Kilkenny -Wednesday 19th May
A new day dawned this morning rather late for me. I didn’t wake up until just before 8 this morning. I am getting a little tired. Think all the travel might be catching up. By the time I had gone down to breakfast, had a shower ect it was just after 10. Thought it might be good idea to slow down a little so I stayed at the B and B for the morning.
Around 12p.m. I drove into Kilkenny, parked the wee vehicle, had an interesting chat with the parking inspector who was lovely and went into Kilkenny Castle. (Photos attached). Once again another glorious example of days gone. This one dates back to 1134AD and a time of emerging Christianity in Ireland. The history is long but really fascinating.
The lovely part is the restoring of the building to what it looked like 150years ago when this building was the centre of Victorian society in Ireland. I was really interested in one part of the castle that fascinated me on the bus tour as I told you all yesterday. That section is called simply the picture room. It is a huge long hall whose walls are lined with all the paintings (mostly of family) bought by the various family members down through the ages. It fascinated me that in a family home you would have such an enormous room to just pop into after eating brekkie or popping into the loo just to look at the relies! I actually said as much to one of attendants that stand guard. She told me that what I proposed was true. However the housekeepers of the home (castle) would allow travellers into the hall and charge sixpence. This money was then given to the local infirmary of the time.
Another interesting fact is the grounds/gardens. They are four or five times the size of that other place I told you about called “Powercourt” in Wicklow. The grounds/gardens are actually an enormous park that anyone can come into walk around. Picnic or whatever. The city of Kilkenny is actually built around this castle and in a constant state of restoration.
I have also included in the photos today some of the B and B I am staying at –very different to the one in Wicklow. This home is full of antiques from the Victorian times and surrounded by a small but soul restoring garden.
Tomorrow my last day in Kilkenny I plan to visit a cave and a glass blowing studio. Tell you more when I chat tomorrow.
Till then keep smiling-I am
Anne (Tess)
A new day dawned this morning rather late for me. I didn’t wake up until just before 8 this morning. I am getting a little tired. Think all the travel might be catching up. By the time I had gone down to breakfast, had a shower ect it was just after 10. Thought it might be good idea to slow down a little so I stayed at the B and B for the morning.
Around 12p.m. I drove into Kilkenny, parked the wee vehicle, had an interesting chat with the parking inspector who was lovely and went into Kilkenny Castle. (Photos attached). Once again another glorious example of days gone. This one dates back to 1134AD and a time of emerging Christianity in Ireland. The history is long but really fascinating.
The lovely part is the restoring of the building to what it looked like 150years ago when this building was the centre of Victorian society in Ireland. I was really interested in one part of the castle that fascinated me on the bus tour as I told you all yesterday. That section is called simply the picture room. It is a huge long hall whose walls are lined with all the paintings (mostly of family) bought by the various family members down through the ages. It fascinated me that in a family home you would have such an enormous room to just pop into after eating brekkie or popping into the loo just to look at the relies! I actually said as much to one of attendants that stand guard. She told me that what I proposed was true. However the housekeepers of the home (castle) would allow travellers into the hall and charge sixpence. This money was then given to the local infirmary of the time.
Another interesting fact is the grounds/gardens. They are four or five times the size of that other place I told you about called “Powercourt” in Wicklow. The grounds/gardens are actually an enormous park that anyone can come into walk around. Picnic or whatever. The city of Kilkenny is actually built around this castle and in a constant state of restoration.
I have also included in the photos today some of the B and B I am staying at –very different to the one in Wicklow. This home is full of antiques from the Victorian times and surrounded by a small but soul restoring garden.
Tomorrow my last day in Kilkenny I plan to visit a cave and a glass blowing studio. Tell you more when I chat tomorrow.
Till then keep smiling-I am
Anne (Tess)
Me again, Many thanks for your appreciation of Glendalough, but that isn't the one we mentioned. the one we fell in love with is in County Offaly near the Shannon River. If you go into Google and type in Clonmacnoise Ireland you'll find a great site with directions to get there. the scripture crosses are unbelieveable and the ruins of the old cathedral left us in awe. YOu may have all your days planned already, but it can go to the top of the list for the nect trip. Love you heaps, Phil
ReplyDeleteHello again from sunny Qld. We have also had 20deg but it was considered a bit chilly!!! I'm the one who loved and recommended Gelndalough - so glad you agree. I'm just loving the Blog - even though we are not talking in real time it's still pretty special.
ReplyDeleteYou remind me of a book I read recently about solo lady travellers of the 18 & 1900's. In those days they had to be from wealthy families to do such things and still be considered respectable - and they were ALWAYS thought to be very eccentric. What a wonderful example you are to women (of a certain age) in our times. I envy the extra time you have to enjoy your surroundings when not constrained by the time schedule of a tour. Those of us (me) who are a bit timid are inspired by your courage and independence. Your photos are stunning. I live vicariously through your Blog.
Marg & Brian are spending a week or so at Bribie while renovations are happening at Springwood. All status quo.
May the 'little people' of Ireland protect and guide you through their mystical and historical homeland. Lots of love, Angela.