Ireland-Kilkenny, Kinsale, Ring of Kerry

Some adventures are urban with some having more of a rural focus. My Ireland trip focused on both urban and rural. Leaving urban Dublin with my rental car was a bit concerning as I familiarized myself with right sitting drivers and left road driving! Very thankful for the gps I rented! 

The first segment of this road trip includes Kilkenny, Kinsale and the Ring of Kerry. 

Kilkenny is known as a medieval town with the Kilkenny Castle and cathedral. It also happens to be home of the Smithwicks (w is silent) Brewery. 

First Communion photos at Kilkenny Castle. Her siblings look so proud! 

If you would like to hear part of the tour and a beautiful Irish accent click link below;

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1RT5nluG6Kw

Music at Matt the Millers; https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4itbrLkjYks

(youtube title states Kinsale but it was in Kilkenny) 

Kinsale-County Cork "It is the Third "Tird" House"

 Since roads and streets are not clearly marked in rural areas I have been relying on a rented gps as I navigate around the island. It is definetly a love/hate relationship. It often looses signal and is never happy with my roundabout selection! 

Upon arriving in Kinsale I searched for my bed and breakfast. The gps directed me to the correct street but not the right home. I was on a street of what we would call town homes. I parked the car and started walking. Down the block there was a couple standing outside their town home and I asked for help. They told me it was just up the street-maybe the second home. As I passed their home in the car the gentleman came out, flagged me down and corrected the directions...it was the 3rd "tird" home! I could share story after story of people going out of their way to make me feel welcomed! 

The photos above are from the cliffs outside of Kinsale. It is called Old Head.

It will be forever meaningful for our family for personal reasons. 

Learn more; http://www.ireland.com/articles/waw-old-head-kinsale/

The Tap Tavern in the two photos above is a traditional Irish Pub in the heart of Kinsale. It is owned and operated by Mary. She sat with us (myself and a young couple from England) and discussed our travels. She was like everyone's mother. What a fun way to spend a few hours! 

Ring of Kerry- Kerry County- Starting in Beaufort

I have mentioned my love/hate relationship with the gps. I traveled from Kinsale to the Ring of Kerry area to check into my bed and breakfast in Beaufort. Along the way the gps was re-directing multiple times and lost signal over and over. However look at the glorious scenes I happened upon because of the "detour"! 

Once in Beaufort and at my bed and breakfast, my hostess made tea using ingredients from her garden! Fennel and Lemon Chard-it was delicious. We also enjoyed her homemade bread and local cheeses. She suggested I go to the Gap of Dunloe which was only a few minutes from her home. It is a National Park. 

Learn more; http://www.chooseireland.com/kerry/gap-dunloe/

The photos do not do it justice. It was breathtaking! 

I have seen beauty

In acts of humanity

In the face of a baby

And

Smiles of friends

I have seen beauty

In cities

On beaches

And

Prairies

Today I saw beauty like none other 

The photos below are from a drive on The Ring Of Kerry in western Ireland. Also part of the Wild Atlantic Coast. 

The remaining photos are views from the bed and breakfast I am staying in that is located in Beaufort, Ireland. As you can see the views are amazing! 

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
An old Irish proverb