Loving Kilkenny and Waterford

Kilkenny castle

I didn’t stay in Kilkenny but everybody recommended I should go see the castle at least. The town seems to be fairly touristy but it looks to be pretty interesting and I could recommend staying there a couple days. You might find yourself loving Kilkenny especially because there is a famous beer that comes from here that is very delicious.

Entrance to Kilkenny Castle Loving Kilkenny
The entranceway to Kilkenny Castle. It is obvious it is a main attraction here. There is a lot of parking though it’s difficult to find a space.
Kilkenny castle Loving Kilkenny
The side of the castle
Excavation at Kilkenny Loving Kilkenny
There are still ancient things to find under this site
Kilkenny courtyard Bill Smale
The view from the courtyard

Original wallpaper Bill Smale
These are some of the original wallpapers
Kilkenny castle dining room Bill Smale
The small dining room room
Bill Smale
Waiting room Bill Smale
People waiting to see the Lord, one of the Butler descendants
Lounge area Bill Smale
This was a day room for relaxation. The lounge is actually a small bed for two people. The guides explained people at that time often slept sort of have sitting up for health reasons. I suspect since this is a cold and damp country there were a lot of potentials for respiratory issues. Setting up without allow the sinuses to drain properly and not into the lungs.
Moorish staircase Bill Smale
This is the Moorish staircase modeled after something from North Africa as you can see.
Waiting area
This was the waiting area for the main public who wanted a few minutes with the Lord or some high authority

Waterford Crystal

even though a Waterford crystal company has a very long tradition, actually almost as old as the US constitution, the current company was actually established by a fellow from the Czech Republic, Havel. The Czech Republic is also very famous for Crystal. All of the crystal here is handmade and a lot of it is custom designed and made for special purposes. You have to pay for the tour, something less than US$20

Opening times
The opening times
Maddock clock
The beautiful clock encased in crystal
Wooden moulds
The pieces are created using wooden moulds. Different types of wood are used for different creations.
Crystal bear
This Behr was created using many different pieces.
Bear moulds
Here you can see the moulds used to create the bear
Back to Pebble Beach
The Pebble Beach Pro-Am trophy
Creating the crystal
All of the production is on display for visitors
Eight year apprenticeship
The apprentices work for five years here and then they moved to design for three years. After that they become a craftsman.
Shaping the crystal
He is putting the red heart crystal into the mould to shape it. To hollow it out he blows on the other end of the long pipe.
Edge grinding
This fellow is grinding down the edge
Product check
Checking the product for perfect perfection
Recycle bin
If there are any flaws that can’t immediately be corrected they are put in this recycle bin. This crystal is then melted down and used again.
Cooling down the crystal
Cooling down the piece
Drawing the design
They use these pens to draw the design on the product
Different stages
The product in different stages of finishing
Etching
This is where they etch the final design
Waterford city crest
The Waterford city Crest
Van Gogh artwork
Van Gogh artwork
Obama memorial peace
One piece created when Obama visited the factory
Workshop tools in crystal
Interesting assortment of designed pieces

Waterford

Town clock
The town clock
Old building
Just an interesting old building
Redbreast whiskey
My new favorite whiskey made at the same distillery as Jamison. This is an amazing league flavorful whiskey
Saint Savior’s Church
Saint savior‘s Church
Screenshot
Panamanian Saint
A Panamanian saint
Tracy’s hotel
Maybe this is my family’s hotel
England crest
This is obviously an England royal building
Screenshot
Viking tower
Reginald‘s tower originally created by the Vikings
Tower on the edge of the city
Waterford city at the inception. On the lower left you can see the tower at the corner of the two inlets. This is a good place to protect incoming traffic
Turkish restaurant
This is an interesting name for a Turkish restaurant
Yeats water
I did not know this famous poet also sold water

Ormonde Castle

One of the butler’s houses adjacent to a castle
Bedroom
The bedroom
Butler crest
The Butler crest
Queens Savior
The guy who saved Elizabeth
Family crest
Family crest above the fireplace
Boat designed roof
The attic was a space for the servants to sleep. The design is reminiscent of a boat. Actually it was boat builders who created this roof. No metal was used to join the pieces so that they would expand and contract together and not break.
Castle Mark
An old Mark of the castle

Bopping around Belfast

if you want to consider Bopping around Belfast I recommend you visit a few places that may be of interest. The Belfast Castle is mostly a venue for gatherings but it’s an interesting building from the outside and the garden is nice and it’s a great view of Belfast and the port. There are a few sites in the city. My interest was going to the bridge of Toome to visit, after 40 years, the place whereRoddy McCorley was hanged. I also visited the social club named after him which has a lot of history especially of the revolution and a nice little pub.

