A pint of Kilkenny in Kilkenny

Picked up our rental car in Dublin, we got a black Opel Insignia made in Germany and it's a diesel and has all sorts of wizz bang accessories. Dublin has a ring road so it was a matter of hitting that and then around to the exit we needed and we were out of the city and on our way.

Quickly into the country once you get off the motorways, we were back into narrow roads, green rolling hills, stone houses and small villages. Reminded both of us of Wales. Stopped at Athy where a nice Polish girl at the local cafe made us sandwiches and coffee for 4 euros and chatted up Ross at the counter. Great little town, pity the waitress was sight impaired.

We dropped straight down to Kilkenny, booked into the Newpark Hotel (probably the poshest place we will stay on our trip) with heated pools and infinity pool and day spa - forgot the swimmers didn't I! So we headed out for a walk across the river and into town. Kilkenny is all narrow streets with colourful shops and houses, lots of  pubs, a great river and a castle which opens it's grounds and gardens to the public.

Toured the castle (reciprocal rights from English Heritage membership) and the gardens, stables and butlers house.

By this time Ross was in need of a Kilkenny beer so we stopped in to a great little pub - the Field Hotel and had a quick pint.

Found a supermarket to round up some olives, pate, cheeses and cold meats for tea with some crusty bread and a bottle of Shiraz. And yes Ross did snore!

Wandered home to our motel and had tea and bed.