Another amazing day

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Is anyone reading these? If not, it will still help us remember our amazing visit to Ireland.

We had our first "Irish" breakfast at this nice B&B - little medallions of black pudding and white pudding, (Canadian) bacon, sunny side up egg, grilled tomato. Could have had porridge, cereals, fruits, etc etc etc. Then off to the Waterford Crystal factory tour. It was fascinating to see the craftsmen and hear about the process. No temptations to buy! Then off to New Ross to meet Mary Jo Mohlmasters second cousin (we think), Mike Quinn, and his 14 yr old son Josh. We sat for an hour to have tea/scones, wishing it could have been longer but the tour started after that hour. What a nice man -- we think niceness must be in the genes. We continue to be amazed at how genuinely friendly, and quick witted, these people are. The Dunbrody Famine Ship was a moving experience. Short video about facts about these "coffin ships" that carried people one way and cargo back from America/Canada for about 3 pounds/adult (3 months' wages). 40% died en route. I needed a tissue the minute it started. We toured one of the ships to see the conditions of steerage passengers, their quantity/quality of food- or lack thereof. 2 actresses portrayed one poor lady with 5 children, and another who was fortunate enough to be in first class (25 pounds/cabin) - shop owner. Then about 1-1/4 to the Rock of Cashel. Amazing ruins of church/monastery started in 500 or so. What history perched up on a high outcropping from which we could see for miles. Drove south toward Cork (fortunately not sleeping there, as the big concert with Ed Sheehan is in town), and then back towards where we started from this morning to find our charming Airbnb "barn." in the middle of nowhere - but 3 bedrooms could sleep at least 5 people, full living room, dining area, kitchen, etc. So, tomorrow we plan to cook our own full Irish breakfast with the fixings our hostess has stocked fridge with 😊

Well, how can we keep being so late that we don't eat dinner till 8:30! After setting in, we went off to the seacoast in search of fish and chips - and so many take out orders were ahead of us, we waiting forever, but it was yummy. Returned back to the barn and spent a good hour researching churches and finding nothing that worked out for time or vitality - so we are going to hold our own after breakfast.

It may sound like blarney (we don't need the Blarney stone) but the weather continues to be perfect. I have a red neck from the day before. Today was a bit cooler on the coast/ship so the turtleneck worked. But as we sat in the chippy, with the front door open, I in both inner lining and outer rainwear, still cold, there were hearty Irish people sitting outside eating. Wow.

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