On the Road - day 2

Day 2

Started in Cork with a quick breakfast and a visit to the Blarney Castle. It was so nice, the grounds were gorgeous and we could have spent a whole day there walking around and looking at so many things. Unfortunately we couldn't but what we did see and do we are happy with.

First we started with the Castle itself, it was amazing. We had access to the old building, looking out through the old windows, peering over walls and climbing up the curves staircases. The Girls had a great time as it all seemed that it was built for them, steep, narrow and dangerous...I could feel my heart stop few times. Once we reached the top of the Castle we found ourselves in line to "Kiss the Blarney stone" Kenny went first, Caitlin wanted to so badly and almost missed her chance but found the courage and did it. Macaela of course wasn't going to let Cait have that on her so she did it too. I of course took the photos and Emma was too small..... next time.

We spent some time walking around the grounds, saw some horses and walked through a trail and just happened to come across the "Wishing Steps" this of course is what I did, well we all did. We all had to climb to the top of the staircase which was within a huge rock, it was dark and a little wet... there was a hand rail so that helped. After climbing 32 ish steps you had then return down the stairs backwards with your eyes closed making you wish the whole time that you descended. It was fun, a little nerve racking and I really hope my wish comes true! After making our wishes we started to make our way to the car, we still had lots of driving to do to make it to Killarney.

We decided to take the scenic route to Killarney which we were told would add another hour to the trip? more like hours.....but it was beautiful and an experience. First stop Kilsare, a port town where we walked around and did a little bit of shopping. We continued driving along the coastline and sometimes a little inland, we made a quick stop at a beach area, once again too much sand so we made it short. We then drove further along making a stop in Bantry, this was a well needed stop to get out and stretch our legs and get a bite to eat.

Our final leg was from Bantry to Killarney Town....this was the most exciting part of the drive, steep hills side, narrow roads, tunnels, bridges, rock walls with water right below and sheep.... lots of sheep, some contained some not...... we missed this photo opportunity.

Our arrival into the National Park that surrounds Killarney started at a look out point. It was spectacular.... The views were amazing of the lakes and we only saw one of them. We had a photo opportunity that we couldn't miss and then we headed into the town. It was just as Macaela and I remembered, there is definitely a good feeling when you are travelling and you come back to or across something familiar.... it was a great feeling to be back in Killarney.

After another full day in the car travelling we just relaxed, had dinner and a very well deserved Guinness for Kenny. We knew we would have another full day ahead on Wednesday so it was back to our room and a good night sleep.