July 6/7, 2008 Kilkenny to Cahir to Killarney, Ireland

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Sunday July 6, 2008
Kilkenny to Cahir to Killarney, Ireland
Flemings White Bridge C&C Park

We found our way out of Kilkenny and on to Cahir (pronounced "care") and took a walk to the Cahir Castle. The castle was build on a rock island in the River Suir, and is a well preserved fortress. Since we are now members of the Heritage Sites of Ireland, meaning we purchased a pass to many, many historic and natural sites in Ireland, this should be a savings in the long haul. A young energetic gal took us on a guided tour and provided wonderful information on the history of Ireland and the castle. On our way back to the Bothan it poured down rain!
We were so taken with the presentation about the Butler family, owners of the castle, we went up the road to the "Swiss Cottage". The Butler Family is yet another example of folks with more money than God. This very elaborate cottage was used for picnics, and entertaining, and was designed by John Nash.
Today was a longer driving day and we hoped Sunday would mean less drivers...not so. The roads to Killarney are your typical "Irish Cow Paths"...called a road.

July 7, 2008
Killarney, Ireland

The Flemings White Bridge is quite expensive for a campground, and the showers are extra? It is OK, and located is in a good position to town. Last night it rained hard and the morning didn't look promising. Being determined, we got the bikes ready, and our rain gear, and headed to town. Lots of info was obtained from the Tourist Center. While it showered we enjoyed a cup of tea, then began our tour of Killarney. One outdoor shop had a neat rain/bike poncho, made in the Netherlands. Being in Ireland this will be a useful purchase. So off we head by bike to the Killarney National Park; it has some very good trails for both walking and biking. Using our pass we biked to the Ross Tower House. A tower house is smaller than a castle, but also built as a fortress, although less secure. It is located right on the Lough Leane, a windy lake.
The trail continued out to the old copper mines and provided us with a lovely view of the mountains and lake, although a bit misty. On our return to the town center we stopped at Laurels"s Pub to sample our first Guinness in Ireland. The pubs here are much friendlier places than home ... it is a social or family affair...to eat, drink and talk to friends.
Retracing our path "home" the sun is actually shinning!

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Comments

[peter mccarthy]

white bridge caravan site
very well run site safe and very clean staff and owners very helpful tolets showers very very clean they are cleaned about 4 times a day good to find a very clean site not that many around as clean and as safe as white bridge site