Over Thanksgiving break, my parents came out to visit Josh and I and check out our new place. Arriving with them, was the onset of one of the worst cold snaps Ireland has seen in quite some time. We quickly learned that the heating system wasn't working in the guest bedroom and that no one could layer enough to keep the damp cold from settling in. But, we braved the gale force winds and had a wonderful visit with my mum and dad! Our first stop was to Blarney Castle. Do you know the difference between blarney and baloney?
“The difference between ‘blarney’ and ‘baloney’ is this:
Baloney is when you tell a 50-year old woman that she looks 18. Blarney is when you ask a woman how old she is, because you want to know at what age women are most beautiful.”
 |
| The Castle |
 |
| The walk up to the castle. It was chilly! |
 |
| Entrance to the dungeon. |
 |
| Blarney Castle was rebuilt three times. |
 |
| Watch tower |
 |
| My dad was the first brave soul to hang upside down, off of the side of the castle, to kiss the Blarney Stone. |
 |
| All that was running through my mind was, "oh goodness, I hope that I tipped this guy enough for him to not want to drop me!" |
 |
| Me mum screamed - it was priceless! |
 |
| We tried to warn Josh that it has been said that locals pee on the stone, but he didn't care. |
 |
| Blarney House |
 |
| Picture for the mantle! We are actually standing in the garden of death. Certain poisonous botanicals were planted on the grounds to defend the castle. |
 |
| Shandon Church is also known as The Four Face Liar. The church has clocks on each side, and each clock reads a different time. Look closely at the picture. |
 |
| My dad and I ringing the bells. He wasn't as committed as me. |
 |
| View from the top of the church. |
 |
| Garrett's Town beaches. They were too cold for my mom and I. |
 |
| Old Head golf coarse. We were trying to get to the light house in the distance, but the coarse is closed for the season. |
 |
| Charles Fort |
 |
| Proof that Sammi and I are making progress. He lets me pet him now and licks my hand! |
Saturday we made a delicious Thanksgiving brunch complete with egg bake and cheesy potatoes - yum! That evening we made our way to the local Kinsale pub. The two gentlemen set to play that night performed more of a comedy routine than a musical act as they bickered with each other, the bartender, and heckled us as they set up. Eventually they sat down to play, and entertained us with authentic Irish songs.
All and all we had a great time exploring castles, churches, and forts! I can't wait for my mom and dad to come back soon!
