Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland (6/22/2016)
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| Kilkenny Castle Overlooking The River Nore - Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland |
The star of the show is Kilkenny
Castle with 800 years of history (see photos). Overlooking the River Nore and modified
over history, it is now a fine representation of how the rich lived centuries
ago. The impressive high ceilings and long hall of the Long Gallery is a focal point with its portraits of the Butler
family that lived here for 600 years. The massive gardens are also impressive.
Don’t miss the smaller rose gardens in front of the castle (see photo).
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| Rose Garden at Kilkenny Castle - Kilkenny, Ireland |
If you like visiting churches, St
Canice’s Cathedral is an attractive Gothic Cathedral. The model of medieval
Kilkenny City located here is also interesting. A climb up the 100 steps of the
Cathedral’s tower offers great views of the city.
Pat found the Rothe House fun
to explore. This is Ireland’s only surviving 17th century merchant’s
house. We both liked sitting and enjoying the Bulter House and its gardens located behind the National Craft Gallery & Kilkenny
Design Centre where you can purchase contemporary local craftwork.
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| High Street - Kilkenny, Ireland |
Some of the best fun we had in Kilkenny was enjoying the pub culture where you can listen to traditional Irish music and food. We
enjoyed the historic Kyteler’s Inn on
St Kieran’s Street that was built 800 years ago. The food and music is good and
there are several different settings to enjoy (traditional pub, beer garden,
courtyard, and large music room with vaulted ceilings). There are plenty of
other atmospheric pubs so you are sure to find one that suits your fancy.
Travel Tip - How to navigate around Kilkenny: The old
town quarter of Kilkenny is easy to navigate with Kilkenny Castle at one end
and St Canice’s Cathedral at the other. High Street (see photo) and St Kieran’s Street are
the main two streets with The Parade Street leading to the castle and
Parliament Street leading up to the cathedral.
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| John's Bridge over The River Nore - Kilkenny, Ireland |
We enjoyed staying in the Kilkenny
Pembroke Hotel with its very central location in the heart of the medieval
old town quarter and its modern and very confortable rooms. Just walk out the door and you are right in the action. Some
rooms actually have views of the famous Kilkenny Castle. The free parking in
the their secured lot was a big plus for us – very central location and
parking!
Beer drinkers: It is not a myth that Guinness beer tastes better in Ireland. It most certainly does!
Although a wonderful beer anywhere in the world, a slightly different process
is done for the beer made for export. So, drink up and enjoy.
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| Beautiful Irish Countryside |
Travel advise about visiting Ireland: While
visiting Ireland, we learned a few important lessons. The beauty of our Ireland
experience was more about the genuine Irish people and beauty of the
countryside and less so about how many important sites and buildings there are
to visit. We found the best pub experience in the world in Ireland. So, slow
down, enjoy the vibrantly green countryside, the Irish people, and visit a pub
or two when you ‘fancy a pint’.
See our other 9 travel blog posts on Ireland:
Dublin, Republic of Ireland (capital)
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Dingle Peninsula & KillarneyTown, Ireland
Blarney Castle & Castle, Ireland
Belfast, Northern Ireland Great Britain
Cork, Ireland
Dublin, Republic of Ireland (capital)
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Dingle Peninsula & KillarneyTown, Ireland
Blarney Castle & Castle, Ireland
Belfast, Northern Ireland Great Britain
Cork, Ireland
Westport, Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, Ireland
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