13/05/2023 to 14/05/2023

For a couple of days we based ourselves in Kilkenny.

We left Delgany and started the day at nearby Powerscourt Estate, home to one of the most famous gardens in the world. Very much styled on the French estates, we spent a few hours in the glorious sunshine wandering around. It was then off to the largest waterfall in Ireland, also in the wider Powerscourt Estate. It was quite the scene there… being a glorious day and a weekend it was packed with a mix of locals and tourists, the locals all with their barbecues out.

After relaxing there for a bit we headed toward Kilkenny, with a detour via Waterford to visit the crystal factory and see the amazing craftspeople at work, still handcutting the high end pieces. It was then to the hotel for the next two nights.

Next day was reasonably low key. We started by driving a little to visit the Rock of Cashel, a dramatic previous seat of power on the hill and emblematic of the sites of Ireland.

From there it was back to Kilkenny to wander the old town, popping into the castle. Seems it was the Butler family that presided over the area. I wonder if I’m from royal stock?

We capped the day by heading to the pub of a former witch (yes, the owner was tried as a witch back in the 14th century… so of course we had to go there).