Ireland > From Kilkenny to the Rock of Cashel

Ireland - The narrow streets of medieval Kilkenny

After being woken by the wake-up call, I pack my suitcase. After the breakfast buffet, we gather by the bus. Everyone is exactly on time — fortunately. We drive westward toward the town of Kilkenny. Outside, it is drizzling lightly. Kilkenny is a small town that feels like stepping straight into the Middle Ages. The charming High Street exudes an old-world atmosphere. Along the street is the old town hall, Rothe House. It’s a shame it isn’t dry. We stroll along the High Street and also explore the alleys behind it. These houses are accessible via “slips” (passageways). Finally, we visit the gardens of Kilkenny Castle at the end of the High Street. By now, the rain is coming down heavily, so we quickly return to the bus. After Kilkenny, we continue by bus to the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is a castle ruin situated on a 60-meter-high rock. The bus stops at the roadside for a Kodak moment. From this side, the Rock of Cashel is easiest to photograph. Then the bus drives around to the back, allowing us to walk around the former castle. Just behind the ruins, about 300 meters away, lie the remnants of Hore Abbey.

Ireland - The impressive ruins of the Rock of Cashel

We walk through the wet grass toward the Abbey, climbing over a few low walls, and enter the former Dominican monastery. We return to the bus via the main path, brushing the wet grass off our shoes. Next, we drive along narrow roads toward the small town of Cahir. In the center of the village sits Cahir Castle on a rocky outcrop in the river. The 13th-century castle is in relatively good condition, making it easy to explore. Inside the tower, Karen explains the history of the castle, as it’s too wet outside for a detailed tour. Our hotel is located in the natural surroundings of the Glen of Aherlow, though we don’t see much of the area. We arrive at the Aherlow House Hotel around seven o’clock. Outside, the rain is falling heavily. After the dinner buffet, we end the evening in the hotel lobby with a few fellow travelers.