Hello Family & Friends:
Picking up where we left off on my last post.
Days 1-3: Dublin
On my final day in Dublin I took a bus tour to the Glendalough Monastic Site, Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny Castle.
Glendalough Monastic Site is a renowned 6th-century Christian settlement in County Wicklow, Ireland, founded by St. Kevin. Located in a scenic “valley of two lakes” (Gleann Dá Loch), it served as a major center of learning and pilgrimage. The site features a 30m round tower, medieval churches, and a visitor center.
The day was rainy and cold and I quickly learned why it’s important to never assume the weather here. It was pouring rain most of the day and it wasn’t long before I was thoroughly soaked.
Dublin Town Center
Walking through Dublin to my tour bus pick up location.
Glendalough Monastic Site
The ruins at Glendalough
Glendalough Monastic Cemetery
Celtic crosses can be seen everywhere in Ireland.
Lake At Glendalough
There are two lakes at this site.
Glendalough Site
Wet and cold, but so beautiful!
Thankfully, I had a rain jacket and scarf, but they were no match for the Ireland tsunami!
The sun (briefly!) coming out as we left the site. And on to Wicklow, where we made a quick stop to see the rolling hills (these are not mountains folks!).
The wind was so high it nearly knocked me over. Not picture taking friendly.
Upon arriving in Kilkenny I went straight to a local tea shop across from the castle for a hot cup. It helped, but I was really wishing for a pair of dry pants at that point!
Kilkenny Castle
Front of the castle
Sitting on an Irish clothes dryer. I’m a resourceful gal.
Kilkenny Castle Interior
I took loads of pictures at the castle, too many to share here. Multiple rooms furnished in the period.
Kilkenny Castle Dining
Rothe House & Garden, another famous site in Kilkenny. I had to rush through this one with not much time to get back to my tour bus.
Everything is walking, walking, walking!
Rothe House Collection
Authentic period dress at Rothe House & Garden
An original bridal gown from 1894. The worker that was cataloguing it said the waist was so tiny they couldn’t fit it on the mannequin.
I left Dublin on Saturday, April 4th, on a bus headed to Killarney and my next hostel stay. By that night, I was starting to feel the effects of my soaking and by Sunday was aching all over and running a fever.
Black Sheep Hostel
Bob The Hostel Dog
Finding a furry friend at the hostel. This is Bob.