Ireland Day 8, Kilkenny, through Cashel, to Cork City
Our morning started with a visit to the Kilkenny Castle, a newly restored site that had served as a stronghold and home to Killarney aristocrats since the times of Queen Elizabeth I. Much of the 18th century interior décor, including the wallpapers, furniture, carpets, and paintings were restored or recreated to show the castle as it once was.
Off to our second castle of the day, Cashel Rock’s huge stone walls are all that remain of the great castle that once stood there. During the times of strife in early Ireland, it was given to the church and served as an impressive sanctuary – serving as a symbol of the strength of religion at the time.
All that remains is the decaying skeleton of the enormous structure, which is surrounded by the graves of the citizens of the city of Cashel dating back hundreds of years – many of the head stones are so old their markings have completely weathered away.
Cork City, our final destination for the night, was a lively spot for a Saturday night. After searching for a pub in our travel book, which we were later informing had shut down sometime in the last 1-6 years (depending on who we asked), we found a rock/metal/goth pub with live rock music upstairs and blasting Metallica and metal-heads on the first floor. It was a little bit different, but when the band started playing Johnny Cash, we knew we had to stay.
(Please take note of the most hardcore accordion player ever)
