We started with a quick trip to the grocery store in Dublin to pick up lunch supplies and car snacks and then we hit the road. First, we drove out of Dublin and made it to the Sally Gap and the lush Wicklow Forest. We stopped along the way to take in the air, which Erika noted was at the optimal temperature for her.
We continued on through the forest and came upon a small set of rapids that we trekked around and mistook for a waterfall.
Eventually, we left the purely natural wonders for some ancient man-made ones. First, we found a set of demon shepherds that marked the way around a compound of old mining ruins.
From there, Simon and then Erika took turns learning how to drive on the wrong (correct) side of the road.
First, Simon drove to the beautiful Kells Priory, where we searched far and wide for a mythical but never-found coffee shop.
Then, Erika got us to Jerpoint Abbey where we wandered the grounds and saw some Celtic Crosses.
From there, Erika navigated around some crazy traffic, loads of pedestrians, poorly marked archways, and subterfuge from a GPS system determined to have us drive the wrong way down one-way streets to get us to the River Court Hotel, where we enjoyed wide views of Kilkenny Castle, the river, and the city’s old medieval center. Enticed by the views, and hungry after so much wandering, we headed into the medieval mile and found festive scenery, a delicious dinner, and incredible tunes at the historic Kyteler’s Inn, which was founded in 1324!
Neither the resident witch nor a mistaken text message to a wrong number could dampen our spirits.
Finally, we ended the evening with whiskey nightcaps at Left Bank before heading back across the river to our hotel. Tomorrow we’ll be doing more hiking and heading through Cork to get to Killarney. Check back soon!
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