Monday the 10th, Kilkenney and Kilkenney Castle

On Monday we visited Kilkenny and the Kilkenny castle.  It was a beautiful drive, through the gorgeous countryside.  We had lunch at Kyteler's Inn - an amazing place that was built in 1324.  The building has been slightly renovated, but the downstairs is completely original. 
After lunch we visited the castle.  Kilkenny castle was built in the 12th century.  We were able to tour the castle and see all of the rooms, bedrooms, halls, walk-in fireplaces (they are huge!) and staircases.  It's been beautifully restored and maintained, and it was just great to see an actual castle!

Kilkenny grew out of a monastic settlement first established in the 6th century by St. Canice.  It had a sucession of owners - Strongbow and the Butler clan, most notably.  Interestingly in 1366 the Statutes of Kilkenny were designed to supress Irish influence which included the banning of  Irish customs and language.

After we visited the castle, we wandered around the town.  There were interesting shops and a wonderful ice cream shop, too!

Afterwards, we went to Bennetsbridge, the home of Nicholas Mosse Pottery.  They make amazing pottery and have a great cafe and shop. 

Then it was time to head home.  On the way, we went to Moone.  Moone is pretty close to Brannockstown, and is the location of the second tallest Celtic cross in Ireland.  I like to pick up a small rock from wherever we visit, and I found a small piece of slate at the site of the cross.  It wasn't till later that night, that I realized I had a Moone rock!!

When we got home, Mark and Lee built some supports for the tomato plants, as they were growing like crazy, while Hishey supervised. 

Needless to say, we were all pleasantly tired and enjoyed a quiet evening!

This is the street that Kytelers is located on.  If you make the picture bigger, you can see the name on the hanging sign.

This is the original part of the Kyteler's Inn.  You can see how thick the walls are.

The beer taps have been set into the wall.

Mark and Alisha, after lunch

Kilkenney Castle!

Isn't this just amazing??  Unfortunately, photography wasn't allowed inside.

These are the grounds leading to the castle.  It was like a park!

The entrance to the castle!  You could see where the moat had been, as well.

In the guard house!

Kilkenny city

Here's where we had ice cream!

This is the Butter "slip" - little walkways that take you from one block to the next.

This is the 2nd tallest Celtic cross in Ireland, located in Moone

These were some of the gravestones in the graveyard outside of the structure holding the cross.

Many of the stone fences we saw had these vertical rocks along the top - sure would make it hard to climb over

The tomatoes are growing like crazy, and will enjoy the support that the stakes will give them

Lee, working on his tomato plants, too.

Here's Hishey, supervising Lee and Mark, as they stake the roses.

What a grand and glorious day we had!