Kissed the Blarney Stone

Have had another couple of wonderful days in Ireland, tho' the weather has been a bit dodgy. We made it to Blarney Castle in a light drizzle (and I did kiss the stone). If you haven't seen pictures of this, it's quite an operation. You climb up the stairs in the old Blarney Castle (and on the day we were there, there was quite a long line up). At the top of the castle you have to lie down on your back, bend over backwards holding on to a metal pole on either side of your head and lean backwards until you can push your head forward to kiss the stone! For this amount of effort one should be rewarded with the gift of gab (at least).

Then the rain came. Stayed at Blarney for a while and walked the grounds - it is an enormous estate - but just got wetter and wetter. Gave up and headed for Cork, but the rain continued and it wasn't so much fun walking around. Finally just went to our bed and breakfast, a lovely place called Woodlands. Very pretty, comfy and friendly. And Kinsale was such a pretty little down with winding narrow streets, many shops where arts and crafts were sold and a lot of restaurants. Spent a quiet evening in a restaurant and back at our B&B.

Next morning we poked around Kinsale a little more and then headed northwest. Intended to stop and see Bunratty Castle, but decided we just didn't need another castle. Made for the Cliffs of Moher instead, and what a good choice that was. They were spectacular. We arrived in the pouring rain and I thought we might not even see them...but after an enthusiastic soaking, the skies cleared and the sun poured down. We stayed quite a while just looking at this unique and beautiful view, listening to the waves crashing on the rocks some 300 feet below us. Were almost dry by the time we got back to the car.

Our Monday evening B&B was also very nice in Ennis. We were directed to a pub called Brogan's for dinner, and were fortunate that a pub-band formed up about 9 pm. Started with one singer on his guitar and at the height of the evening comprised 5 fiddles, a ukulele, an accordion and a button accordion as well as the guitar. Really a lot of fun. Did you know that Irish music makes you drink? Well, neither did I, but I know now. I'm not feeling to sharp today. We're back in Dublin for our last night in Ireland....maybe I'll visit a church tonight instead of a pub!