Castle Garden Bopping around Belfast
Belfast Castle Garden
The castle Bopping around Belfast
The castle from the garden
Beautiful flowers Bopping around Belfast
It’s the beginning of spring so the flowers are starting to come out
Northside Castle Bill Smale
The castle from the northside
Cruise ship Bill Smale
A cruise ship in Belfast Port
Castle owners Bill Smale
These are the people that owned the castle. There was some kind of defensive structure built here 1000 years ago by the Vikings and then the Normans
Beautiful bushes and trees
The flowering bushes and trees were very beautiful
City crest
This could very well be a city crest but I did not look it up
Berde Road
At this height it is obvious that this was a road for birds
Telegraph building
The old telegraph building
Telegraph building
The building itself

Whitehead

whitehead is about 3/4 of the way up to Larne which is the port for the ferry to the Isle of Man. Belfast became too expensive so I came up here for a few days. There isn’t much in this town but it’s a good place to just walk around by the seaside and relax.

Redbreast whiskey
My favorite Irish whiskey was Jamison but my all-time favorite was a bourbon. Then I was introduced to redbreast which is actually made in the same place as Jamison. This is an interesting and very flavorful, fruity whiskey and now my all-time favorite as a sipping whiskey
Plum tree
Beautiful flowering plum I think
Whitehead coffee
I came to Whitehead for the coffee? Maude serves a delicious coffee
Colorful buildings
Colorfull buildings
Nice buildings
More colorful buildings by the seaside. If you keep going south along this path you will find a trekking path into a natural preserve. There are a lot of birds here so will provide you with some nice natural music as you walk up along the hill
Smooth beach stones
You can go down right by the water and pick out some nice round stones. They are very smooth
Presbyterian Church
The Presbyterian Church
Knorr wine
I didn’t know that Knorr is now selling cups of wine. This is interesting
Ketchup ideas
Interesting ideas on ketchup
Tardis
I found Doctor Who’s tardis

Doneraile Castle

in the southwest of Ireland, Tipperary, the Butler family was given control of the area by Queen Elizabeth I. This is just one of the castles in the area not too far from Waterford.

Doneraile Castle Approach
The castle from the approach
Butler Doneraile Castle
If I remember correctly this is the Butler who saved Elizabeth from potential violence when her half brother became king. She was whisked away to Ireland for safety
Famous book Doneraile Castle
A copy of a famous book written by one of the attendees of the castle
Steeplechase cup Doneraile Castle
A commemorative cup of the bicentennial steeplechase race. A horse race from one church steeple to another church steeple of a certain distance which I believe is 5.7 km is called a steeplechase. This steeplechase, 200 years ago was the first one. Saint ledger is the name given to this fellow, not that he was a saint but he was the Lord of the area.
Last inhabitant Bill Smale
The last inhabitant of the castle
Elizabeth Bowen, a well-known writer of the time Bill Smale
This Elizabeth was a close friend of the last inhabitant of the castle and wrote many books. When she sold her castle, very close to this one, she had built a small house for herself and she told her friends that it was the first time in her life she was ever warm. These castles are very cold and difficult to heat
Bottle window Bill Smale
A famous architect designed this castle including this beautiful foyer glass window made up partly from the ends of bottles
Silver mirror Bill Smale
A very unusual mirror. It is made up of 95% silver and that’s why it has not developed the tarnishing that mirrors tend to get overtime. It is said that the kids used to bounce balls off of it
Original dining room set Bill Smale
Most of the original furnishings were left

Dublin and history

Dublin was a trading center established by the Vikings and later built up by the local people and of course, since it was close to England, the Normans and then the British. It’s an interesting town with almost as many pubs‘s restaurants in some areas. It’s a good place to spend three or four days and there was a lot to see. If you were interested in the history the Irish people are very proud of it is not only their ancient heritage but also how they gained their freedom from England.

Kilmainham Goal

this is the jail where they kept people to be punished and also temporarily housed before they shipped them to some other place in the world. This is also the place where the major organizers of the Easter rising in 1916 were executed by the British. Make sure to book this in advance on their website. In the off-season you have to book a few days in advance. During the tourist season it could be very crowded.

