Day 27 : Blowing in the Wind (21/07/09)

We woke to a grey, wet summer's day in Cashel. Not ideal for viewing the ancient ruins on the Rock of Cashel, but fortified with a more than ample Irish breakfast we proceeded as planned. The Rock did not disappoint, and stories of it's history from era time of the High Kings of Munster, through the time of St Patrick to the construction of the 12th to 16th century Chapel and Cathedral and the associated battles and massacres were enhanced by continual misty rains and winds that threatened to blow us off the mountain.
Deciding that the day might be more suited to indoor tourist attractions we set out for Kilkenny Castle.On the way we hoped to be able to see the Famine Warhouse, where the Fenians planned the 1848 Rebellion that saw them exiled to Western Australia. A wrong turn took us to Fethard instead, so we explored another medieval walled town, before having lunch in McCarthy's - a local pub that doubles as the undertakers.
After finding our way back to the road to Kilkenny we spent several hours exploring the fully restored Castle and gardens, as well the craft shops in the converted stables. Then it was back to Cashel and the local to continue with our scientific study into the number of pints required to produce a hangover. To date we haven't found the answer and with only one more night in Ireland, another trip may be need to planned to continue our work.