I kissed the Blarney Stone

Earliest wake up yet to get to the bus from Galway to Cork, leaving city centre at 7 am. I got a little nervous b/c my travel buddies, Mandy, Caitlyn and her new roommate Chelsea, got there just in time. That's right, in Ireland, I am early (shocking, I know!).

So we took a 3 hr or so bus to Cork. I stayed awake for a good bit of it and was amazed by the scenery along the way---it was pitch black to begin with... thus sleeping... but later on it was beautiful landscapes of green. We made a pit stop in Limerick so I guess I can say that I've "been there." In Cork we explored the shop street area for a bit before catching the bus to Blarney. Almost afraid we wouldn't fit on, but yay for standing space... on a half hr bus ride...

In Blarney we followed the whole bus full of people towards the castle. Once on the estate, we took our time being full tourists and taking pictures of everything! The Castle is so impressive! We started out at the dungeons area. I went back a ways, but once you had to crouch down or crawl to go I stopped... mud, big backpack, small spaces, I'm sorry, I took a picture but didn't go much farther. Eventually, after checking out the inside of what used to be the watchtower we entered the castle.

The castle is interesting in that you can see through three floors or so at a time because the old floors/ceilings are no longer there. So, at the base I could see the level that held the family room and where that fireplace used to be, then above it a ways another fireplace for the banquet hall, and then yet again above more evidence of another room. It was really neat walking through the different rooms and reading the signs, especially those that helped explain how such and such was made in order to help beat back attackers on the castle. EX: an area right next to the kitchen from which you could pour boiling oil onto unwelcome visitors.

At the top we got in line to kiss the stone. It was a most beautiful day, and we had perfect timing b/c sprinkles just started to fall as we neared the stone. I was first to go and sat down while the guy held onto me, grabbed hold of the two bars, leaned back/crawled down and kissed the stone before being helped back up.

After fully exploring the castle we checked out the grounds. We went to Rock Close, a place that really did feel enchanted (as cheesy as it sounds). Following the arrows we saw ancient rocks forming Druid's Circle, within which it is believed that you are protected from evil spirits. We climbed the wishing steps, checked out the Witch's fireplace and hugged a couple of awesome trees. The natural beauty was phenomenal. Not that Galway City isn't lovely, but I was needing me some trees and greenery!

Then we waited around for the bus back to Cork. Ate and bought a hoodie in Cork (I didn't pack right at all for Ireland but can justify buying clothes if it is a hoodie/souvenir... it's green and says "Ireland" on it of course). Then the bus ride back. First half sleeping, second half talking with Mandy and Chelsea, sharing stories about our pets, friends and families. I miss you all!

First adventure within Ireland outside of Galway was a blast!