The sun was up before us this morning, though it hid behind the clouds for the majority of the day. I looked out our window and saw clouds of mist blowing north over the River Suir. The wind blew kisses on the water making light waves in every direction. Seagulls made the foggy area into their playground. Families of ducks swam and bathed in the river. It was a very peaceful scene.

We stopped for coffee today at ‘WICH+BREW which we decided was the winner so far out of our last 3 coffee shops. I didn’t learn from yesterday and went with another iced beverage, but this time I drank it in the car. Before leaving we stopped at a gift shop and grabbed a couple things. They had a large section of Waterford Crystal but we decided to resist the urge and only take home the memory of the beautifully carved glass. Seriously though, there’s no way we could fit anything in our bags without it breaking.

I decided that I would be the one to drive to our next location. After all, we paid for multiple drivers so might as well get our moneys worth. I think I only made our lane departure assist beep 6-7 times. Not bad. I don’t want to jinx it but this car has been pretty good to us. Oh and I just realized yesterday that it’s a hybrid. I guess that’s what the rental guy meant about the best car on the lot. We drove for an hour and fifteen minutes until we reached The Rock of Cashel.

This historical landmark is interesting because it’s history is comprised of royal origins followed by religious occupancy. While Christianity was spread early on to other parts of Europe, St. Patrick was the one who spread it to Ireland in the 5th century; Cashel was one of the last places due to its undesirable location. It is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick.

Since the monument is over a thousand years old, it’s history also included mention of the Black Death. The Rock sits on top of a hill so the walk takes us several minutes to get up. Since my foot surgery, I’ve had a rather weak right calf and right hip muscle so I can definitely feel the burn on my right side. I try to play it off by stopping frequently to take photos. I have a lot of pictures of the way up. But it worked out for the best because the view was stunning. Cows scattered about green fields, charming homes, and more green pastures steal our gaze. The news of God may have been late to this land, but there’s no doubt He has blessed it.

The weather was drizzling on and off. I have given up on my hair as my baby hairs have all packed up and moved out, and the frizz is real. We had a good run. Matt’s been checking out his beard all day and apparently the same thing is happening to him. I can’t tell though. He still looks the most handsomest to me. I gave the Yaris reins back to the boss. He’s got a handle on the driving now.

We left Cashel and made our way over to Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone. I have already kissed the Blarney Stone but I was told that if I kiss it again, absolutely nothing will happen. I still wasn’t sure if I wanted to kiss it again but Matt still had to check it off his bucket list. Since COVID, the stone is now cleaned between each visitor which makes the decision a lot easier. We meandered on up the hill making stops here and there for photos. There are so many different trees and plants in the area and even two small rivers that come together.

When we get to the castle, we start our trek on upwards to the stone. Similar to Reginald’s tower, the Blarney castle contains stairwells with uneven steps designed to trip up enemies. Every 5th person seems to be struggling. I may have been wearing converse in my last visit but I’m equipped with some solid Tim’s this time around; wherever I plant my feet is where they stay. It feels nice being in the 80% success group. After a few flights of narrowing, steep stairwells, we’re at the top. I’m already dreading the way back down but I’m thinking it can’t be worse than what I just did. The view was quite breathtaking, and so were the stairs so we paused for a minute to regroup. I decided after all that work, I have to kiss the stone. I couldn’t just walk past it after coming all this way. Matt goes first and I can instantly feel the gift of gab being transferred to him from the stone. At least that’s what I tell him.

I’m up next. I literally bend over backwards on the ground to kiss the stone. I feel my center of gravity getting ready to slide off this castle. “Oh,” says the man that’s job is to keep me from dying. I kiss it quickly and get up before we have to cut the trip short. I made Matt buy the souvenir photos of himself but I pass on mine. (I was cuter last time). We exited the castle using a different stairwell that was much wider and easier to go down.

We strolled back to our car making a couple stops at the cafe and gift shop. Matt ordered an Irish whisky coffee so we decide that I’ll drive back to our hotel. As we headed out of the parking lot, we almost instantly hit traffic and my bladder notified me of its fullness. What was supposed to be a 25 minute trip turned into a 45 minute trip. Alas we pull into our hotel in the middle of the city. At this point I’m drained for the day. Dinner was at the hotel restaurant as my battery and “pitch count” (step count) were probably pushed a little too far.