Day 3 and 4 Recap!

Wow, the days seem to go by so fast but I have done so much it is hard to remember everything. First of all, many of you have asked me for pictures. I will definitely add some pictures to this blog soon. Up until now, all the Bed and Breakfast places we have stayed at had little to no internet capabilities. Yesterday, was a beautiful day in Ireland. Unlike the two days prior, there wasn't random rain showers. What's interesting is that Ireland stays pretty bright until around 10:00 p.m. so you can fully enjoy the entire day. Mama Rosen and I headed to Kilkenny and discovered the beautiful castle of Kilkenny and the small town. Each city and town vary, which is lovely to see--so unique and educational. We went through Clonmel and Cork down to Kinsale, which is on the Celtic Sea. There was a beautiful pier in Kinsale and we ate at a famous restaurant called, "Fishy Fish Restaurant." Supposedly, the owner said they are now in the works to do a reality show! He told me I should come back to help out! When we went to get gas, Mama Rosen asked a Garda (police officer) how the payment works. There was no credit card machines like there are in the States. So, one fills up the car with gasoline first and then goes inside to pay!! Yes, fill up first and then go in to pay. It is expensive for gasoline-about 8 to 9 dollars a gallon. Our next stop was Kinsale, where we visited and explored the famous Desmond Castle. I actually screamed when I looked into a place which housed prisoners and saw two figures sitting down with their heads bowed. Ahh-I thought they were real! We pushed a button and an audio came on telling of some of the events that took place in Desmond Castle. We left Kinsale the next day and went along the R600. We heard the route had been closed just until a few months ago due to heavy flooding. The route lies long the southernmost part of Ireland next to the Celtic Sea. It was a breathtaking view. As we got onto the N 71 towards Kenmare, tall trees on the side of the row were gracefully making an arch along the road for miles. It was like driving under a green canopy going up a mountain pass, Healy's pass. There were sheep grazing, cows, grazing, horses grazing, even a pig grazing. Right off the sides of the slopes of the mountains- so tranquil and serene. It is weird sitting on the left side of the car while Mama Rosen drives on the right side of the car on the left side of the road. The roads are windy, bumpy and narrow-so narrow that one car seems to just fit let along two cars. AND when those big tractor trucks are on the road-SLOWWWW going...but it is all an adventure. Everyone has been so nice. We went to Garnish Island. Took a ferry boat from Glengariff. Gorgeous views and exotic flowers. Lots of bees, too. Now we are in Kenmare. Went to see the ancient stones left in a mystic circle during the Druid times of the Bronze age--then went to eat an amazing meal and listen to live Irish music. I had a beer apple cider and Mama had a beer--SO LOVELY and such a cute town. I am so exhausted and tomorrow we head to Dingle!

Le gach dea ghui (best wishes),

Nicole