Courtroom Dublin and history
The courtroom where you start your tour and where judgments were made upon prisoners
Eire Dublin and history
This is the symbol of Ireland. Eire is the name of the country and it means “the land“. The English, be because they did not understand what the name meant, they added “land” to the name and therefore became Ireland.
Here we go on the tour through the prison
The cells Dublin and history
Walking through the narrow passages next to the cells
Chapel Dublin and history
The chapel were prisoners are allowed a service. There was one famous prisoner who got married the day he died here in this chapel.
Thick walls Bill Smale
You can see there were very thick walls
Cell inside Bill Smale
The inside of one of the cells
The new part of the jail Bill Smale
This was a later addition to the old jail. This is the section where the Easter rising organizers were imprisoned.
Patrick Pearse Bill Smale
His history is in another photo blog. He was executed for participation in the Easter rising
A rebels Cell
Simon was a rebel who was captured in 1921
She was not executed but let out within months
Thomas Clarke
Thomas was executed also
Execution plaque
The execution of the organizers of the 1916 rebellion
Eamon’s cell
Eamon was not executed because he was also a US citizen. He was let out and went to the US to get support and then came back and eventually became the president of Ireland for many years.
The New Edition
The outside of the New Edition
This is the wall against which the prisoners were executed
The hydra
The Hydra represents the five most heinous crimes

Trinity College

Trinity College
Trinity College is the main premium university in Ireland
Trinity College main entrance
The main entrance to the university
Graduating class
I arrived just at the graduation ceremonies
The book of Kells
The book of Kells is an ancient fifth century Bible which was rescued and preserved in the city of Kells and later moved to Trinity College
The Bible is highly decorated
Irish  symbolism
You see the symbolism of the whirling circles with three items inside exactly the same as the Japanese symbol which I found very interesting in 1985 and I find it everywhere in ancient Irish art
Ogham letters
You can see here the old language which shows some letters carved on the left of the edge and some on the right and some going over the edge. They all represent different letter letters
The long room library
This is the library where every published book is kept. It has been added onto over the ages
Republic declaration
One of the original declarations of the Republic in 1916
Old map
A very old map Showing Ireland
Political districts
The different political districts in Ireland
16th century harp
This is called the Brian Boru harp but it was made almost 500 years after he died. This is from the 16th century And the oldest one found to date.

Sandycove and James Joyce

The author of Ulysses and Finnegan‘s Wake, James Joyce, was often staying in Dublin but he loved SandyCove. The tower he stayed in is one of his memorial spots and a very interesting place to visit. It’s just outside Dublin so a very easy trip.

The church
The church in the town
St. Joseph’s Parish
Saint Joseph’s Parish
Stained glass window Bill Smale
Beautiful stained glass window
James Joyce memorial
A memorial to James Joyce

Sandycove and James Joyce

Many smoke stacks
You see the many smoke stacks from just one building. It represents the cooking ovens and the fireplaces in each of the rooms
The tower
You can see the tower in the distance on the right
This is where James Joyce stayed for a while and the characters he met here are very much reflected in his book “Ulysses“.

The Dingle peninsula

The Dingle peninsula is a really amazing place and if you have time don’t miss it. It is so beautiful and it has so many interesting places to stop and see and learn. The town of Dingle itself is quite touristy but it’s fun to walk around this Port town. I stayed in the Base which is a hotel and it was much more than sufficient. To see music in the evening I went to the dingle pub and a nice thing was the local flavor of the tunes and the amount amount of fiddle music. It was really a great experience.

Tralee

St. John’s parish The Dingle peninsula
St. John’s parish

the rose of Tralee it’s about a couple who fell in love, the woman far below the gentleman’s station in life and so of course the families wanted them separated so the gentleman’s family sent him off to war. The woman died before he could get back and she was his rose.

The rose of Tralee The Dingle peninsula
The rose of Tralee
Drinking consultants The Dingle peninsula
This must be the place to go if you want to understand more about drinking.
Drinking consultants Bill Smale

this town doesn’t seem to be very busy and not very touristy but it’s a cute little town and maybe because it’s not so busy it would be an easy place to find accommodation and it definitely is worth stopping by during the day at least.

on to the Peninsula

the fairy Circle is actually a small circle inside a larger circle which you can walk around. It has not been extensively excavated and it’s on private land so in that respect it’s kind of interesting, left pretty much the way people found it hundreds of years ago. For a nominal fee you can enter the area and they give you some food that you can give to the sheep, the donkeys, the pigs and any other animals that happen by. The land is owned by a family of farmers. The father is 87 years old and has a heart problem so he doesn’t manage the entrance fee collection. Instead the granddaughter is there and she had her very young baby with her at the time. Have a chat with her. She is a very nice and interesting person. This is a fun place to go with the kids.

