Cashel to Killarney

‘Honey there is no water coming out of the shower” Sharon’s voice sounded a long way off.  I opened one eye and peered out through the blankets.  I felt like someone had parked a truck on my chest as I was hardly able to breathe.  The flu had taken hold and I had a terrible night with runny nose and sore throat.  OK hon’’I replied and stood up and immediately regretted it as my head spun & I almost fell over.  Looking into what was possibly tiniest shower in Ireland I spotted Sharon wrestling with the shower head.  She was giggling now but deadly serious, “I just hate it when things don’t work.  Why won’t it work Johnny”?  I squeezed past her in the tiny cubicle and noted the shower had a funny apparatus attached to the tap, possibly some kind of pump.   I started turning dials and pressing buttons.  “You are just doing what I have already done” Sharon retorted, “What good is that, what does this do”? She said and & before I could reply pulled a cord hanging from the ceiling.  All of a sudden the pump rumbled into life and water streamed out of the shower head as it slowly gained momentum and built up speed.  “Well I guess you won’t be needing me anymore I sighed and tried to retreat from the cubicle.  Sharon said something else however by this time I couldn’t hear her as the pump had reached full velocity and was screaming rather like a jet engine.

We had reached Cashel the previous night and got a little room with a magnificent view.  You only had to look out of the window and The Rock of Cashel towered over our building. It is another medieval structure built centuries ago and I am amazed with the sheer size of these buildings.  Obviously the cutting edge in Architecture in their day.

Rock of Cashel

The proprietor of the B&B Patrick kept us in stitches.  When we surfaced for breakfast along with 2 other Australian ladies we backed up against the open fire as Patrick prepared breakfast. 

“What is that smell Patrick” Sharon asked.  Patrick had a very worried look on his faced and seemed concerned that there may be something stinking in his house.  Pointing at the Fire Sharon indicated with a finger, “what are you burning she asked. “”That he said is peat brick brickettes at the back and coal at the front.  It smells kind of funny said Sharon, kind of a weedy smell”.  Ahh Patrick sighed, I have to apologise for the auld mother she likes to smoke a refer of marijuana first thing in the morning”   This cracked us all up

I had forgotten about the Irish wit.  Guess being away for so long you tend not to remember these things.  Where does it come from? Everyone you speak to has it and it just enters a conversation when you least expect it.  And on it went, one of the Australian ladies complemented Patrick on the breakfast, ‘no problem he retorted I will leave out the Hoover for you.  ‘The Hoover she replied looking confused.  Yes he returned and you can Hoover up when you are done.  Then it clicked "Oh you mean the vacuum  she giggled.  And you he said to me, I will put up the .ladder outside and you can clean the windows before you leave

We left Cashel and made our way to the town of Cahir and went into Cahir castle which is one of the most intact castles in the country complete with its own moat and drawbridge.  It was a bitter day with howling wind and sleet rain as we ventured through the old castle.  No wonder people suffered with all kinds of health issues as a drafty castle is no place for human comfort.  Walls around 6 foot thick surrounded the perimeter and slits every 4 or 5 meters allowed bowmen to defend the walls.  You could almost imagine pouring some boiling oil on the intruders

Chair Castle

build me a home with deep walls

open the gates

just in time

From Cahir we made our way around across to Lismore.  

I can remember Patricks words clearly.  "You will climb up, up & up, Patrick you will be saying 'Why did you send me up here then you will turn around and there it will be the VEE just above you in the middle of nowhere.  There is a lake up there also and definitely a sight to see.  

By the time we reached the lake it was blowing a gale and no fit place to be taking pictures.  I have seen perched lakes before in New Zealand but this was right there and visible from the road 

perched lake

The Vee was a monument to our lady of knock and we could not stay there for more than a few minutes.  Sharon got herself wrapped in as many blankets and scarfs as would allow and we traversed the final 50m  to the top on foot to get one of the most spectacular views I have ever seen

the Vee

yoda

no fit place for man woman or beast

view from the top

We followed the cost to Dungarvin and then south again through the busy port city of Cork 

Cork city

& then to Killarney.  When we reached town I was in poor condition as the flu had really worn me down.  We got a nice little B&B and just ordered some home delivery Indian food (Yes they even have Indian food here now) after dinner I took some cold / flu tablets and was asleep by 9pm leaving Sharon to do her blog and join me later 

Kilkenny to Cashel

Well Johnny has scummed to the dreaded post flight cold so no great writing today just me.

