When driving from Ireland's east coast to west coast there are two great stops to make along the way: Kilkenny and Rock of Cashel. We stopped at both along our travels through Ireland and it made for a great full day of exploring and fun. We started off at Kilkenny, and then made our way to Rock of Cashel. Join along and see how the adventure unfolded!
Kilkenny is one of Ireland's more alluring destinations, and demands to be explored by food thanks to its easily circumnavigated town center-a 900 year old Norman citadel that is now a lovely place of Georgian streets and Tudor stone houses. These two boys were definitely excited to get out of the car and start walking the streets!
If you don't know where to park and consider yourself an "older person" they have plenty of parking spaces for you in Kilkenny. I'm not sure how literally they define "older", but nevertheless we left the spot open for someone older than us.
The 13th century Black Abbey is one of the most evocative and beautiful Irish medieval structures. It's one of the few medieval churches still owned by the Roman Catholic Church and its carved stone interior seems to be right out of the musical Camelot.
Up, Up and Away little Bode man!
Seriously look at this little grin, is he not the cutest?!?
-xoxo-
The rooms in the castle have been restored and refurbished to how it existed in the late 19th century. We really liked the picture gallery wing (photo on the lower right), I think well have one in our home someday.
The gardens were designed to show the Irish cross.
The more impressive part of our day came next, when we went to Rock of Cashel.
Hiking up to the castle ruins!
For centuries, Cashel was known as "city of the kings" from the 5th cengury, the lords of munster ruled over much of southern ireland from here. The Rock of Cashel is the hollowed spot where St. Patrick first plucked a shamrock. We took a free tour of the grounds, that was well worth it-they shared great information and whats not to enjoy when you're among some really cool ruins.
This is St. Patrick's Cathedral, with thick walls it is now roofless. The original cathedral, constructed in a flamboyant variation of Irish Romanesque style, was destroyed by a fire in 1495. The cathedral is dedicated to the patron Saint Patrick, and the theory is that ancient churches were oriented to the sunrise on the feast day of their dedicated saint; the cathedral points east, a direction agreeing closely with March 17th. 
You are only allowed to be buried in the cemetery, if you are from the town and had ancestors living their on a certain date. They have a list with all of the eligible people remaining, talk about exclusive!
Bode loved being outside...he is so photogenic and I love the background!
Smile little man!
He loves his dad!
I love this family we now are! So many travels, great memories, and happy smiling faces.
As our day concluded we made it along the narrow windy roads to our next B&B. Seriously SO charming, and hospitality unbeatable.
It really is a farmhouse! And you better believe I insisted that our sweet host show me around the farm. We got to see the cows getting milked, pet the goats (they acted like dogs) and even got to collect eggs for our breakfast the following day! It's experiences like these that I love so much when traveling. 
MmMmMoOoOoOoO
I can't wait to own chickens! Their shells are so much harder than when you buy them in the grocery store.
We had a great day! More of Ireland to be continued!
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