Sheep everywhere and interested in food Bill Smale
Sheep everywhere and interested in food
Donkeys Bill Smale
They even have donkeys but you’re not so interested in you touching them
The food that is dropped on the ground of course can be picked up by the birds
Small circle Bill Smale
You can see the small fairy circle just on the left why are you are standing on the larger circle
Big circle
From the top of the larger circle you can see the whole area enclosed in the large circle itself. In the center is the small smaller circle
Famine cottage
This site was closed at the time. I am pretty sure it’s on private land and the land owners were just not down at the booth to collect the fare at that time
Cottage
This is one of the cottages from a distance
Beehive Hughes
I didn’t go to this attraction since it only accepted cash and I didn’t have any Small money with me
A nice view on the coast
Small room
This is one of the forts and there is an entrance here to a space down below which requires stooping down and a flashlight
Top of the fort
This is the fort from the top
Old buildings
Older buildings with new roofs
Fallen down building
Of course this one was just left to fall apart. People often take the stones from these older buildings
Ocean view
Ocean view
Different vegetation
You can see the brown hills in the back and you wonder why they’re brown since there is so much rain, three days rain and one day sunshine. I was told by a tour bus driver that it must be a different kind of vegetation since it does turn green around June and July
Ancient structure
This was obviously some ancient structure
The museum
These islands are just off the coast and are not now inhabited. This historical museum was established to preserve the history, writings, culture, music and the language.
Old writing
The old writing
Sheep shares
I recognize these right away. They are sheep shears for cutting the wool off of the sheep. My grandfather had a pair of these and I use them to trim the grass edge at home every Saturday
Old boat
This is one of the old boats upside down built from a wooden frame and a canvas hull which made it very light at maneuverable and enabled the people on the islands to get to the mainland quickly or to go out and fish quickly and then get back quickly before the weather turned bad which can happen very suddenly.
Irish flag
The flag of Ireland
Monastery
An old monastic structure
Intact church
This is one of the amazing places in Ireland, a Christian religious church made completely out of stone which remained intact for so many hundreds of years.
This is the church
The surrounding area
Church ceiling
Inside the church ceiling
Gallarus oratory
It is out in the middle of farms
Secret agent room
I think they knew that I was a secret agent
Dingle pub music
Music in the evening at the Dingle pub
Dick Mack’s
Dick Mack’s pub was recommended to me since it is partly owned by a very famous musician of traditional Irish music
Fish and chips
They very kindly replaced the “chips“, french fries, with a salad
Owner of the pub
A photo of the original owner of the dingle pub. The fellow on the right is a Brosnan, but probably not related to Pierce Brosnan
The Chieftains
I was a teenager when I got my first album of Chieftain’s music. About 10 years ago I saw them live in Arizona.

Donnegal and there abouts

Donnegal is an interesting place for those who want to study or involve yourself with the Irish language. It is here that Patrick Pearse set up his cottage and spent his time with the people he loved to be with, the people who spoke the native language. It’s a very beautiful place that has such a varied scenery and landscape. There are many ancient sites to visit and the place just rings with history and legends and music. I was told that the English, when they wanted to keep control of part of Ireland. They decided Donnegal was something they could give back since it was a lot of land that was not very useful for agriculture. But there is also a lot of greenery here so you won’t be dissatisfied. You will hear Irish spoken from time to time.

inishmore

Beautiful rivers Donnegal and there abouts
Beautiful rivers in this area
On the Riverside Donnegal and there abouts
How would you like to live on the Riverside
An Irish cross Donnegal and there abouts
A Celtic Cross with a tombstone in Irish.
Adapted letter letters Bill Smale
The letters are also adapted

Dungloe

Beautiful beaches Bill Smale
There are so many beautiful beaches in Ireland
Ice cream truck Bill Smale
Was I following this truck in order to get my daily share of ice cream?
Beautiful geology Bill Smale
Some beautiful geology
Good surfing
The ocean sides seem to be just so much fun and I understand the surfing is good
Donnegal flag Bill Smale
This is the Donnegal flag
Local church
A local church
Lawnmower Bill Smale
A built-in lawnmower
Old tomb
This is an old tomb left as it is
Freshwater
Nice fresh water

donegal Castle

Donnegal Castle
In downtown Donnegal you will find the castle
The two families
These are the two major families that occupied the castle
Irish books
Of course the old books were written in Irish, not English

continuing on the journey

Killybegs is just west of Galway
In Kilcar I saw a fairy. People don’t say leprechaun in Ireland. They talk about fairies.
A US contribution
I guess somebody from the US either came back or made a good contribution to the church
Goodwin tomb
A Goodwin tomb
Magnum flavors
One of my favorites in multiple flavors
Organized gravesite
The cemetery was the most organized I had seen. Here are the names of the people buried here and the location of the grave
Flags
The EU, Ireland and Donnegal flags
CORNELL COLLEGE in Ireland
This place looks like an extension of Cornell College
Barbershop
I should’ve had my haircut here
Charlie Bonner’s shop
Well, we know who owns the shop
Squid loyalty program
At the bottom you will notice some loyalty program called squid