After a good sleep probably due to the "Hot Toddy" more than anything it was down to the dining room for another cooked breakfast I think we will roll back into Hervey Bay at this rate.

Celtic cross Killkenney

Then to finish exploring Kilkenny. First I need to get a better picture of the Celtic cross headstone then to Kilkenny Castle. Over eight centuries old & with many different architectural styles, it is an amazing castle that has been substantially restored since being taken over by Dept Public Works in 1969. Looking around when we entered the banquet room & not seeing a "no photo" sign I took a shot then was pounced on & suitably chastised l did get a photo of a great room though.

Killkenney Castle

The weather was grey with only a few showers so having seen a craft sign the day before set out to find that building. We were not disappointed walking away with an Irish cook book, Celtic place mats & best of all whiskey truffle chocolate.

The illegal Dining Room photo

Lunch of hot soup in the Left Bank then a walk to find Rothe House. I was looking forward to this place as it was a reproduction 17th century garden as well as an Irish Merchant's town house. It is the only house of it's kind still in existence in Ireland today. The garden included vegetables, herbs, shrubs & a large orchard with 6 ducks taking care of insects & fertilising. I felt at home.

Rothe House no nails in this ceiling

The fabulous Rothe House garden

From there a further stroll to the Black Tower famous for the magnificent stained glass windows the best we have seen yet. we also saw St Canices cathedral with an amazing tower & St Johns built on the old city wall. By now Johnny is feeling a bit over the castle & church visits & we need to pick 

up the car so trek back up the hill & through town for the last time.

A Black Tower Stained Glass Window

St Canices Church

St Johns Priory

Now we had to negotiate the narrow streets & find the way out of Kilkenny to Cashel. We are ever amazed at the Irish way of direction they go to great lengths to describe a street & where it is only to tell you not to go down that street. By now we are getting better & do not look for the non existent street signs & with a record number of U-turns found our way to Cashel.

Visited the Cashel information centre & found a pub to have an Irish coffee & Guinness while we work out where to stay. Checking into Rockville House B&B we meet Patrick tall, working hands, strong accent & wicked dry sense of humour.

Dublin to Kilkenny

We had a big hot breakfast and even Sharon ate her fill,  echoes from growing up in my mothers home comes back to me, something about having a good breakfast to set you up for the day. we hopped on the green bus and set off for the mother of learning "Trinity college".  It was a black morning and in between pelting rain we made our way into the throngs of people entering the college.  Suddenly, Sharon stopped in her tracks and shouted out at the top of her voice 'that cant be real grass its too green' I looked around and winked at the people next to me 'she doesn't get out very often' I reassured them.

Trinity College

Trinity is a magnificent place to visit. the buildings within are full of history and the structure dates back centuries.  We made our way into the library to see the book of Kells which is one of the oldest manuscripts in the modern world.  the colours and detail within each page is just incredible.  They have a room in the college called the long room which is  something out of the past.  The walls are about 3 levels high and lined with row after row of books from the floor to the ceiling each one a masterpiece

Book of Kells

We were on a timetable and needed to be back at the hotel to pick up the car and our things by 12 midday so after Trinity we decided to make our way to St Patrick's church which is one of the oldest in Dublin.  As it turned out it was well worth the journey and we got lots of photos of one of the most interesting structures I have ever seen.

St Patricks Cathedral

Stained Glass windows St Patricks

After St Patrick's we hopped on the bus and at approximately 3pm ended up back at the hotel 3 hours after we were supposed to, a story for another day.  It did not bother the lady however, and she ordered up our car which was parked somewhere Else!  Better not to get into that suffice to say we left it in their hands.

