Blarney- we're driving on the "wrong" side of the road!

June 1, 2010
Dispatch 2

Last night we enjoyed some great Irish music at a local pub.  Luckily it was close to the hotel as the rain started while we were there.  But a quick pop back to the hotel and we were fine. Serenaded by the rain all night, we woke up to a wet Dublin.  After breakfast of pancakes with Nutella (nectar of the gods!) and bananas we packed up our kits and off we went to Killmainhaim Gaol (pronounced Kill-main-ham Goal).  Here we had the opportunity to supplement our burgeoning knowledge of the war for independence from Britain as well as the following civil war.  Tons of political prisoners were housed or executed here.  It was fascinating to learn that during the potato famine, people committed crimes deliberately in order to get put in jail where they could be assured 3 meals a day.

Then it was the rental car and our first test on the "wrong" side of the road.  Wouldn't you know it, the first turn out of the rental car lot is a right- the hardest turn!  Ugh.  But I managed it fine and thanks to Garmin and a few maps we made it to the highway and headed to Cork.  Funnily, several roads (including the one we were driving on for a good portion of the trip) were too new to be on the GPS yet.  So that silly voice kept telling me to get back to the highlighted route- I think I heard judgement in her voice actually.  We made it without a scratch- just a few shouts from Mark freaking out that I was too close to something on the left, and me freaked out that the car kept turning itself off if I got into the wrong gear (which happened more than I care to admit).  I'm sure we'll have it ironed out by tomorrow.  If not, we may need a new clutch by the time we return it in Dublin on Friday.

We headed to Blarney Castle without realizing how cool it would be.  I thought it would be silly and touristy because of the Blarney Stone.  But it was just incredibly beautiful.  The grounds are amazing, including an old magical Druid forest.  There were caves and ancient stones, as well as waterfalls and huge old trees.  It was definitely a highlight of our trip.  And of course we hiked to the top to see if we'd be brave enough to kiss the Blarney Stone and get the gift of gab.  Since I'm already gifted in that area, I left it to Courtney and Mark.  Mark on the other hand.  Honestly there are no words.  He sat on the platform and made all of the motions, hanging upside down and all, but tells me that he actually didn't kiss the stone- he thought it was too gross.  Of all people who could use at lest a little bit of the gift of gab.  Sigh ;)

Kissing the Blarney Stone.  It's the bottom of the rock behind her.
You hang upside down to do it.  We're about 3 stories off the ground here.

Tonight we are enjoying the country estate we are staying in.  After dinner we've been spending the evening enjoying the grounds, reading and uploading our photos.  Tomorrow we're off to Killarny National Park and the glorious Ring of Kerry.  We'll keep you posted!