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Blarney


The wind was really howling this morning as a big storm was moving across Ireland.  The good news is that it blew the clouds away and we got to drive in sunshine.  It took us a little over two hours to reach Blarney Castle, just a short distance out of Cork.  
As I am sure you all know, Blarney Castle is famous for the Blarney Stone.  The stone is located the top of the castle, which is 83’ off the ground.  It involves getting into a line-up (about 45 minutes at this time of the year)  and walking up the stairs to the top of the castle (open to the outside).  When it is your turn to kiss the stone you need to lay down, on your back and then reach up with your head to actually kiss the stone.  Just to make it a bit scarier, there is an opening that you can see all the way down to the ground.  
Legend says that kissing the Blarney Stone gives one eloquence and/ or the gift of the gab!  Since I have already kissed the Blarney Stone twice in my life, my group begged me not to do it again, for fear that I may talk even more that I already do! 
A few of us didn’t go up to kiss the stone but there are lovely grounds to explore, so killing time wasn’t a problem.  There is also “The World’s Largest Irish Shop” for those that like to shop!  Everyone came down from the tower feeling happy that they did it.  Only problem is, now I have WAY too much competition in the talking department!  😉
Mid-afternoon we left and had a lovely drive through the countryside on narrow, winding roads, heading for the County Kerry. The small towns that we passed through have beautifully painted homes and shops that are built right beside the road.  The pictures that I have included today were taken as we drove through the the town of Macroom.  

We actually made a 45 minute pit stop in the town of Kenmare, it is so quaint!  From there we only has a 20 minute drive to our hotel.  Much of that section was along the coast of an inlet coming in from the Atlantic Ocean.  It was breathtaking!!  
When we arrived at our hotel we were blown away!  Yes, it was windy but also at the site of the Parknasilla Resoet Hotel!!!  Gorgeous!  It overlooks the water and the grounds are amazing, with hiking trails throughout.  Some of us checked out some of the trails.

Dinner was a pretty fancy affair!  Once again we were served a delicious three course meal that left all of us moaning from too much food.  It is just so delicious that we can’t help overeating.  Not good!!!
After dinner there were two men performing Irish music in the lounge so most of the group went in there for a nightcap.
Good night!!










































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