Day 38 - August 18, 2022 - Wexford - Kilkenny

The photo below is a partial shot of the lobby of our hotel.  This evening after we returned from dinner, there were four security people at the foot of the stairs and a red carpet leading to the bottom of the stairs.  We decided to just sit a while and watch.  There was some event taking place in the upper level.  It may have been a high school or more likely a college affair.  There dozens of young ladies in formal attire with their escorts.  What was interesting is that two of the security people were checking ID's and issuing armbands and the other two were patting down each person before allowing them to ascend the stairs.  I really can't imagine what the girls could have possibly concealed in the tight skimpy dresses.  

Today we have a 1 1/2 hour travel by coach to the city of Kilkenny.  Kilkenny is know for several things, one being the Castle of Kilkenny and another as being the location of the Smithwick Ale brewery.  The castle was first built in 1195 and Smithwick was founded in 1703.

Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, commonly known as Strongbow constructed the first castle, probably a wooden structure, in the 12th century. The Anglo-Normans had established a castle in 1173, possibly on the site of an earlier residence of the Mac Giolla Phádraig kings of Osraighe. Kilkenny formed part of the lordship of Leinster, which was granted to Strongbow. Strongbow’s daughter and heiress, Isabel married William Marshall in 1189.

Today, only 4 of the  towers remain as the gate towers and wall were destroyed by Cromwell.  Only the foundation, towers and some walls are all that remain of the original castle.  Over the years, the castle has seen several different uses.  First for defense through the 15th century, then as a as a stately mansion and in the 18th century a country home.  It was sold to the Irish Office of Public Works in 1967 who undertook a compete restoration to it's 18th century glory.

It is difficult to see, but this is some of the original 12th century wattle and daub celling.   This is construction made by weaving twigs together and plastering with mud or clay.

Thick stone walls.

View from the guests wing of the castle.

The antlers below are from a pre-historic Irish Elk.  The span is about 12 feet.  This specimen was found in a bog and was well preserved.  It is about 5000 years old.  The head is mounted at the height it would have been standing.

After leaving the castle, we were looking for a light lunch.  We decided on Kytelers Inn.

With parts of the building dating to the 13th or 14th century,[1] the building is traditionally associated with the Kyteler family and with Dame Alice Kyteler, an alleged witch from the area. The building has housed an inn since 1639.

Since we were in Kilkenny, we decided to have the local beer Smithwicks.  I have had many Smithwicks, but never one as good or fresh as this.  By the way, Smithwicks brewery is older than Guinness.  Kay had a Sullivan's pale ale, which is an older brewery than either of the others.  They are all good.

On the return to Wexford, we stopped in New Ross on the Barrow River.  Here is a reconstruction of the ship Dunbrody which carried many of the Irish Immigrants to America during the Great Hunger.  

Upon exiting the ship, I was surprised to see this sign.

The area is also known for being the Irish home of the Kennedy Family.  JFK made at least two trips to visit his homeland.  They have a prominent memorial to him.

As we got back into the town of Wexford, I noticed this public pay toilet through the coach window and snapped a photo.

You know, there are some things I would prefer to do alone.... Just saying.

Exhausted from 3 hours on the coach, we took about a two hour recovery break before looking for dinner.  None of us were too hungry, but we found a nice little shop, Charred, which made artesian burgers and sold shakes.  We split a burger and fries and each had a shake, it was just enough.  Note the old Abby ruins in the background.

Afterward, I wanted to visit a Dunnes Store.  We have seen them all over Ireland.  It was a combination grocery and clothing store.  The prices on clothes was unbeivable.  I noted that in the beer department, you could buy a case of 15 500ml Gunness for the same 23 Euros that 15 Coors cost.   Scratch my head...

We leave tomorrow for our last two nights of the trip.  They will be in Dublin.