One afternoon during our stay at a delightful Bed and Breakfast in Killarney, we took a jaunting car tour through parts of Killarney National Park. Our guide Mark and his horse Susie took us through the forest, beside the lakes, and we had our first view of Ross Castle.
On our way to our next destination near Cork, we drove to Ross Castle for a close up view. I was fascinated by all the fishermen unloading their fishing gear in the parking lot so I looked around to see where they were going. Boats were lined up on the banks of a stream which led to the lake on the other side of the stone bridge.
Ross Castle is in a beautiful setting on the banks of Killarney’s lower lake inside Killarney National Park. We wandered around the castle before driving to County Cork,
At the end of the day we arrived at our next bed and breakfast near Blarney. The gardens and views from the B&B were stunning.
On Henry’s birthday we visited Blarney Castle to join the millions of others who have climbed the steps to the top of the tower to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence.
Kissing the stone sounds easy. However, actually doing it isn’t so easy. First you must get in line and then go up a series of steps before arriving at the parapet walk at the top of the tower. Once it’s your turn to kiss the stone, you must lie on your back, hold onto an iron railing, lean backwards over a crevice, and hope you can reach the stone to kiss it! I needed help, but I did it!
Our next stop on Henry’s birthday was the pretty seaside town of Cobh which was the last place the Titanic picked up passengers before beginning it’s maiden (and only) voyage in April, 1912. We enjoyed a tour of The Titanic Experience Cobh before wandering around the waterfront and watching the activity in the harbor from a waterfront park.
Next up was a tour of the Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery in Midleton.
To top off a fun filled day we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at a nearby pub.
Next up, two train rides and Northern Ireland.
Wandering Dawgs 
Oh, I went to Ireland for 2 weeks and toured nearly 2000 miles. It was a dream! I fell in love with Ireland, it’s people. I cried when it was time to leave! Hoping life brings me back again. 🤗💕
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Thank you for stopping by my blog. Wow! 2000 miles! You must have traveled around most of Ireland! I’m hoping to return again one day, too. I would go tomorrow if I could.
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We did!!! And I would too! I truly didnt want to leave!
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Beth, you were brave to climb those stairs and kiss the stone. When we visited, the garden was filled with beautiful spring flowers so we enjoyed our time exploring the grounds.Malcolm is not a fan of tight, twisty staircases! I remember Cobh as being the place where the Titanic Ladies came out for our sail-away and lined the dock in their beautiful period costumes. It was a bit eerie getting a sendoff from them. We visited Bushmills instead of Jameson for the whiskey tour. My husband is a fan of both. Love your photographs, especially the first one; the perspective you used makes it more interesting. So far, you have not mentioned having even one plate of fish and chips. What gives?? Loving the recap of your adventure and the way it takes me back to our time there.
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Suzanne, thank you! Glad the paint are bringing back memories of your trip there. Oh yes, we sampled the beer, fish and chips, seafood chowder, all along the way! More to come on that
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I must admit to skipping the stone too. I stayed on the ground, and if I remember correctly explored the area and did a little shopping. 🙂 Great photos. Happy belated birthday to your hubby. 🙂
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Thanks Judy. I’ll pass the birthday wishes along to Henry. I did a little shopping in the Woolen Mills, too. I should say, it was a lot of shopping.
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So much to see and do, thanks for taking us along.
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Wow! What awesome pictures! And YOU did it!! YOU kissed the Blarney Stone!
What fabulous experiences you had.
We are enjoying your posts… Sweet Man has read as well… from my IPad. Looking forward to your next. 😊
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Nancy, I’m glad you are both enjoying the posts. Each new post reminds me of what a beautiful place it is.
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Oh and where are my manners… Happy Belated Birthday to your husband!
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What a way to spend a birthday! I can’t believe what you had to go through to kiss that stone. Well done guys and the pictures are just stunning.
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So now we both have the gift of Blarney! It was a great day
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