Wexford to Kilarney

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Wexford to Killarney



Arrived in Dublin and picked up the car headed straight down the highway to Wexford to find ourselves booked into wonderful accommodation (thankyou Denise).Wonderful indoor heated pool sauna and spa. Timing was perfect just starting to feel a bit jaded so took the rest of the day off, did the washing and took advantage of the facilities to iron out my aches and pains.



Up early for big day. First stop Johnston Castle and Irish agricultural Museum and estate mostly used for research farming. My driver always enjoys looking at farm machinery and I enjoyed a comprehensive display of early Irish furniture (Saved from the vast containers that were shipped to the States in the 70 and 80 to satisfy the antique demand). We both enjoyed the exhibit on the Potato famine and how Ifrlad lost a ¼ of their population in five years from famine and immigration. The grounds of the castle with three significant lakes made a beautiful walk in crisp clean air to start the day.



On to Tintern Abbey and Colclough Walled Gardens in New Ross. Another Cistercian Abbey! Those Cistercian Monks were everywhere in the 1100 to 1200’s. However, these ones built a walled garden and although it was derelict only 6 years ago a team of gardeners have restored using original plans. Amazing feat in just 6 years with 5 bridges, vege garden and many fruit trees and a spectacular 200. Year old Pear tree.



Next onto the original birth place of the Kennedy clan. Obviously a pilgrimage place for the Americans but the visitor centre was very good and showed the history of the family that stayed and the brother that immigrated. Also the perspective of the family when JFK visited twice – once in the 40’s. Cousin Mary didn’t think too much of him then, and then the famous visit in the 60’s I didn’t realise that Jackie took the children and went and stayed for several months in 1967. They were given some important pieces including the rosary beads he had on him when he was killed.



Hit the road again to New Ross and a great exhibition of the Dunbrody “coffin ship”, as the immigrant ships were known. They have built an exact replica of the Dunbrody from the 1840’s. A fabulous guide with costumed performers do a fabulous job of re-inacting and informing us of the times when so many people were fleeing from the great famine. Conditions were unbelievable, no wonder so many died. There were already mostly in poor health when they boarded. They say.



Next onto Waterford cystal….my driver always like a bit of glass blowing. Very interesting tour of the factory seeing many of the famous trophies that they have provided for some of the greatest sporting events. (They always keep a backup in case someone slips on the podium). The showroom is beautiful but I managed to keep my hands in my pocket. The driver however needed a new whiskey tumbler. One! Leaves opportunity I suppose.

Now two hours’ drive to Killarney. You would think that would be a piece of cake right? Except their main road goes through all these little villages with roads two feet wide makes it slow going and then there was the traffic jam right in the middle of Cork and 5.30 pm. A little stressful on the definitely wine o’clock.

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