Monday 3 July

Breakfast at Cairbre House was an experience. I had smoked salmon and salad! Smoked salmon is something I love but rarely eat, as it is indeed a luxury at home. I don't know about salad for breakfast though! The weather today is perfect- really warm, allowing Russ to experiment with the sunroof.

After leaving Dungarvan we travelled back to Waterford along the coastal road, visiting many tiny towns and seeing areas of craggy coastal beaches. We saw several beautiful thatched roofs and gorgeous coloured cottages and gardens which we took photos of. Also just out of Bunmahon some ancient ruins on the coast with cattle grazing alongside.

Ruins near Bunmahon

Thatched roof over well at Bunmahon

We found an Internet Café in Waterford. They were actually closed for training but graciously allowed us entry for 'only 5 minutes'.

The Waterford crystal factory tour was quite an experience and I'll never again wonder 'why so expensive?' Incredible processing and training experiences and quality checks at 8 or 9 stages means great sacrifices as none is kept as 'seconds'. The workers are paid for their accomplishments at each level so they must do their best at all times, so as not to have failures.

Old City Wall, Waterford

Damerstown Farmhouse

We missed exploring Reginald's Tower. We noticed it as we were leaving and took photos. It was built in 1003 and was part of the city walls. I couldn't resist looking over the bridge into the river and yes...lots of shopping trolleys!

We made it to Kilkenny and are staying (tonight and tomorrow) at a 19th century Georgian farmhouse with a 240 acre mixed farm; 'Damerstown Farmhouse', north of the city. Such a pretty yellow stone cottage with beautiful gardens and window boxes.

The Oldest Pub in Kilkenny

The hostess Mary Farrell has had 3 grown up children spend a year in Australia, which accounts for the 3 didgeridoos among the period furniture and furnishings in her dining room.

It is 8.45 PM and the sun is just setting. We had dinner at a pub in Kilkenny and Russ still needed sunglasses to drive back here.

 Tomorrow we are driving back into the city to take advantage of the 'hop on, hop off' tourist bus to see the sights including Kilkenny Castle.

Damerstown Farmhouse

Liam & Mary Farrell
Damerstown Farm, Castlecomer, Kilkenny
Tel: 00353 (0) 56 444 1337
http://www.damerstownfarmhouse.ie

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