Amazing Architecture

 Our drive today across the south of Ireland compared to so many others on this trip was almost boring.  The terrain was reasonably flat but the roads were anything but straight.  We saw something other than sheep for a change.  It was obvious that we were travelling through 'dairy' country.  Holsteins dotted the landscape and for the first time we actually saw evidence of grain growing and even a few corn fields.

As we were sitting enjoying our bottle of wine in our room last night (bought downstairs in the hotel bar), we decided that we should visit the Rock of Cashel.  This is a castle built originally in the 12th Century and given to the church by the local 'king'.  It is somewhat of a mythical religious shrine.  Extensions were built in the 13th and 15th Centuries.  It is now of course a ruin as most of these old castles are today.  The architectural abilities and workmanship of those long ago days puts our buildings today to shame.  The excuse that we cannot do such things today because of cost does not cut it from my perspective.  Truth be told, we simply do not have the skills any longer!

After a rather challenging drive into Kilkenny (this town was never built for the amount of vehicles that were here today on the narrow mostly one way streets), we did an outside tour of Kilkenny Castle.  Kilkenny Castle is an 18th Century masterpiece.  Unfortunately we arrived too late to get inside.  As for Kilkenny the city, it sure appears to be an Irish weekend destination.  The amount of young women dressed to 'the nines' was surprising.  We have been told it is a destination for 'hen parties', the Irish equivalent today of our bachelorette parties!

Sunrise from our room in Kinsale

Rock of Cashel

Rock of Cashel interior

Rock of Cashel

Cathedral ceiling

12 Century Cathedral

Kilkenny Castle

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