Very generous breakfast at our accommodation this morning.
The only staff member within sight was an Eastern European lady, very pleasant and efficient, but the first one I’ve come across in the Emerald Isle so far. Something to do with Brexit?
The shower in our room was a real throwback. It took ages to heat up, and then while I was under it, it suddenly changed to freezing cold. This was a terrible shock in a very enclosed space with no room to dodge, but when this was followed a minute later by a jet of scalding water, that was much worse. It reminded me of staying in my boyfriend’s flat many years ago. I was on the toilet in the bathroom where a couple of his flatmates were canoodling in the shower. When I thoughtlessly flushed the toilet, the shower erupted in billows of steam and the couple leapt out of the shower with great alacrity. Of course I felt terrible and really tried to apologize but it was difficult through tears of laughter.
We left Galway in good time and set off to Kilkenny. The toll road route and the free route were going to take the same amount of time according to Google so we went for the free option. It took us to the smaller more windy country roads, which were definitely more picturesque than a giant motorway if rather more hair raising.
The first thing we did in Kilkenny, apart from getting lost trying to find a park, was visit the castle. This is a beautiful and huge building right in the centre of town. It was first built back in 1200 or so, and has been extensively remodeled many times since. It was continuously lived in up to early last century so was never left to ruin, although it did need extensive renovations when it was gifted to the country late last century. They’ve done a fabulous job and no expense was spared it seems. We all enjoyed the guided tour, once Simon forgave me for pointing out that he qualified for the senior discount.
Kirsten has now left us for a torturous trip to London, greatly complicated by HRH’s funeral tomorrow. I don’t envy her (neither Kirsten nor the Queen, for that matter).
Dinner at an overrated posh restaurant and then early to bed once again. Dublin tomorrow.