Cavan

A Tracy relative
I wonder if Hugh is one of my relatives
Drumlane Abbey
Tibetan Buddhist retreat
I was amazed to find a Tibetan Buddhist retreat in the middle of the countryside
Mullaghgarve
on the way to see a monument. This goat didn’t fare well. Mullaghgarve mass rock
Pathway view
But it was a nice view from the pathway
Antique museum
An old knickknack museum near Cavan
Phone booze
An old phone booth
Countryside photo
This photo was taken from my bed-and-breakfast room

Donnegal

Old restaurant
This is a nice old restaurant
Donegal castle
Meanwhile, back at the castle
A jail cell
Does this look like a comfortable accommodation?

Killybegs

St. Mary’s Church
Saint Mary’s Church
Saint Mary’s inside
The inside of St. Mary’s
Seafood
A very nice seafood soup
Nice photo
Walking around I just thought this was a nice photo

going for Guinness

I think every tourist to Ireland has heard of Guinness. They are one of the most successful beer brands in the world. They have a long history of creating a unique range of stouts which revolve around certain taste ideas. There is not only one Guinness flavor. If you’ve never been to a brewery I highly recommend visiting the storehouse tour. If you’ve been to several breweries I’m not sure how different this one will be. I have only visited maybe five different beer breweries in the world but I did not find this experience to be tremendously different than the others. But if you’re excited about Guinness then do the storehouse experience. You can also in addition or separately book the experimental beer tasting at the open gate brewery on Saint James Street. That is definitely a place you must go if you’re interested in Guinness, the company and the different flavors they have invented over these several hundred years.

Storehouse gate going for Guinness
Proof I was here. This is the gate to the storehouse experience which is the history and the information about the products.
Storehouse buildings going for Guinness
You have to go around this walkway here and at the end turn left to get to the entrance. It is not on Saint James Street even though the open gate brewery is. At the top you can see the round Guinness tasting room and pub which is a nice place to view the whole city.
Entrance to the store house going for Guinness
The entrance to the storehouse. They are self guided tours but you book a time to go in, get an initial presentation and explanation of the storehouse and then you walk around by yourself.
Company charter Bill Smale
The initial charter for the company
Grain for Guinness. Bill Smale
The specific grain use for the brew
Decked out a guy Bill Smale
This fellow was very interestingly decked out
Nitrogen flavoring going for Guinness
Nitrogen helps with the flavor
Beer barrels Bill Smale
Showing how they used to stack up the barrels for transport
Tasting room entrance entrance
The entrance to the tasting room
Fishy cyclist
A very fishy cyclist
A view of Trinity College
A view looking over Trinity College
St. Patrick’s memorial
You can see Saint Patrick’s memorial
St. Patrick’s Memorial
Saint Patrick’s Monument it’s just off of Saint James Street
Horse carriages
Outside the brewery you can get a horse carriage
Take a Dublin tour on a horse carriage
They are lined up to take you on a tour around Dublin
Open gate pub
This is the open gate pub which you really must visit
Experimental beers
These are a list of the experimental beers they create and are not yet marketed. You pick three of them for the triple tasting experience
Delicious experimental beers
They were all amazingly delicious
West Indies Porter
I had tried the West Indies Porter before and it was interesting and OK
Wicklow Mountains
You can see the mountains from which the water is drawn
Belgium brews
These are two beers which are brewed in Belgium

after World War II there were no functioning breweries in Belgium so Guinness went there to set up a brewery and it now makes two different types of beer in Belgium which are not exported around the world.

Timmermans
This one is a very thick and a little bit sweet flavor with a tang. It is an extremely delicious beer and one you must try but I warn you, this beer is twice the price of a regular Guinness
Special export Guinness
This special export is also very delicious and very different from the standard Guinness. It has a wide range of flavors

Landing in Dublin

this was only the second time I was in Dublin, the first time being 1985. Things have changed quite a bit but a lot of things have remained the same. I noticed quite an increase in tourist traffic.

