A highlight of our time at Kilkea Castle, we experienced the majesty of owls, hawks, and a falcon on the gorgeous grounds with the magnificent castle as our backdrop.
Bernard, our committed and knowledgeable falconer, spoke passionately in detail as he not only showed us the birds, allowing us to hold all of them, but also educated us on their history, lifestyle, and eating habits.
For two glorious days, we stayed at Kilkea Castle. Dating back to 1180, Kilkea Castle was once the medieval stronghold of the FitzGerald’s, Earls of Kildare. Now it is a luxurious resort with 180 acres of landscaped gardens, ancient woodland, and a meandering river.
During our stay, we explored the castle grounds, indulged in beverages in the castle keep, and, which I’ll showcase in my next post, experienced the majesty of falconry.
Today, I took a tour, along with about 60 other people, to Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, and a sheep farm!
In Kilkenny, we explored Kilkenny Castle and climbed the Round Tower at St. Canice’s Cathedral. Next, we moved into the Wicklow Mountains, viewing the Wicklow Gap from the highest point. From there, our big bus traveled the winding roads to Glendalough where we toured the Monastic City and hiked to the two lakes. At our final stop, a sheep farm that has been in the same family’s hands for over four generations, we watched a border collie herd sheep and learned about the farm. I enjoyed, too, holding a two-week old lamb!
Early Monday morning, I walked to the bus station in Belfast for one of the easiest “transition days” ever! The Dublin Express to Dublin was quick, efficient, and clean. Once I arrived in Dublin, I walked only two blocks to a store I found on the app Bounce where I could securely store my luggage for the day. From there, I meandered around Dublin, following Rick Steves’ audio tour and snapping photos all along the way. In the afternoon, after lunch and the Irish Whiskey Museum (yum yum!), I retrieved my luggage and hopped onto the tram to Heuston Train Station where I met Ben, Kait, Greyson, and Emmett. Big smiles and even bigger hugs!
Sarah, our AirBnB host, greeted us at the train station and drove us – including our luggage and the accoutrements needed for a toddler! – to her fabulous home next to Phoenix Park.
Over the next two days, the five of us saw The Book of Kells, Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Guinness Storehouse, Christ Church, Dublinia Museum, Dublin Castle, Grafton Street, and St. Stephen’s Green. Wowza!
Fun – and creative – too, Greyson and I forged our own silver rings at a craft class the second evening!
