Hore Abbey
On our trip from Kilkenny to Blarney we visited 2 old churches and 2 old castles. Castle #1 - we toured Kilkenny Castle. It was the Irish residence of the Butler Family for 600 years. They lived in the castle until 1935. Because they lived in the castle for so long, it was updated over time. Different rooms are made to reflect different time periods in the castles long past. The original part of the castle was built in the early 1200's. The library, furnished to look like the last 1800's, looked so much like something out of Downton Abbey that I wonder if they did use it as an example to create the set.
Kilkenny Castle
Old Church #1 - we headed south stopping next at the ruined remnants of the Rock of Cashel. A fortress existed at this site as early as 1111. It's up on a hill and very impressive. We wandered around marveling at the size of what was once a seat of political and religious power.
Rock of Cashel
Old Church #2 - As we were walking down the hill from the Rock of Cashel we noticed a ruin in the distance. We started heading toward it and discovered a gate and path up to it. It was the remains of Hore Abbey. While the Rock of Cashel was busy with bus loads of tourists, Hore Abbey was peaceful and beautiful. Seems only a few other people were willing to walk across the sheep pooped trail to get to it. It was worth it. See top picture.
We were late getting to castle #2, Cahir Castle because of our detour walk to Hore Abbey. But, our lateness worked to our advantage. The castle was practically empty of other tourists. A tour was starting at 5 so we decided to join. It was us and another couple. The guide was excellent. He gave a detailed account of medieval Irish history and explained some of the defenses designed into the old castle. We climbed up spirals staircases and looked down chute designed to dump "whatever" on an attacking army. Andy liked the trap room, enemy attackers were allowed in, then the iron gate was dropped and the enemy was trapped. Arrows, rocks and again, "whatever" was rained down on them, then their bodies were flung back over the wall as a warning. Such fun!!
Cahir Castle
Before leaving Kilkenny we stopped at a grocery store for supplies for our first night in the camper van. We found every thing we needed and had a quick lunch of pb&j in the camper van (peanut butter is hard to find in an Irish grocery store, but fortunately, they had it. Andy had to escape his own trap room while trying to leave the crowded parking lot. One turn we thought was an exit and we were stuck. Some excellent driving and a 15 point turn and we were free.
So far, our only disappointment on the trip is the camper van. It is older than we'd expected, the bathroom door handle is broken and comes off, and the unit is dirty. We purchased some wipes and did a quick cleanup, but we shouldn't have to do that. We are in contact with Bunk Camper (don't rent a camper from them) to get a refund to cover the cost staying in extra hotels because the camper isn't up to par.
Comentários