Custom’s house landing in Dublin
I visited the custom house and also the immigration museum which gave me some very good information.
Kathleen Emerson landing in Dublin
The custom house, because it was controlled by the British government, became a target in the rebellion against British oppression.
Custom house landing in Dublin
As you visit these buildings you will see the perspective of why there was so much pent up discussed for the rule of the country by England.
British rule landing in Dublin
The Irish were not a priority for the England government.
Jewish boy display Bill Smale
This was an interesting display
Immigration museum Bill Smale
Irish immigration Museum
Fish and coleslaw Bill Smale
This food was not bad. Instead of green peas they kindly replaced it with coleslaw
Coffee in Ireland Bill Smale
Of course I have to stop for coffee. Every place I’ve been in Ireland seems to have pretty good coffee. It’s not strong so you may want to request a double or triple shot to increase the flavor.
Three flags Bill Smale
Here you have three flags. On the left is the Dublin flag, in the middle is the Irish republic and on the right is the EU flag.
Books
This is a very interesting bookstore
Saint Patrick’s Park
Saint Patrick’s Park
The long hall
Look at the name of the building. It’s kind of a play on words.
American Launderette
I wonder if an American Laundrette is any different than an Irish Launderette.
Kelly’s Hotel
Kelly’s Hotel
Interesting display
I thought this was an interesting display
Singer bicycle
I didn’t know singer made a bicycle.
G
You must visit the GPO
Smithwick’s Irish ale
I tried this and it was OK but I prefer Guinness
The act of union
The act of union might’ve been a response to a attempted overthrow of British rule in the late 1700s
Of view from the bridge
Love you from the bridge
Custom house
The custom house from the bridge
Interesting old building
Just an interesting building
Interesting building
Another interesting building
The Irish yeast company
This is an old company
The gym pub
Interesting name for a pub
Casinos
Casinos and betting offices are everywhere
View from the bridge
Another view from the bridge
O’Connell statue
The O’Connell statue.

Daniel O’Connell

GPO
This is the GPO with a symbol in front
Piper
A piper is playing for handouts
Irish breakfast
This is a full Irish breakfast. I always bring my own spices so it is filling
An old pub
Peter, a friend and myself at one of the very old pubs in Dublin. We drank a lot of course.
Splitting the G
There is this drinking game type thing called “splitting the G“. When you receive your Guinness you take the first big drink and try to leave the remainder below the halfway mark in the G of Guinness. I wasn’t trying to do this because I don’t think it’s the way to drink but it seems to be popular with some people.
Catholic service
There are not that many people attending Catholic services anymore especially after the scandals following the 1970s.
Beautiful flowers
I just found these flowers to be beautiful

christ Church Cathedral

Magna Carta
There is a Magna Carta in this exhibit area, one of the original copies.
Mummified cat and rat
These two were trapped inside an organ
Old relic
Part of the old church dating back 700 years
The Royalcrest
This is the crest of the England monarchs. The words below translate “God and my Liege” . It’s in French because the Norman Viking descendants took the throne in 1066 as the Plantagenets, William the conqueror
A bound heart
I don’t know what the significance of this image is
Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick’s stained glass
This is an original flooring
Foggy dew
The foggy dew is also a very famous song in Ireland about the rebellion
Interesting architecture
Interesting architecture
Light meal
I decided to have something light at the pub where I stayed on the second floor
Guinness perfect pour
99.9% of the time the bartenders pour Guinness perfectly
The music schedule at my pub which was Kennedy‘s in drumcondra
I just decided to have some Indian food which was very delicious
Gelato
Of course a day would not be complete without gelato
A comedy show
I went to see several comedy shows. Craic his Irish for a very difficult word to translate but it encompasses enjoyment, entertainment, fun etc.
Guinness brewery
Of course I had to visit Guinness. I didn’t find the brewery visit all that different from any other brewery visit though it had a lot of visuals and things for families to enjoy. The open gate pub is much more interesting and it’s on Saint James Street.
Experimental beers
These are experimental beers made by Guinness and they were all extremely delicious. They will not be produced unless the results of marketing surveys indicate they should. But I was impressed with the flavors and the quality.
West Indies Porter
This is one of the beers available in Jamaica. It’s a different flavor than the one brewed in Ireland. Porter is a very different type of beer
Of course I had to go see a music show with the guy down below as the main singer
Gary Og
This was GaryOg who kind of specializes in rebel songs of the 18 and 1900s. He’s very famous in Ireland and I’m glad I went to see him
Abby Theatre
I saw this play and it was a lot of fun but the week after that I saw “the plow and the stars“ which was here at the Abbey Theatre which is the national Theatre of Ireland and that play was on its Centennial production. It appeared first in 1926 and was about the people during the Easter rising in 1916.
This is the theater before the

The Men of the West

there is an Irish song made popular during the fight against the genocide imposed by England called “the men of the west“ and popularized by the Clancy Brothers. The other song I remember clearly is “the hills of Connemara“ which is well known by my generation in the area around Galway and to the west. The song is about making moonshine and trying to avoid the tax man. You will enjoy the hospitality of the people here. The weather is a little rough but the beauty of the place is incredible and the landscape is very diverse and some very amazing. And of course you can visit the cottage of Patrick Pearse, one of the great heroes of Ireland who was hanged by England for opposing English oppression.

