August 31 – Rock of Cashel and Kinsale

Rock of Cashel

We left Kilkenny this morning with our first destination being the Rock of Cashel. We retired our GPS and old maps and relied on directions given to us by our hostess at Butler Court. Our backup was the road atlas that we bought yesterday.

We drove on narrow roads until we reached the M8 which is Ireland’s equivalent to our interstate highway. Then it was a very easy drive to Cashel.

The rock isn’t really a rock. It is a hill containing a tower, cathedral and castle that date back to the 12th century. There is a lot of renovation work being done, but enough of the rock is open so that you can get a good feel of what is was like several centuries ago.

Ann and I paid our admission fee and started on our self-guided tour using Rick Steves’ tour book. We quickly caught up to the official guided tour that was much more comprehensive than the book. Besides, it was more fun listening to an Irish accent and to several stories by our volunteer guide.

The weather was sunny and cool with a strong breeze on he hill. Nevertheless, it was an interesting tour and we were taught a lot about the history of the rock and the surrounding area.

We spent about 1 1/2 hours there. Afterwards we walked back to the car park and discovered a small cafe that was perfect for lunch. Granny’s Kitchen served Ann a salmon salad while I had soup and a ham salad sandwich. I discovered that ham salad means a slice of ham with lettuce and tomato. The vegetables were fresh which made this a good meal.

We left Cashel and returned to the M8 and headed toward Cork and Kinsale. This was another easy drive. The road narrowed, however, a few miles before Kinsale.

Ann was smart and printed out the directions to The Old Presbytery, our B&B for the next two nights. It is in a house that was built around 1750. Our rooms have been updated since then and have wonder furnishings and modern bathrooms. The lady that checked us in was very helpful telling us how to get around town and suggesting restaurants for dinner.

After settling in, we did a short walk around town. Then we came back to the B&B to clean up. Dinner was a sort walk to The Whitehouse. This is a combination wine bar and restaurant. (I have noticed that Kinsale has wine bars instead of pubs). We sat in the bar. I had a pint of Smthwick’s Irish Ale while Ann had a local cider. I had an nicely cooked plaice, a white fish, while Ann had grilled salmon. We were served sides of mashed potatoes. peas, pickled cabbage and a puree of carrots and turnips. It was a good meal. We decided to have fresh fish because of our location on the sea.

We did a little more walking near out B&B and got back to our room shortly after 8:00. It’s nearing 9:30, so I am signing off.