Breakfast at Bridge Hotel, then photos of cruise vessel in harbor at Waterford, also of freighter in same area.

Leaving Waterford for Dunbell, stopped at O’Grady’s Pub— Stoneyford— met Mrs . Malzard, whose maiden name is Phelan. Her husband’s grandmother was O’Grady. Took photos of interior & of George & Pat outside & of Bob & Helen outside, then on to Bryan farm at Dunbell.  [Dad's grandmother was Catherine O’Brien {originally Bryan} O’Grady. We have relatives on this farm in County Kilkenny].

Kilkenny B&B booked for us by Irish Tourist Board turned out to be Auburn Lodge, run by Ellen Dunphy. Very nice, well lighted room with enclosed bathroom (en suite) ₤25.

Then headed for Bryan’s farm, following directions dictated to Pat by Kitty. Found the same after minor difficulties, and were warmly greeted by Kitty.

Photos at Kitty Bryan’s— Helen by roses, Geo & Pat by roses. Bob & Helen by roses. Helen in gateway. Geo & Pat by stone wall near pond. Bob & Helen by stone wall near pond. Ducks in pond with angle of wall in background, 28-80 zoom. Some shots with 70-210 zoom .

Had wonderful dinner thanks to Kitty after generous drinks of Powers Whiskey (best I’ve ever tasted)— 86 proof and unavailable in U.S. at any price. Can be had at Shannon for $9.00 U.S. per 750 ml, or $13.85 per 1.125 liters. Must get 2 of these at Shannon for return flight to U.S.

After excellent meal at Bryan farm (220 acres), went back to Kilkenny with Kitty in our party, who guided us up to the City Hall where we were greeted by Margaret Crotty (another Bryan relative) and ushered into the office of the mayor, her husband Kieran Crotty. We saw the symbols of the office, a very old silver mace ornately decorated & an equally old and elegant sword & scabbard. Got pictures of all and sundry with mayor dressed in robe of office with golden chain around neck. Then George & Bob were bedecked with these official accoutrements and photographed signing mayoral guest register. Same done with Pat & Helen, & Kitty (minus masculine robe and necklace) .  

Were shown (and photographed) charter of city granted by James I in 1608. Wonderfully ornate and colorful calligraphy, reminiscent of pages of Book of Kells. Should be great memento of this trip. Also photographed old stained-glass windows with electronic flash (may have glare from glass bounced back into lens) and by natural light: 1/15 second at f3.5, hoping one of these exposures will give a good photo.

Saying goodbye to mayor & wife, returned to Bryan domicile, where Kitty continued to kill us with kindness, filling our stomachs with excellent tea and soda bread, scones, cookies, & choice of plum jam, marmalade, & honey.

After 9 p.m., said our goodbyes and returned to Auburn Lodge. Bartley Bryan led the way in his car, luckily for us. There is no way we could have found our way back in the dark over narrow, twisting roads of strange Irish countryside. We thanked Bartley most feelingly and said farewell, returning to the security of our B&B.

Tomorrow morning, my first priority is to get to the post-office, buy stamps, & mail the cards Helen has written. (This journal is becoming as much of a chore as a first novel).