Marsh-Mel-O's Adventures: UK Roadtrip Take Two

23rd September

Sleeping in a little late this morning, it was a bit of a rush to shower, dress, pack the car and get on the road. Thankfully, our first stop was only down the road in the centre of Blarney, aptly named Blarney Castle.

Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold near the River Martin. Though earlier notifications were built on the same spot, the current keep was built by the MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty, a cadet branch of the Kings of Desmond, and dates from 1446. The castle is now a partial ruin with some accessible rooms and battlements. At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. Tourists visiting Blarney Castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence. There are many versions of the origin of the stone, including a claim that it was the Lia Fáil — a numinous stone upon which Irish kings were crowned. Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens. There are paths touring the grounds with signs pointing out the various attractions such as several natural rock formations with fanciful names such as Druid's Circle, Witch's Cave and the Wishing Steps. The grounds include a poison garden with a number of poisonous plants, including wolfsbane, mandrake, ricin and opium, as well as cannabis.

After making the climb to the top of the castle, a feat in itself with crutches and a broken heel, as the narrow spiral staircases didn't have the best of steps! Mum and I kissed the Blarney Stone and made our way back down some more narrow staircases. We did a quick self guided tour of the grounds and gardens before collecting Nan from the coffee shop (she didn't want to climb the castle!) and hoping back into the car.

Cahir Castle and the surrounding town of Cahir. Cahir Castle is one of the largest castles in Ireland, is sited on an island in the river Suir. It was built from 1142 by Conor O'Brien, Prince of Thomond. The castle was sited on and near an earlier native fortification known as a cathair (stone fort), which gave its name to the place.

We stopped for a pot of tea and a scone in Cahir to refuel ourselves before moving on to our next stop.

The Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick's Rock, is a historic site located at Cashel, County Tipperary. According to local mythology, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil's Bit, a mountain 30 km north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock's landing in Cashel. Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. In 1101, the King of Munster, Muirchertach Ua Briain, donated his fortress on the Rock to the Church. The picturesque complex has a character of its own and is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe.Few remnants of the early structures survive; the majority of buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries.

By the time we had finished at the Rock of Cashel, it was now late afternoon, and we departed on the 2 hour drive up to Galway where our next accommodation was, with a sister of a friend of Mums. We had instructions to met her at Junction 16 off the M6, and knowing what she looked like we hoped we were going to be ok! Thankfully, we pulled into the shops at the Junction and found her straight away. We then followed her down the goat paths and back alleys to her house where we were sleeping in the rooms on the third floor (not including the basement and cellar!). A beautiful house, we spent the evening by the fireside with a glass of wine in Waterford Crystal glasses!