Molly Malone 

When the proprieter arrived with our car I said "I believe you are from kilkenny'' (which is where we were heading) would you be able to point us in the right directionn'? He scratched his chin as if looking for divine intervention and then he began,

Celtic Cross in St Patricks or Divine Intervention  perhaps

Well he said, do you see the direction your car is pointing in at the moment? Well just get in and drive straight, not straight like a ruler - you will have to go around corners!- just go forward in that direction as far as you can go until you see a daggy road.  well don't go on the daggy road mind you you probably wouldn't want to go on a daggy road anyway.  At this point I must admit I was getting a little confused.  I looked over at Sharon and she was nodding her head as if she fully understood and I felt a little better that at least one of us understood this crazy conversation.  Keep going he continued until you see a sign for the N7 and then you will be on the road to Kilkenny.

Around 10 minutes later we found ourselves navigating the daggy road which we were not supposed to be on which probably would not have been so bad if I knew for sure it was the right daggy road, however Dublin is full of daggy roads that look the same so go figure?

To cut a long story short we somehow found the correct road and soon we were on a 3 lane highway with all the modern street lights and proper signs and for the next 70 miles we cruised to Kilkenny

Kilkenny is the typical storybook Irish village which is breathtaking in its beauty and steeped in medieval historic buildings and things to see.  We found the local car park and had lunch and took a tour of the city

Grave yard Kilkenny

The cold damp air eventually seeps into your body and you just end up feeling cold and a bit damp.  at least that is how it presented itself, just a tingle in the throat and then it progresses from there.  When I told Sharon I felt like the I was getting a cold she miraculously produced a lozenger from her little supply.  Seems like any time we have a cold or a flu or need a pain killer Sharon seems to have a secret stash.  I normally never take this sort of thing however as I didn't want to end up with a cold this early in the holiday I consented.  Around 30 min laterIi was on my sixth lozenger and said to Sharon I need something more potent.  In Kilkenny we parked the car and again Sharon produced a bottle of betadine out of thin air and said here gargle with this.  So there we were at the back of the local car park with me gargling and spitting this horrible red liquid and trying to remain calm.

Kilkenny Lane Way

We settled on a bed and breakfast near the centre of town called Carraig Rua BnB.  it was very cosy with oil heating and very comfortable beds.  Sharon and I unloaded the car and walked into town to the local pub where they had a jamb session and a great Irish pub band.  I had a pint of Guinness and Sharon tried a hot toddy to help with the runny nose.  After a couple of pints with my backside up against the open fire I was feeling no pain and that night had one of the best nights sleep that I have experienced in years.   Our room although old was very cosy and could be forgiven for the doors that did not close properly, the poor water pressure and other minor things as it was warm with a very comfy bed.

Waking up in the Emerald Isle

I was feeling a bit ominous as the jumbo slowly lined up with Dublin runway.  It was a gloomy day outside and the on-board video camera was wet with rain.  It had bee 17 years since I had been in Ireland and seemed ironic as it rained the day I left and here 17 years later was still raining on my return.
The airport was quiet compared with the rush at Dubai and it felt good to stretch my legs after the long 8 hour flight.  Sharon was excited as finally her dream was becoming a reality. This has been planned for so long now we both wondered if it was ever going to become reality, yet here we were.

The customs officer smiled as he stamped my Australian passport and retorted to Sharon "he can stay as Long as he likes but you will have to go" and he gave her 90 days.  Long enough in my book"" I laughed out loud.  Well we will just see about that came the reply.

We got upgraded to a diesel Ford Mondeo at Hertz and made our way into Dublin City.  It began to sleet as we entered the city and Sharon was amazed as she had never seen sleet before.  Sleet is like liquid ice which bounces off your windscreen a little like hail just not as hard

To say Dublin is an easy place to navigate would be a miscarriage of justice.  The map clearly identified the street names however this did not line up with the street signs which were difficult to read at best. Most are located high up on intersections of buildings and not only small to read but very distorted with age.  Ï dont understand why they have to write everything in both Irish and English Sharon said in frustration after we had navigated Dublin for the third time trying to locate our accommodation.  At this point I was wishing I had spent the extra couple of euros for a GPS.

