Fun, fabulous final day in Dublin

We really packed it in today.  After all, I'm not in Dublin every day.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Kilmainham Gaol (for best pictures be the last person to leave a room)

Kilmainham Hospital- it is now a modern art gallery.  We didn't havetime to visit it, but did view a small exhibition of the history of the building.

A wonderful exhibition on the history of Dublin city, 'The Dublinia'.

Had fish and chips at Leo Burdocks and the of course, of course, of course simply had to have a pint at Dublin's iconic pub 'The Temple bar's.  (And I have the pictures to prove it.)

Had farewell visit with some of our group back at the hotel.

Whew.

We just horsed around today

On second to last day:

National Irish Stud Farm and gardens.

Along the way stopped to view an ancient stone cross, 9th century.

Tomorrow will try and see my last 'really want to see' sites using hop on and hop off bus pass:

Kilmainham Gaol
St Patrick's Cathedral
Dublina exhibition on Vikings

Tonight, final group dinner and Irish comedy show.

Rain, rain go away..

Come back again another day...

Today was the first time when rain interfered with enjoyment.  It has rained before but only when we'd been in museums.

Today we're in Kilkenny and had some free time to explore its many medieval buildings, but not wildly pleasant while holding fast to an umbrella.

Still, as part of the tour saw the Famine ship, The Dunbrody.  I saw the Jeanie Johnston in Dublin because I forgot we were seeing this one here.  Still,  glad Sharon had a chance to see it since she skipped the one in Dublin.

Also saw the Waterford Crystal factory.

While on my own wandered in the rain and saw (from outside) Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral.  Went inside St. Mary's Cathedral - absolutely gorgeous.

So much more to see here but heading off tomorrow.  I guess I'll just have to return.

(Not a hardship, that.)

Kilkenny tonight..

I got mixed up (I blame it on the cold).  Last night was in Killarny (I think).  Tonight we're in Kilkenny.

 Along the way saw the Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle and WCB manager (that was) Sara Potter.
Will have to prove it another day since her picture is on my camera not tablet.

Can you tell the castles apart?

Give it a try.  :-)

Making tracks in Ireland...

Ancient stone circle.... absolutely incredible.

Kilkenny National Park

Torc Falls

Working sheep farm

Jaunty car (aka horsey ride)

Muckross Castle

Tonight - Traditional Irish meal at a farm with Irish entertainment.

Also begins the countdown... four more days before heading home.

Hard to say goodbye to such a beautiful country.

Today's feast

The Kilkenny County Museum
The Dingle Peninsula

Odd fact:  I've seen and touched the waters of the Atlantic Ocean a few times, but always from the European side (Portugal and Ireland), but never from North America.

Fun fact:  I tested my waterproof boots along the beach today when the surf come in faster and  deeper than expected.  Did the work?  Answer, yes.  However the bottoms of my jeans did not fare so well.

Sad fact:  I am sick.  Head cold.  Thank goodness for cold medications!

On the road again...

Today's fun:

Bunratty Castle - it's been restored and furnished with period, medieval pieces.

Very cool.  Looked magnificent but the reality of living in medieval Times - lice, disease, rotten teeth, no electricity etc would be an entirely different story.

View of Kilarney Valley.  Don't cry for me folks because it really was much, much brighter than this.  Also Bunratty Castle... believe it or not but it was a lovely, clear morning.  These darker pictures are what my tablet can sometimes do if the light isn't right.

Quaint cottages of Adare and Holy Trinity church.  It was beautiful inside and decorated for a wedding in a few hours.

The pictures aren't following the above order but you're an intelligent person and I'm sure you will be able to match them up.

:-)