Achill

Sheep The Men of the West
They came to say hello
Baren land The Men of the West
It looks fairly baren in this area. It’s very windy and I expect to difficult to grow very much.
Carrickkildavnet Castle The Men of the West
Carrickkildavnet castle
Rescue boat Bill Smale
A rescue boat practicing
Church Bill Smale
The local church graveyard

Westport

Great pub in Westport Bill Smale
This was the pub in Westport and I found the music to be heartwarming, taking me back to my childhood.
Young musicians Bill Smale
The young musicians

Buncrana

Frank stagG
He was a famous hunger striker who died in opposition to British oppression
Three door doors
Obviously the same owner
Funeral procession
A funeral procession
Fisherman’s wharf
There is one not only in San Francisco
The beach
A view of the beach but a little cold to go swimming this time of year though there are a few who do
Volunteer bench
A memorial bench obviously of someone who people respected for her kind volunteer work
Humorous eyebrow bar
Irish humor
Agrarian sign
Obviously an agrarian area
Axe throwing
I’m not sure if this is just for tourists or if this is something that local people enjoy as well
This is the axe throwing area
The chasin bull pub
The chasin bull pub

Conemara

Incredible scenery
You have to visit this area of Ireland. It’s just incredible scenery
Lemon pie
A small café with delicious lemon pie
Warning
A fierce warning
Map
It shows you how to travel along the Atlantic way from Westport down to Galway
KyleMore estate
If you have kids this is probably one place you would like to go since the children have a lot of things to do at this estate and Castle. Anyway it’s a beautiful place to visit
Estate house
This is the estate house
Water texture
It’s beautiful water texture and reflection
Aughnanure castle
Aughnanure castle
Desolate area
Gowlan east road
Beautiful yellow flowers
These beautiful yellow flowers are blooming everywhere

Patrick Pearse

Patrick was enamored with the Irish language, wrote an Irish and established to school to teach in Irish which were sometimes referred to as Irish Gaelic. He was very much opposed to a British control of Ireland and so eventually joined the Irish brotherhood which became the IRA. Below you will see a speech he wrote at the funeral of a great Irish patriot of the late 1800s. The speech launched him on his political career. He helped write the declaration of freedom from Britain and helped to organize the Easter rebellion in 1916. He was one of the few who was hanged by the English government in Dublin for his part in the Easter rebellion, the effects which sparked the Countrywide rebellion against British control of Ireland.

This is Patrick’s cottage which he built in Rosmuck, not far from Galway.
Sharp needles
These needles are sharp
These are photos of the cottage after being built
Galway flag
The flag of Galway
Pearse cottage
This is the cottage where he came as often as he could to be with local people
The bedroom and memorabilia
The things in the cottage were contributed by the family

Aughnanure castle

The short history is that in the 12th century the Normans arrived and pretty much integrated with the local people, mostly Irish speaking. Henry VIII started the “protestant“ Church of England which worshiped him instead of the pope and so he didn’t want the popes people coming in from Ireland and that’s what started the great increase in oppression by Britain.
Irish Lord ships
Ireland was very clan oriented, divided up into all these different Lord ships in the 1500s.
Chinese food
I tried eating with a fork, this Chinese food, but I finally got chopsticks since it was so much easier eating with them.
Strange beers

A discussion

Poitin
This is Irish moonshine and it seems to be the most famous brand. I had moonshine made in Oklahoma many years ago and this has a very similar taste, like a whiskey without the smoky flavor.

County Galway, Limerick and Tipperary

in order to see Ireland in a detailed perspective you really need to rent a car and drive around. Every time you stop in a town you need to go to a pub and talk with people. People are very welcoming and you will get a good glass of Guinness wherever you go.

Listowel and John B. Keane

I didn’t know who Keane was but when I got into town and went to the pub people explained his literary creations.

Portumna castle

Ennis

The vertical lines indicate the corner of a stone. So a letter written on the left side of the corner is a different letter from the one written on the right side of the corner or one which goes through the corner.
This is a member of the OPW (office of public works) showing me one of the stones with an example of the alphabet on the stone. OPW is the nationwide government organization dedicated to restoring and maintaining historical sites. You can get one of their cards which allows you to visit all of the sites for one year and it’s a very reasonable price. If you’re going to stay more than two weeks then I really recommend getting one of those cards to save some money if you intend to visit historical sites.
Eamon was Prime Minister for many years but he was also one of the members of the 1916 uprising. This is the story of the Buick he brought from the US and used for official occasions after he became Prime Minister.

