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Published: December 12th 2013
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An early morning beginning with an 'Irish Breakfast' at our hotel before we returned to the adventurous car ride. It was the first day for Danika and I to really see Ireland in the day light. We couldn't wait to travel across the country but the morning was filled with side looks to each other during the drive. We were used to driving on the wrong side of the road because of England but with my Dad driving and Mom in the passenger seat both whom have only been here for 24 hours was a little scary. Thankfully as soon as we reached the highway we were much more relaxed! We could stare out the window and count the sheep and castles on the side of the road. We did still freak out when a car would pass us and no one would be in the passenger seat, since that is normally our driving side.
We finally reached our first castle,the Rock of Cashel, which is inn a small town named Cashel. This castle was particularly important because of the influence St. Patrick had within. We were able to see the stone carving of the iconic St. Patrick's cross. Inside
the tall walls on top of the hill, we were able to explore the ruins of the castle, cathedral, and the graveyard. The ruins were really unique since most of it was still standing with detailed stone carvings. One carving has been preserved very well but we have no idea what the meaning behind it is. While exploring the graveyard we looked for the oldest tomb that was at least 300 years old that we could tell but the newest was the easiest to find. The ground was still dirt where he was buried with no new grass growing. He was buried in October of 2013 as a high member of the Cashel community.
We next began our drive to the Blarney castle in Blarney Ireland. This is where you can kiss the famous Blarney stone that will bring you good luck. Luckily the gps took us off the highway and through some small towns. It must have none what we were really looking for because while we were at a stop light, Mom looked over and found the Hennessy Pub. Hennessy is my mom's maiden name and one of the places she was determined to find. Of course
we had to pull over to stop so we can get pictures and have a beer in the bar. It was about 2 so the bar was not very crowded but still had the usual irishmen drinking. We were invited in and had some laughs. They figured we were from America and the first thing they said was Judge Judy. It's interesting to see what people know about your country. Then proceeded to call my mom Judge Judy and asked for her autograph. Then Danika, Dad, and I also signed this paper. The man said thank you and then taped the paper to the wall. Our first names and 'Judge Judy's' is now on the Hennessy Pub wall.
We left and arrived at Blarney Castle entrance in a short 20 minutes. We walked into what looked like a park full of bright green colors and also the leaves changing in the late fall weather. It was absolutely gorgeous and was even better when we finally were able to see the castle over the little creek. We then proceed to walk inside the castle and followed the sign to the Blarney Stone. The Blarney Stone is located 5 stories up
the castle on the very top and can be tricky to get to. The steps up are very small and narrow. We finally reached the top and saw a beautiful view. Then two men were sitting by the stone ready to lean you overr backwards and lower you to the stone to kiss it. I went first, then dad, mom, and finally Danika. It was scary but looking down backwards and at the stone was fun. The man lowering you talked to you the whole time and made jokes. They most love their job. We walked around the rest of the grounds to see waterfalls and a poison garden a long with a small cave. Blarney was a beautiful scene both by the castle and even in town. We had a small dinner and did some shopping before we were back on the dark winding roads to get to Adare. We found a very nice hotel even with heated towel racks and giant beds. We bought wine and popcorn and sat around to hanging out on Thanksgiving. We even had the chance to skype the whole Edelmann family and talk to them for a short time. Celebrating Thanksgiving without the
turkey and giant meal was different but couldn't be better than Ireland with my best friend and parents continuing my study abroad journey.
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