Cork, Ireland and the Blarney Stone
A two-fer today. Our day will begin with a trip to Blarney Castle. And the Stone. Later this evening we visit the Jameson distillery for a wee bit of spirits. It is Ireland, after all. As we pull into Cork Bay, it is easy to see why they are called the “Emerald Isle”. Under grey skies, we slowly drift between luscious banks. The variety of plants is impressive. The bus ride today is short by comparison; just under an hour. We drive through a lovely countryside and quaint villages, finally arriving in Blarney. The castle, well maintained, looms ahead. It is not an imposing castle. Size-wise, it does not compare to some of the castles we have seen on this trip. It is dominated mostly by its tower. As with every castle, it is built on a hill with a dominating view of the countryside. Most of the surrounding lands have been converted to gardens and beyond, cow pastures. We of course have to kiss the stone despite J...