A few more pictures

Or not! The connection seems to be really weak tonight. I'll try again tomorrow morning before we leave.

Day 2

We woke up this morning to a beautiful Irish day. The sky was clear, sun shining and the temperature was great (in the 60s). We had our first Irish breakfast of eggs, bacon (not the baby strips we think of as bacon) and sausage. There was also a selection of cereals, yogurt, fruits, toast, jelly, honey, etc. Amazing and I didn't think I would need to eat for the rest of the day. After breakfast Ken and I strolled around Kilkenny and checked out a few of the shops. We also walked the grounds of Kilkenny Castle.

This afternoon we boarded the bus for the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle. Both sites were amazing experiences I'll have to take more time to go into detail about later. We returned to Kilkenny for another wonderful dinner (okay, I ate again but I really don't think I'll need to eat tomorrow now!) and spent some time in the hotel just hanging out with some of the members of the group. We've decided to call it an early night though. A slow, steady rain has been coming down since we got back to the hotel which should make for great sleeping tonight.

Tomorrow we're off to Wexford.

More pics

We're Here!

Finally arrived in Dublin at 6:30 am this morning (12:30 am home time). Spent a few hours in the airport people watching until we could meet our group and head out. First stop, Irish National Stud (think Churchill Downs), Kidlare Ireland. Second stop - St. Brigid's Cathedral. Lunch at our first Irish Pub - Flannigan's and then rode about 1 1/2 hours to Kilkenny. Ken and I both slept on the bus so arrived somewhat refreshed and craving a shower. We've now taken a stroll (after showering of course) about the area around our hotel (The Hiberian) and will be going to dinner shortly. Yipee, our phone works and have been able to make contact via text with the family. I have the window open as I'm writing this (no AC but should not be needed). We can hear a band playing at one of the close pubs. If you're thinking traditional Irish music, think again - they're playing Green Day for crying out loud! A few pictures to whet your appetite.

Irish Smile

There are many good reasons for drinking,
One has just entered my head -
If a man doesn't drink when he's living,
How the hell can he drink when he's dead?

Thank You Darrell & Diane! We enjoyed our pre-trip gift!

Itinerary

May 30th - Arrive in Dublin and travel on to Kilkenny.
May 31st - Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle
June 1st - Waterford, John F. Kennedy Arboretum, Hook Head, arrive in Wexford
June 2nd - Wexford, Irish National Heritage Centre, National 1798 Visitor Centre
June 3rd - Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Monastic Site, arrive in Dublin
June 4th - Diblin Castle, Guinness Storehouse
June 5th - Kilmainham Gaol, Jameson Distillery, Brazen Head - Ireland's oldest pub
June 6th - Leave for home