On the Journey from Kilkenny to Kenmare

- We used the Michelin Great Britain and Ireland Tourist and Motoring Atlas ( spiral bound map) available at bookstores. The trip was approx. 4 hours and we stopped several times for sightseeing.

On our way out of Kilkenny, we made a our first stop at Kilkenny Crystal Factory on the outskirts of town. The store was closed but the owner let us in and we looked around. There wasn't any crystal being made ( it was Saturday), but the owner showed us the timely process and the machines they use. We didn't end up buying any crystal here, but I found another cross to add to my collection.

Rock of Cashel - about 1- 1-1/2 hours from Kilkenny. It was an overcast day and pretty wet. We enjoyed the tour ( available in many languages) and this was my favorite castle and grounds. It sits on top of a hill in county Tipperary, and the view from the top was spectacular. There were other tourists there, but it not too many to be crowded in mid June. Definitely worth a visit and a good place to take a break from driving. Our umbrellas came in very handy - this was the rainiest day of the entire trip. We would have loved to have also had a chance to see the music and dance show at the Bru Boru center just below the castle, but there just wasn't enough time.

We stopped for lunch in Mallow and ate cafeteria style in the Gallery restaurant. The food was good - fresh carved roast beef or salmon and fabulous desserts! We decided to get one load of laundry done in Mallow too, so I happily spent an hour or so talking with the local ladies.

Killarney Town - We made a stop here at "Ladies View" for photos. I was completely carsick about this time from the windy, curvy and narrow roads. It was GREAT to get out of the car. Killarney town was over run with thousands of European Harley riders. They were all participating in the Rally which was taking place the entire weekend. We were so thankful that we knew about this ahead of time and had made a decision to lodge in nearby Kenmare. We later read that two cyclists from Poland were killed in a collision on this weekend. We would return later on our trip to visit Killarney National Park --

Kenmare - "A charming town at the foot of the Cork and Kerry mountains in the heart of Kenmare bay in southwest Ireland." We loved this "tidy" town - our favorite small town in Ireland thus far and the surrounding scenery was gorgeous. We stayed 3 nights and two full days at Willow's Lodge B&B. We loved the location as it was close enough to walk into town and right next to the Catholic church that we would be attending the following day. We also enjoyed our hosts, having two rooms and excellent breakfasts. What we didn't appreciate about this particular B&B was that they had signs on the sitting room furniture that said that the furniture was just for looks and that guests were not permitted to use or sit on any of the "antiques." Perhaps the Queen was going to visit?? Our children were also not permitted to play in the yard or in their grass areas. We have good kids and this was just "too fussy" for us. There are tons of B&B's in Kenmare, and I don't think you should stay in any place that isn't 100% acceptable. So, for this reason, I would not recommend this B&B to anyone traveling w/ kids.


Attractions we enjoyed in Kenmare -
Attending mass at Holy Cross Church - This church is known for it's ornate ceiling.
Self-guided City Tour - Stone Circle, The 3 Musicians Statues, Rennagross Park, The Pier, Fair Green, Kenmare Heritage Center ( Up above the Center, you can visit the Kenmare Lace and Design Center and see free demonstrations )
Golfing ( Fungarthe has a toddler's golf area and a 9 hole pitch/putt course, and an old fashioned see-saw and bounce house)
Shopping - Quills Woolen Market - 3 stories with everything you could imagine
Seafari Boat Cruise - 2 hour/ 10 miles cruise around river and islands - fun and educational
The Park Hotel - worth a look ( A waitress told us it is for people with more money then sense - )
Pub music - Foley's and Lansdown Arms Hotel ( great interactive pub music - the whole place was singing! )
ROK - We did not do the Ring of Kerry drive. We decided we had enough of the car and decided to spend our time exploring the area on foot.