Some of the Best Stuff in Ireland is Unplanned

As I said in a previous post, driving is really the best way to see Ireland. Some of the greatest sights were unplanned.

Like the beautiful village of Fethard. We were driving from Cashel to Dublin and decided to do a bit of exploring along the way. Somehow we lost our way and came upon this lovely walled town.

After departing Fethard we soon found ourselves on roads with no signs. Completely unsure of where we were we pulled off the road to attempt to get our bearings.

With our map open on the hood of the car we tried to "find" ourselves. And almost missed this beautiful view of the mists on what I assume are the Slievardagh Hills. The mist burned off soon after but it was spectacular when we saw it.

After figuring out- kind of- where we were we noticed that Kells Priory was between us and Dublin. I had considered that as a stop but, had we not gotten lost, we probably wouldn't have made the stop. Kells Priory is an enclosed medieval site. It sits along King's River and features a lovely walk to the site if you park by the old mill. Like most Irish ruins the land is privately owned but the owners graciously allow visitors (and the ruins are maintained by the State). We did have to dodge some sheep droppings but the site was so impressive and expansive that it was worth it. There is lots of room for kids to run about. Since you have to be your own guide here take a minute to stop by the post office in town and purchase a book about the Priory's long and embattled history.

Outside the Priory walls are St. Kieran's Church, a lovely ruin for exploring as well, and Hutchinson's Mill (you can see it behind the Priory three photos up) which sits on King's River.

Leaving Kells we got onto a main highway and pointed the car toward Dublin. Soon, however, we began seeing sings for the Moone High Cross. Now,I don't know about you, but to me High Crosses are one of the great sights of Ireland.

Moone High Cross doesn't disappoint. At 17 1/2 feet high it is one of the best preserved High Crosses in Ireland. It stands, protected, in the ruins of the abbey along with fragments of another cross as well as descriptions of the carvings and the significance of the High Cross.

The cross sits back about a quarter mile from the road; to enter you walk through a cleft in a stone wall. You can almost feel like you are stepping back through time. When we were visiting a very friendly horse was penned next to the path. He let me pet his nose; I wish I had known he would be there, I would have taken an apple for him.

So, on my advice, take your time and stop for anything that looks interesting. It may be one of your favorite memories.

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Cahir Castle and Town, County Tipperary, Ireland

Cahir (pronounced 'care') makes a terrific afternoon trip out of Cashel. The castle-complete with a moat- is especially nice for children as it sits on a small island and both the grounds and the castle are very open and perfect for exploring.

Once inside the main keep you can enter the castle through a rather sinister looking portcullis.

You can walk on the battlements, explore the upper levels of the castle or imagine dining in the great hall. Across the outer ward are the residence cottages, built after the main castle, also available to explore. This is a great stop for wandering through a castle on your own as it feels like (almost) nothing is off limits. You really get a feel for what it could have been like to live there.

The village of Cahir is lovely. It looks just like you imagine all Irish towns look. Perfect.

And if you enjoy antiquing you will be overjoyed. Cahir is full of antique shops. We saw absolutely amazing things here. We spent a lot of time "furnishing" our imaginary manor. Brenna especially liked this 18th century fish tank.

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Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland

I have yet to see anyting more imposing or awe inspiring than the Rock of Cashel. Breathtaking, spellbinding, awesome... These words don't even do it justice.

It was originaly built as a fortress in the 4th or 5th century. In the late 7th century St. Patrick baptised a King of Munster here. Cashel was the seat and symbol of the overkingship of Munster and the inaguration place of its kings. In 1101 the reigning King of Cashel gave "the Rock" to the church. Of course their was much religious turmoil in Ireland for the next 700 years and "the Rock", being the great symbol that it is, was not peaceful. In 1869 it was given into State Care as a National Monument and underwent great restoration.

The original St Patrick's Cross sits indoors, out of the elements. A replica sits outside in it's (approximate) original location.

The Rock of Cashel is a great stop if you have children because the grounds are very open and easy to wander. Feel free to admire the architecture and the Celtic art, since the entire site is walled in kids can't get very far.

There is quite a steep walk up to the main entrance so be sure to bring along your stroller as you really don't want to carry anyone.

"The Rock" certainly overshadows the other great sites in Cashel but try not to overlook Hore Abbey (we couldn't tour it as there were cows in the field), Athassel Priory, the town of Cashel with it's abbey and friary and the Bolton Library which houses the "world's smallest book".

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Ashmore House, County Tipperary, Ireland

Ashmore House in Cashel was the second B&B of our Irish vacation. A 19th century Georgian home, it once belonged to the local Bishop and maintains an air of elegance.

We arrived as darkness was falling and had a little trouble finding the house. Thankfully the Irish are known for their friendliness and after asking directions of a gentleman on the street we found that we were only a couple of blocks away.

We were warmly greeted by Laura Ryan and quickly settled in to our room. The room itself was not overly spacious- they never are in homes of that age- but wasn't cramped and had an ensuite bath. There was a sitting area in the upper hall and well as a larger parlor for guests on the main level.

Brenna was most welcomed, made herself right at home and began playing on the steps.

The Ryan's have grandchildren and gates are installed at both the top and foot of the stairs which made it easy to let Brenna play on the upper landing without worrying about her getting too far away.

Breakfast was made to order each morning and together Doug and I can highly recommend Laura's culinary talents.

Laura and Brendan are both a wealth of knowledge about the area and it's attractions, restaurants and their home. Brendan has traveled the world with the Royal Navy and has great stories to share. They open their home to you as a relative would and it makes for a great experience and a relaxing stay.

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