Blarney Castle and Rock of Cashel

Started the day with breakfast at the B&B where we shared a table with a lovely lady from Dublin, but whom was originally from Moscow. It was raining again, but we headed off to the Butter Museum, which went through the history of the butter roads and eventual consolidation of the butter industries as Ireland entered the EU. After, we headed off to BlarneyCastle. By the time we arrived, the weather had started to clear off.

The gardens were quite spectacular, and we spent some time wandering around viewing them all, including the Poison Garden.

Next, we headed up the road - this time it was the major motorway, meaning not the twisty turny roads we've been on. A short time later, we arrived at the Rock of Cashel. We were just in time for the 3:30 tour, which turned out to be the last of the day. The Archbishop's walk and tidbits of information from the guide were well received by the group. It was a reminder not to put a metal rod inside of rock/concrete on the highest point for miles around when you get lightning storms.

The scaffolding has been there for 7 years - guide said that they would be removing it next fall. It was used to dry out the stone and allow repair work to Cormac's Chapel. We then headed over to Kilkenny, where we are bedded down in a hotel across from the castle. Had dinner looking at the river, watching the ducks, swans and human wildlife wandering the river walk.