Wednesday- on the road to Cork

We stopped in the town of Waterford and visited the 

Waterford Crystal Factory, founded in 1783.

Here we are looking at very expensive stuff!

We also visited an area where we were shown how pieces are made.

The glass is this color while being heated and molded, but then cools clear.

This is the factory's tribute to 911. Two of these were made. The other was
presented to a New York City fire house.

We then traveled to Cahir for lunch. After which we toured Cahir Castle.

We climbed the steps in this building to take the picture above.

During dinner at the hotel, Kim haggled this waitress. BUT, she gave him just as much smack back! Then, she presented them with a plate of desserts for their 42nd anniversary. Happy Anniversary Dee Dee and Kim!

Tuesday In Kilkenny

Master Craftsman, Tom, demonstrated his method of making a hurl in his shop. Hurl is the stick used to play the game of hurling, which has been played by the Irish for 2000 years.

Our Program Director, Rory, and Jim, both hurling team members, 

explained the game and demonstrated many moves.

  

Dee and Kim never pass up an opportunity to greet a dog!

Kim showed us his hurling skills.

 

On our city walking tour, Rory is showing us the statue

 dedicated to all who hurl for Kilkenny.

 

The group in front of Kilkenny Castle which is 800 years old.

The name of this place is Hole In The Wall, so we had to check it out. 

It was small, hot and had no music! We left.

On The Road To Kilkenny - Monday

Before leaving Dublin, we had a tour of the Guinness Storehouse.

This is where the special yeast used to be kept.

First pour of the day. By the way, our tour started at 9 am!

We stopped in Kilmacanogue for lunch, at the Avoca store.

This round tower, or bell tower, is at Glendalough Monastery. It was 

built between 900 and 1200.

This is the largest cathedral in the area and was dedicated to 

Saints Peter and Paul in the 10th century.

This is another building on the grounds. Notice the roof is 

also made of stones.

We are in the hotel bar working of the blog on Monday night. We thought we messed up and lost all our work and went to bed angry. Today, Wayne discovered that all our work was saved!

Sunday In Dublin

We visited Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. We waited in line for at least 45 minutes. Then, we snaked through halls, finally arriving at the room with the Book, and people, people, people! And, a lady who kept telling us to 'move on; take a look and move on'!

We were told that these guys were probably a groom's party.

 Did we transport to New Orleans?

It might look like it, but it lacked the Bourbon Street smell!

Kim asking for directions! 'Oh yeah, that's my wife!'

Kim and the leprechaun, like I needed to tell you!

 

             Afternoon drinking at the Ha' Penny Bridge Inn on the River Liffey, est 1732.

We had an evening dinner and entertainment at The Old Punch Bowl restaurant, 

established 1719. We were entertained by these local Irish dancers and musicians.

Saturday - Heading to Dublin

Before heading to Dublin, we took a short walking tour of Drogheda. 

This is St. Laurence Gate which was in the old wall of the city.

We then traveled to Monasterboice, an Irish spiritual site. This is a typical 

Celtic Cross dating back to the 5th century AD.

We have arrived in Dublin, The sign is self explanatory.

This is in Phoenix Park. The cross was erected for the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1979.

This is a government building we passed while on a bus tour of the city.

Boat rowers on the River Liffey. It is a tidal river, varying 14 feet.

Heading To Drogheda - Friday

We've been busy! Between the early mornings, late nights and copious amounts of beer, we are having trouble finding time to do this chore, um, I mean, blog!

We visited the Ulster American Folk Park. This is a reproduction of a typical small church in the 18th and 19th century. This park is kind of like the Acadian Village at home, only bigger.

This is a bog where peat is cut from, to then be dried and burned 

in the fire place (instead of wood).

This is a reproduction of a small Irish town.

Here you see a replica of a boat that immigrants would travel in to the New World.

This is us in front of a replica of a farm house in Virginia.

We then traveled to an old fortified town on the banks of the River Boyne. This is the area

 where a battle was fought between King James and King William in 1690.

Thursday in Derry

 

On our walking tour, we saw all seven gates in the wall around the old city of Derry/Londonderry.

This is our local guide, Ronan. He says he is the only Chinese/Irish, Buddhist tour guide

 

This was on the outside wall of the bar where we ate (drank) lunch. Kim said we didn't 

need to stop at every bar, just ever other bar!

This is the Freedom Bridge across the River Foyle. Yes, we walked across!

Dee Dee is looking at the remembrances to those who have committed suicide.

This is St. Columbs Cathedral in the old part of Derry.

This is in front of the local government building

 

This sign is in the government building. Now that's funny. I don't care who you are!

 

This is the oldest bar in Derry, and our last bar of the day. Unless you count the bar at the hotel!

 

Now we are inside the oldest bar! Done for today. See you tomorrow!