Hello from Waterford and Kilkenny

Wednesday, June 08, 2022
Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, Ireland
Waterford and Kilkenny
We left Tipperary and continued our road trip to Waterford. Waterford, a seaport in southeast Ireland, with a population of 53,000 Waterford is the country’s oldest city. It was founded by Vikings in 914 A.D. and parts of its ancient walled core remain. Famed glass manufacturer Waterford Crystal began here in 1783. I was keen to see the Waterford Crystal and that was the reason for our visit. We didn’t do the tour and just wanted to see their retail store. It was huge. It had chandeliers, the crystal sculptures were incredible, Mark liked the golf trophies they had on display. We didn’t spend much time there and soon we were back in the car on our way to Kilkenny for our 2 night stay.
Kilkenny is a medieval town in southeast Ireland. Its grand Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 by the Normans. The town has deep religious roots and many well-preserved churches and monasteries, including the imposing St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey Dominican priory, both from the 13th century. It's also a crafts hub, with shops along its winding lanes selling pottery, paintings and jewellery. It has a population of 26,000. We went for a walk to to far from our accomodation and Bec recommended the Left Bank, a renovated Bank Of Ireland Branch has now been transformed into the Left bank bar, restaurant and Nightclub. Our accomodation was an apartment very central and located on the Butter Slip Lane, such a great location. The Butter Slip dates to the early 17th Century and ran underneath two houses, with its arched entry and stone steps a narrow and dark walkway connecting High St with St Kieran's St. It is the most picturesque of Kilkenny's many narrow medieval corridors, which lead us to the Kyteler’s Inn. A Medieval inn on 2 floors with cosy stone and beamed bars, plus food and nightly live Irish music, it was like stepping back in time. We had a nice dinner at one of the local restaurants, with great food and wine. The next day we went for a walk around Kilkenny Castle and strolled along the River Nore. The weather was partially sunny and the boys had booked golf for the afternoon at Kilkenny golf club.  
The course was once again very impressive and the members were really welcoming and made the game all that more memorable. Both Mark and Tim had a great afternoon. It was Tim’s birthday and we went to the Petronella restaurant downstairs near our apartment. The building was built in 1602. It was a house of the family with 21 children, so much history. The food was really nice  and the service in the restaurant was the most welcoming and attentive we have ever had. The owner Frank came around all the tables and wished Tim a happy birthday and thanked us for coming. We got to bed early as we had a 4.30am start to get to Dublin and catch a flight to Marbella in Spain. We all had a bit of reflection on what we loved most about Ireland. We all said the drive on the Dingle peninsula. The people are so welcoming, kind and well mannered. They are also very patient drivers on the road. The food, wine and beer and pubs are great as well. If you haven’t been here before we would highly recommend you come and visit. 

Comments

Panther and Vicki
2022-06-10

Well ,we just put Kilkenny on our list of “Must See” Enjoy the sunny Spanish weather🍾

Carol
2022-06-10

Think Dingle was our favourite too but everything in Ireland was magical and special.

Tony and Amanda
2022-06-14

Well, after that fantastic travel blog, I am really looking to getting to Ireland one day :)

2025-02-09

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