Day 4, Put a Cork in it!

This morning we had to check out of our beautiful B&B in Kilkenny. I cried a little tear. Seriously. Here's a picture from the grounds. Our room was the second story room in the first tower.


Here's the lovely bathroom

We headed out towards Ardmore to visit where Grandpa Smythe was born. We had lunch in a little town along the way, and met up with Francis, Father Dick's younger sister. She showed us around the town and we did a little shopping (unfortunately, no buying) and had lunch. Francis is a retired teacher, and she had a lot of good info about the history of Ireland and the area where we were visiting. She also helped us navigate our way over to Ardo.

First we visited a little church yard, which featured another round tower. Now we've seen two!



This statue, inside the ruins of the church, is written on with the old Celtic language, which predated Christian times.

From there it was off to Grandpa Smythe's house. It's been turned into a rental cottage, and unfortunately was being rented this week, so we weren't able to get inside. Instead, we peered in the window and took pictures in the backyard. It certainly has a beautiful view, but is a bit off of the beaten path, in terms of vacationing.

Here is Eileen, letting herself into the yard.

I was telling everyone, it's interesting to me because my great-great-grandparents lived in cities which I have often visited. Even though Tim and I's great-great-grandparents and great-grandparents were roughly the same age, this is such a world away from La Crosse or Rochester. It's such a different experience, and such an interesting history to learn.

We're staying tonight in Cork, which is on our way to Dingle (hahahaha... DINGLE) tomorrow. Tim and I had a date night tonight, and walked around town a little, and then had Indian food for dinner. Our room here is also super cute, and also had a giant bathtub. It's a nice way to relax at night. Most of the shopping nearby was sort of chain store, so I didn't get any souveniers, but we did see a very pretty church along our walk.



We couldn't go inside, but apparently St. Fin de Barre is on a site that has been occupied for a church for over 1,000 years.

And is has a gargoyle shaped like a howler monkey.

We also saw Don's side business. It was right next to the Forde pub, and the Forde funeral home.

Oh, and I did stop in at Penney's and try on this sequin vest and jacket.

Tomorrow, we kiss the Blarney stone. At least, those of us who aren't afraid of germies!