We left Killarney on Friday morning headed for Waterford but stopped at the Blarney Castle along the way. There was an hour and a half line for the castle and kissing the blarney stone so we decided to enjoy the gardens instead. We really thought that the gardens were beautiful, even better than the Muckross house.
Blarney Castle
Waterfall at Blarney Castle
Waterfall at Blarney Castle
Gardens at Blarney Castle
Gardens at Blarney Castle
Gardens at Blarney Castle
Gardens at Blarney Castle
Gardens at Blarney Castle with the castle in the background
Waterlilies at the lake at Blarney Castle
We hated to leave the Blarney Castle but headed off to Waterford. We checked into the hotel and then walked a few blocks to the Waterford Factory. They had a beautiful Grandfather Clock in the lobby. We went through and saw some of the master craftsmen blowing, cutting and engraving glass. We saw a replica of the BCS trophy and got to hold it. It was quite an interesting tour.
Waterford Crystal Grandfather Clock at the Waterford Factory
Conrad holding the BCS Trophy replica
Tim – one of the people on our tour holding the BCS trophy and wearing the trophy that will be given tot he NCAA game in Dublin next fall
One of the master craftsmen
After we got back to the hotel and freshened up we went out into the countryside to a pub called Jack Meade’s pub where we had an Irish sing-along and a few pints of beer. It was a fun little excursion, and then we headed back to the hotel for dinner and some much needed rest.
Jack Meade’s pub
Jack Meade’s Pub