An Irish Ending in Kilkenny and Tipperary
As we left Ballyseede Castle, we journeyed back to Dublin, stopping at Tipperary and Kilkenny.
Determined to continue seeing more of the country and its history, we ventured to the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary. This was once the site of the High Kings of Munster before it was gifted to the Church, and the tower dates back to the 12th century. In the Chapel, there resides the original Cross of St. Patrick. We walked through its medieval arches, and looked out towards the Golden Vale where pastureland and Hore Abbey stole our hearts. We stayed for an hour on this beautifully preserved rock, and jumped back into the tour bus toward Kilkenny.
Once in Kilkenny, we ate food and went shopping. While we did not have much time here, we got together to tour Kilkenny Castle. This thirteenth century defensive Castle has 12ft thick walls, and was built just after Norman invasion of Ireland. It is largely styled in a victorian splendor, with a beautiful red walled Abbey where celtic carvings lined the buttresses. It was so beautiful, in addition to the entire town was heavy with the same medieval buildings.
