Day 4: Dublin to Kildimo

Today is the first of three travel days.   After meeting Ivan to get our security deposit back and hand over the keys, we left for the airport and picking up our rental car.  While waiting for the airport express bus on O'Connell street a cabbie offered to take us for the same price.  He took us to the Avis counter directly.  Jim took the first shift driving and off we went on the motorway.

Originally we were going to drive straight to Kildimo but when the GPS told us it would only take 3 hours we decided to take the scenic route.  We programmed the Kilkenny tour into the GPS and off we set for Kilkenny.  For a Saturday there were tons of people in the downtown core and Jim have to drive through it all.  After a circuit of the parking lot looking for a spot, we parked and set off for lunch at The Playwright Restaurant.  This must have been originally a storehouse with barrel vault ceilings.  Our waitress was friendly but did not know the terms used by Marilyn and Jim when they ordered their eggs.  Over easy is called medium and she had no idea what sunny side up is.

Kilkenny Jail on High Street

The Kilkenny High Street

A view up an alley

Marilyn and Jim dream of buying a house in Kilkenny

After lunch, we toured the village and I bought a grand Irish cap.  We passed on the Smithwicks tour and learned that Kilkenny plays in the all Ireland Hurling final.

Two Edwardian Doors

Colourful Pubs

The Smithwick's Brewery Tour

Shopping Arcade with Saturday Shoppers

Street Musicians

Next up was a stop at the Waterford Crystal outlet where Marilyn found new wine glasses and a wedding gift for her cousin's son's wedding.  

Marilyn was excited to go to the Waterford Outlet Store

The Waterford RoyalTheatre 

Dwight and Marilyn after their Waterford shopping

Dwight and Marilyn singing "It's a long way to Tipperary..."

Jim and Liz sing the second verse.

It was my turn next to polish my driving skills of the trip to Kildimo.  I was told my only task waas to concentrate on the road and not view the lovely Irish countryside.  I heard plenty of comments about nice houses or great views of rolling hills but I cannot report on them.  When we arrived at Tipperary we stopped for a quick photo and a verse of "It's a long way to Tipperary".

After meeting the exuberant Patrick who gave us a tour of the cottage, Jim and I set off to buy dinner and groceries.  Over dinner and a Harp lager we recounted that today was great day.