DAY FOUR

Today, our tour group boards the bus for my personal favorite city-- Kilkenny. But first, we take a detour for the Rock of Cashel. The view... wow. We take a group lunch in a nearby packed restaurant; which gives us time to buddy up with our tour mates and get to know each other more. Sadly, we then depart the beautiful space with time remaining in our day to explore Kilkenny and visit the Kilkenny Castle (with an amazing tour guide). We finish off the day in a fan-favorite hotel which is just as beautiful as the surrounding city.

Bus and Walking Time

5 0 hours

5 hours

2-8

0 miles

8 miles

The Rock of Cashel

"Originally, the Rock of Cashel served as the traditional seat of the kings of Munster. According to legend, St. Patrick himself came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity. Brian Boru was crowned High King at Cashel in 978 and made it his capital."

This windy site has beautiful views spanning every direction. Also known as St. Patrick's Rock, the Rock of Cashel is the "spiritual heart of Ireland." This historical site features the ruins of a royal fortress and a cemetery, with various blocked off rooms to preserve their state. Due to looting in the 1640s, St. Patrick's Rock lost its standing, though it remains an ecclesiastical power. A video plays on a schedule in a building on site. The video details the history and legend surrounding the rock that sits 200 feet in the air; including St. Patrick causing the King's foot to bleed with his crosier. The video is long and detailed, with over a thousand years of history to cover. And on our own time, we were free to wander down the rock and across the street to our group lunch!

Kilkenny

Langton Hotel

This hotel is by far my favorite from the entire trip. If you're lucky, you will get assigned to one of the back rooms. The trail back is covered in beautiful greenery and stained-glass style windows. You'll be awestruck-- I know I was. Our room is one of few in the back building with a beautiful view of the back patio.

Kilkenny Castle

"A symbol of Norman occupation since the 12th century," Kilkenny Castle is a beautiful site. The exterior is surrounded by a moat and battering wall, with one side barricaded by the River Nore. The defensive castle has a long history associated with Victorian times, but also contains a library, nursery, various bedrooms, and a long, red photo gallery.

The Interior of the Castle

The interior has experienced a long history of restoration. One of the more fascinating stories details the recreation of a striking yellow wallpaper found in the library area. To the left is a picture of the Tapestry Room (formerly known as the Great Chamber). The decorated gilded leather is a now dulled version of the once vibrant tapestry that warmed the chamber walls. They represent a number of scenes, including The Battle of Veseris (Vesuvius).

Kilkenny Farmer's Market

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: visit the Kilkenny farmer's market! I slept through breakfast, and the farmer's market had a wonderful cropping of fresh berries and hot chocolate available for purchase. There were many stands selling souvenirs, including this wooden piece with a burned image representative of Kilkenny (a couple of cute cats!).

GROUP DINNER

Tonight we dine in Rive Gauche (Left Bank Bar), right across the street from Kilkenny Castle. The red interior and beautiful lighting is home to our guide's all time favorite restaurant in Kilkenny. They brag about how they put this place on Rick Steves' map! Once you have the dessert, you will see why.

DAY FIVE