When we Finlay located Stauntons on the green there was a parking attendant clamping a tourist car out the front.  The lady at Stauntons was kind enough and organised our parking and we were led into a very comfy little room with double bed and en suite.  From here we purchased tickets and got the hop on hop off bus around town.

Dublin is quite an amazing city as it has so much history.  Over a thousand years old and with ancient churches and monuments on just about every street Sharon thought all her Christmases had come at once.

We hopped off the bus at the Guinness factory to do the tour.  It is a really old buiding and you have to view over several levels until you reach the gravity bar on the top floor and with a 360 degree view of Dublin you get a free pint of Guinness to ponder.

After the Guinness factory we hopped on the bus again and went to O'Connell St where we disembarked and walked in the Rain to see the famous Post office where the Irish rebellion began back in 1915. We huddled in the rain under the huge structure along with everyone else as it literally bucketed down.  Later we walked through st Stephen's green and Sharon got some photos of a huge swan with a magnificent rainbow in the background.

Back at the hotel we got out of our wet clothes and I ran a bath for Sharon and we got ourselves organised.  we were both exhausted by this stage and after a glass of wine I crashed and slept straight for 8 hrs which I have not been able to do for a long time.
Ahh Dublin,   off to a good start.

 

We have arrived in the Emerald Isle

Well a bit too tired to write much except we have arrived in Dublin safe & sound but stiff & tired. Arab Emerites was fabulous to fly with we have only done short haul to New Zealand with them before. They were great & even got our food right.

No phone yet but we bought the tiny laptop & the accommodation has internet so I am pleased about that. With delays we arrived about 3pm so will up date when I have had a sleep. I really do not know how I managed night shift in a previous life I am not functioning great now having only dozed for parts & having been up over 48 hours now.

One more sleep

One more sleep to go!
I surely need the sleep & so does Johnny.
We are both so tired maybe that is a good thing & we will sleep through the flight.
Today we passed our inspection by AAA & remain 4.5 stars yipee!!
Tonight it is pizza & an early one then tomorrow we have to pack.
Nothing like leaving it all until the last minute.
Anyway I can hardly wait to have our bums in the seat & be taking off I expect all the stress of work & deadlines to have left our bodies by the time we land in Dublin. Perhaps that will be helped along with a few wines & ales in flight.
So the next post maybe from the airport or maybe from Dublin.
Until then be good...

4 Days to go

Four days to go & we are no closer to packing.

We have an inspection at the B&B unplanned, with visitors helping & still, I seem to have too much to do. Johnny has been to Brisbane he flew down Sunday Night & back last night for work. Great but it means he will be late home until we leave with his workload & tenders closing. We always joke when our holidays are planned that if the company were in trouble they should just send Johnny on a holiday it has been the same for the last ten years, that last month or so before he leaves becomes crazy.

I did manage to get us both to the library to vote in the council elections before we go. Wow it was like being famous walking the gauntlet except it was not cameras being shoved in your face but how to vote paper. I also managed to get a script from the doctor for me so I can keep the blood pressure in check while away. All the excitement of finally getting there!

Also took a peek at the weather Mmmmm 6 to 10 in Dublin glad I bought some warm thermals & don't think my hat, goves & scarf selection will be out of place.

Eight Days to go

Well how quick has this come around, it seems like yesterday we booked our flights when really it was last October to get the early bird specials. Prepared we are not!

So we have gone & bought a light weight suitcase, this & one we have will do. Johnny seems concerned I will buy too much & it will not be enough but I have assured him there is always parcel post.

I also bought two of those lovely squidgy neck pillows for the long flight to Dublin. I am sure we will be glad of them when we hit the sky at 845pm on Saturday. Past my bed time so I am hoping to sleep.

Apart from that all we have done is throw a few things we may need on the spare bed. They will have to move tonight as Brad arrives today to take care of the B&B & animals while we are gone.

Think I should start a list of to do before we leave stuff.

First of many

I have set up this blog mainly to log our travels so our family & friends can follow our daily adventures.
The time is getting closer we fly out of Hervey Bay on the 21st April to Brisbane then to Dublin.
This next ten days is going to be busy getting ready to leave & setting everything up here to run smoothly whilst we are away.