Cork, Ireland

Rainy Day!

Bus to Blarney

Monday, December 27th we had reservations to fly to Cork, Ireland  on Ryan Airways.   The Irish people we talked to didn't have nice things to say about the airline but we had no problems - and it was cheap.  It was $40 (dollars) for the flight and that included almost $25 to check our luggage.  Even though we all were traveling with carry-ons only the airline required it be checked.

Blarney Castle

 We stayed at the Avondale Bed & Breakfast in Cork.  The owners were so nice and it was within walking distance to most places in Cork.  After we left our luggage, we headed to Blarney on the bus to see the castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone.  Surprise, surprise - it was a rainy day but we didn't let that stop us.  Sometimes I am a slow learner.  We got to the castle and walked all the way to the top on steep, winding stairs before I figured out the famous Blarney Stone was at the top of the castle!  Somehow I thought it was a big rock in a field.

I still didn't get it - even after seeing this sign:)

When I rounded the last corner, Jeff was on his back kissing the stone.  Nope - no way was I hanging my head over the side of the castle to kiss the stone.  I just blew it a kiss and called it "good".  This is definitely a tourist attraction.  There were two burly guys up there making sure you didn't fall and charging $10 euros for a picture.  Funny how they positioned themselves so you couldn't take a picture.  Sarah said I did the right thing not kissing the stone and getting everyone's germs.  Also, legend has it that the Irish go pee on it at night.  I was satisfied with my decision.

Blowing the Blarney Stone kiss would have to do!!!

Hot Toddy

After lunch in the local pub and shopping at the woolen mill, we waited in the rain at the bus stop for about an hour to get the bus back to Cork.  That long wait chilled us so we stopped at our new favorite pub, Preacher's, for a hot toddy.  Well deserved!!!  We had a great time talking to the bar tender.

Favorite Bartender of the day-Jeff tipped him
pretty well for his generous pouring of Jameson's

Diana enjoying some Bailey's Irish Cream

When we started our trip, we had a list of Irish drinks we wanted to try.  The usual beer, Jameson's Irish Whiskey, a hot toddy, Irish coffee and Bailey's Irish Cream were all on our list.  Research purposes only, of course!