The Butler of Kilkenny

For what was effectively our last touring day in Ireland, we decided to stick to our tried and proven process. We were staying in the city and just around the corner from the Butler family ghosts and Kilkenny castle so we took a self guided tour of this former home of the rich and powerful. The fellow tourist crowd was about, but enough for us to cope with. This castle, now in public hands, is a bit of a gem and we enjoyed our time there. You could think about just how these places come into being and about how many people were ground into oblivion to create them, but perhaps it is time to get over that and move on. Today the castle and the extensive grounds are enjoyed by thousands, now including us from down under.



From the castle we set out for a pilgrimage to the nearby area of Thomastown and then Inistioge. Went past ruined Jerpoint Abbey three times trying to find a native at home before actually stopping to visit this place which was taken out of existence by Henry XVIII and his fellow English bullies some time ago. A highlight for the day was Inistioge, a pretty little place tucked in between the hills and the river. Just to relax for a bit in the sun and along the picnic grounds was enjoyable and there were plenty of others doing the same. Of course we had afternoon tea at one of the cafes nearby.



From there we headed into Woodstock gardens which is a former grand estate now being gradually restored by the Republic. A wander around the gardens was again enjoyable. As with Inistioge, there were plenty of families letting youngsters release energy in the spacious expanses on a sunny day.

From there, it was a quiet drive back to Kilkenny, a quaint and pleasant small city in a good setting where we enjoyed our last touring dinner. It was time to turn our heads towards Dublin and prepare ourselves for the Welsh, English and Scots in the days ahead. With grimacing teeth, we have been keeping our eye on the BBC over the last few days to get up to speed on current affairs in the fading empire.



But perhaps I am a little ahead of myself here and my touring companion may haver other ideas for the day ahead.

In ,the Kats hurling team are a big item. Lousy colours but perhaps more sense that those blue and white pussy cats of Geelong.