned off at Cashel to find the Kilkenny road. Spotting the very impressive structures on the Rock of Cashel we decided to stop for a look. Joined a tour that told of the laborious restoration of the 12th century chapel. Water had seeped into the 800 yr old limestone and was eroding the chapel. In 2008 they put a roof over the entire structure to allow it to dry out naturally. That took years. Once dry, they could commence restoration. The grand opening was last year!!!! Talk about long term planning.
Reached Kilkenny at lunchtime and stumbled upon the impressive castle once owned by the Dukes of Pembroke. Left to ruin in recent centuries, the good ole state took it on board and restored it to its former glory. HUGE money spent on maintaining history in this country.
Tony navigated Dublin peak hour and we happily returned the car unscathed. Taxi back to The Ripley, our port of call upon arrival 9 days ago. Final evening with Gary, as we were flying to Malta at 7am and he was spending the day wandering the city before his flight to Dubai and a 3 day stay.
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| Condiments as well as a jug of milk was placed on every table. In Oz?? |
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| Seat of power in the 12th century...on the Rock of Cashel. |
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| Inside the now dry chapel. |
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| The cathedral, eventually ransacked by Cromwell of course. |
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| We liked Kilkenny too, Lana. |
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| Last night together. At O'Sheas Pub. |
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