Wednesday, Waterford-Blarney-Killarney

More black pudding for breakfast.  Seems to be a big item over here.

Our first stop was the Waterford Crystal factory.  I had no idea they had so many different designs and so many special presentation pieces for winners of sports or entertainment contests, etc.  We saw samples of a cowboy hat made for Ronald Reagan, a cowboy boot for Garth Brooks when he won a Grammy, a bowling pin for the winner of the bowling tournament, etc.  The showroom has spectacular chandeliers.  I was sorry we didn’t have time to visit their cafeteria.  The pastries!

The back end is not so glamorous.

The rest was wonderful.

And, oh, those chandeliers

and pastries.

And the sense of humor. Don't know if this will show on a small device, but the handle is on the same side of the pitcher as the spout.

And then the drive to Blarney - and yes, Ireland is very green.

We spent most of the day at Blarney Woolen Mills, the location of Blarney Castle and two floors of shopping; woolens, china, crystal, dolls, music (I bought Celtic music CD’s), souvenirs, etc.  I had lunch in the cafeteria – tuna, potato salad, pickled beets, scone and tea.

Then I walked over to the castle (or what remains of the castle).  You can go up some stairs and there’s a guy there to help you lie on your back, and then he holds you so you won’t fall while you lean back your head and scoot up to where you can kiss the Blarney Stone.  Since your face is upside down when you kiss the stone, I wonder if the Blarney comes only when you’re standing on your head?  Not one to take chances, I went back down to the ground floor, found my own Blarney Stone and kissed where I hope ten-thousand others haven’t left their germs.  Besides, one slip by the helper and you'd plunge through the window and land three stories below.

See the little bit of daylight showing in the middle below the rim? That's where you'd fall through if you slipped.

I've since discovered there's a great park at Blarney Castle, but perhaps we weren't told due to lack of time. Check it out HERE. We drove on to Killarney for a two-night stay.

I had time for a walk and a few photos before dinner.  Killarney is a colorful little town, buzzing with activity now because of all the tourists.  Our hotel is a Grande old Dame, built by the railroad, with a beautiful church across the street.  Lots of public rooms with cozy conversation areas.  A Chopin tape was playing and I sat for a little in a remote corner and felt glad to be alive and blessed with good health.

Dinner was served, rather than buffet, tonight in a dining room bordering on elegant. Tomato-carrot soup, stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes (of course), and something green, which they called cabbage but we thought were turnip greens.  They also passed boiled potatoes (of course) and carrots.  Raspberry Crème Brule’ for dessert (yum!).

I passed on the trip to the Irish Pub with a singing group and went up to enjoy my sweet little room, wash undies, and work on my journal.

To be continued. . . . .