Killkenny – Cork – Blarney – Killarney

Leaving early after a well earned rest we headed towards Cork and seeing what was on offer. Well after many hours of driving we discovered that Cork was massive and some smart person decided to make all the roads in the city centre one way. I am sure that this is so they can amuse themselves and watch tourists like us go round and round in circles not knowing which was to go. We did manage to get directions and park the car and head off for some lunch and retail therapy the streets stressed us and we needed to relax. We did bargain credit card damage with me getting swimmers for 12euro and Rachael getting some for 5euro. Bargain!
After our exciting retail bargains we decide to get out of this town and head over to Blarney and kiss that stone. Well the expected 30 minute drive to Blarney took 1.5 hours when we could not find road N20. We went round and round in circles and even followed a bus into a street which was 1 way traffic and a lane for buses only. Panic along with frustration set in and a quick reverse of the car into a street we see the all important N20 sign for Blarney and we were on the path again with laughter at the tension in the car and getting lost.
Blarney castle grounds were also very pretty and not busy at all. We walked to the castle and Rachael didn’t expect the castle to be as high as it actually was. We headed into the stairs and commenced our walk up and we didn’t expect it to be so small and have to walk up stairs which went round and round, nearly getting to the top panic set in and Rachael had to go back down and another 5 more steps she would have made it. Not sure what all the hype of it is, l walked around the top, took some photos and the scenery. Never wanted to kiss the stone so l didn’t and most people around didn’t also.
We then took off to Killarney via a road which we thought would never end. It was raining and the road was so small you could only fit 1 car at a time but the funny thing is that the speed signs remained at 100km. How on earth anyone could drive at that speed on those roads god know. Many hours later we arrive in Killarney and need a well earned drink!