Our Ireland Trip from K - M

Kilkenny Walking tour: Our guide had wonderful tales and insights as he led us on a walking tour after lunch on the 15th. We saw the Old Jail House, St. Francis Abbey brewery, the Black Abbey, the Rothe House and we heard about Dame Alice Kyteler, of Kyteler’s Inn (had lunch there) who was tried for witchcraft in 1323.

I don't remember his name, but doesn't he just look the part of a fine Irish guide to share a few stories? And we saw beautiful flowers everywhere. Next to the brightly painted stucco buildings it was quite charming, and Ireland was having an unusually warm September, after a cool, rainy summer.

St. Francis Abbey Brewery: This is Ireland’s oldest brewery and dates from the early 14th century when monks in St. Francis Abbey began brewing at this location. It brews Smithwick’s and also produces Budweiser for the Irish market.

I believe this building started as a castle in the 1200s, and was reconceived over the years until it has quite a mixed architectural heritage, trying hard to be classical, and a history of use as a town hall, courthouse and jail (gaol). There were jail cells on the lower level and we filled one to hear about the terrible crowding and conditions.

The Black Abbey, with some members of our group, Ann, Sue, Lila, Bill, Art and me in the lower right.

Limerick: Our driver John was from Limerick, so on the way through his town we stopped at a monument to the Treaty of Limerick which displays the stone where the treaty ending the war between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of Orange was signed in 1691.




Mayor of Kilkenny: After we unpacked and settled into our hotel rooms at the Kilkenny Ormande on September 14, we were off to meet the Mayor Marie Fitzpatrick where we learned about her interest in the social problems of teen-agers, particularly alcohol. She explained the city and county legal structure and educational system.



Moher, Cliffs of: On September 10th after visiting the Burren we viewed the incredible Cliffs of Moher. There is a new visitor and interpretive center which opened this year at a cost of about 30 million euros. A bridal party arrived, taking photos I hope, and not for the ceremony. The bride and her attendants were about to blow away.



As Irish buildings go, this one really isn't very old--maybe 150 years or so--built by a far sighted man who saw the possibilities for tourism.



If you don't blow off the cliff, it's probably a great background for a formal portrait.