Ireland 2012: Waterford, Cahir Castle, Kilkenny

Wednesday, September 19 Cork/Transfer to Waterford/Cahir Castle tour/Kilkenny city walk/ Waterford walk

Today we transfer from Cork to the city of Waterford. En route we enjoyed a guided tour of Cahir Castle and a visit to Kilkenny city. Cahir, in its time (13-15th century) was a state-of-the-art design for a defensive castle and is today one of Ireland's best-preserved castles. Situated on a rocky island in the River Suir, the castle still has its keep, tower, and much of its original structure. The last Lord Cahir died in 1961 and the castle came into state stewardship. After a guided tour, we explore all the rooms of the castle, including the spiral staircase. It reminds us of our Blarney castle.

Cahir Castle

A window seat in the castle

Kilkenny city straddles both banks of the River Nore in the center of Country Kilkenny. Founded by Aengus Osraige, it was the capital of the ancient Irish kingdom of Ossory. Later, it was the capital of Confederate Ireland between 1642 and 1649. Its most famous buildings are Kilkenny Castle and the 13th century St. Caniece's Cathedral. We had lunch at the Kyteler’s Inn, established in 1324. The story told is that Alice Kyteler was the first witch slated to be burned at the stake in Ireland in 1330. She went through 4 husbands and when she found out that she was going to be burned, left the city, and they burned her maid instead!!

Jim serving us at our table

Kyteler's for lunch

Jim, Phil and local lady

Along the way our guide shared some “apple cider” in small cups on the bus. It was very strong, and has a story to go with it. We all enjoyed this.

Bob at Waterford Crystal

with helmet and football

We arrive in Waterford in the last afternoon. Founded by the Vikings in AD914, the name of the city - Ireland's oldest- comes from a word that originally meant "windy fjord". Like many old cities in Ireland, Waterford has undergone repeated historical upheavals. But its constancy to the crown in the face of a pretender revolt in 1497 earned it a motto that sticks to this day: Urbs Intacta Manet Waterfordia "Waterford remains the untaken city". Although it withstood a withering siege by Oliver Cromwell in 1649, it finally surrendered during a second attack the following year.

Making crystal at Waterford

Etching crystal

Richie & Luci - in Waterford showroom

The city thrived tremendously in the 18th century, which also saw the founding of the city's most famous business, a glassworks that was started in 1783 by George and William Penrose. Today, Waterford Crystal is prized the world over as the standard for the highest quality lead-cut crystal. We arrived in the late afternoon and had a tour of the factory—which is right next door to our hotel. I escaped without any purchases!!

We are to meet at 5:45 for an early dinner and then gather at a pub for an included drink and a live music performance. Hotel - Tower Hotel. We travel by bus about 20 minutes away to the Hayes pub for the special performance. We are actually served by our guide Denis, and hosted by Grand Circle. We were treated to a wonderful evening of Irish music and sing along.