on to Limerick

A glass of Guinness County Galway
A perfect pour every time. I spilled a little on the way back to the table
Harp recital Bill Smale
A harp recital to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
County Galway Dancing at King John’s Castle
Outside King John’s Castle a group of dancers gathered
The Pogues Bill Smale
A fellow in the pub indicated I needed to listen to this song

two days before St. Patrick’s Day in Limerick

A band County Galway
The Pipers Bill Smale
Of course the Pipers were there
Daniel O’Connell statue
Daniel O’Connell statue
People waiting Bill Smale
people lining the street
Small cars
In Ireland people like to buy small cars for economy and to fit the narrow roads. In Thailand everybody wants to have a big truck or SUV even if they can’t afford it
Cleaning crew
The cleaning crew after the parade
Chinese noodles Bill Smale
A restaurant called Wokking had some fairly good noodles since it’s a Chinese restaurant, basically. However they had no sauces at all which is very strange for a Chinese restaurant so I could not give it a really high rating.
Daley gelato
And of course you need to have gelato every day

The CODFATHER

The Still house pub
The still house. The place to come for music in Limerick
Limerick flag Bill Smale
Just approve I was here
Five euro  coupon
This is an interesting solution. Since Covid it’s difficult to get people to work in hospitality especially in cleaning. This hotel, the George, gives you five euro a day each day you do not use the cleaning for the room. This can be used in the restaurant downstairs. This benefits the hotel since it cuts down on the need for cleaning crew, it benefits the customer and it also benefits the restaurant since a large number of Hotel customers don’t use the hotel restaurant.
St. Patrick’s Day decorations
The hotel restaurant was all decked out in St. Patrick’s Day decorations
St. Mary’s
Saint Mary’s
Pre-Latin language
The pre-Latin written language, Ogham, a clever series of strokes
A catholic grave
I thought this was interesting since after Henry VIII the churches were modified for the protestant Bent, the Church of England and they were called “the Church of Ireland“.
King John’s Castle
King John’s Castle
This castle was built after King John’s reign but named for him
The Norman sections
Excavating the Norman portion of the castle
Ocean
This fellow is named Ocean. He plays the harp and he explains the traditions and so forth of Ireland.

Ocean explained the Ogham system of writing which is a series of strokes or lines. In the very north of Ireland, in Donegal, there is a standing stone with this old writing on it. It was deciphered. He explained it has the traces of the Irish sarcastic humor. It says, “turn around“.

Norman portion of the castle
The old Norman portion of the cast
Arthur’s Quay Park festivities
The festivities begin in Arthur’s Quay Park
Patricia
She is Patricia to celebrate Paddy’s day
I met some interesting people to chat with here
And of course another perfect Pour
Guinness lined up
All lined up and ready to be topped off
English language school?
It’s nice to see English is taught properly
Old store
An old store, green grocer and news agent
At Doolan’s pub the Kilkennys were playing
Experienced musicians
And then a small group of experienced musicians and singers playing for the pub goers
Time clock
How do you spell day? It doesn’t really matter. It’s not a language clock, it’s a time clock. I guess somewhere you punch your time card.
Deep Divers
The deep diving outfit
Bike balancer
A very skillful man
Cart racers
Take me back to my childhood
Limerick shopping District
The shopping District in Limerick
Funny sign
A little humor
Clean undertaker
If you want a clean undertaking this place looks very spic and span
Graffiti
Beautiful graffiti
It is this organization that Frank McCourt’s mother used to get charity from as you will find from reading the book “Angela’s ashes“.

““Angela’s ashes”. This book is an accounting of Frank McCourt’s childhood in Limerick and his house is a tourist attraction but it’s not really his house it’s just a museum. If you happen to be interested in this book which some describe as dark and dismal”Angela’s ashes“. This book is an accounting of Frank McCourt’s childhood in Limerick and his house is a tourist attraction but it’s not really his house it’s just a museum. If you happen to be interested in this book which some describe as dark and dismal. Get the audiobook version in which Frank McCourt himself does the reading, narration. If you do that you will encounter Irish humor as he reads it and understand that part of the culture and why he words it the way he does but it must be through his reading that you get this humor.

This was the pizza that only cost me €3.50 because of my five eurocoupons for not requesting the room cleaning
Add to now you can see the “Codfather”. Go to the Still house pub at about seven or 8 PM and you might bump into the 87-year-old Paddy Fish.

Nengha

The birds started nesting

Terryglass

Some of these boats at the harbor needed some repair
A beautiful swan on the lake
The garden at the church with some religious flexibility
Look at these decorations. I would never expect to see gremlins or fairies here

Portumna

Portumna castle
This is the castle which is fairly interesting but has been greatly renovated since most of the large large houses in castles fell into repair at different times in the past eight centuries. Many large estate homes after the revolution were burned by the army in order to discourage the England affiliated wealthy from continuing their power in the country.