30th Anniversary trip day 8 aka Jaunty ride and on to ring of Kerry

After another good nights sleep we were out the door to go on an excursion. This time the trip was heading out on a horse drawn wagon. Around the grounds of the park where our supper was.

Castle in Kilarney area.

Photo of the author, me.

This is a hole in a thatched roof, sort of an educational aspect.

Statue of famous footballer from the area, followed by Charlie Chaplin. Who apparently loved the lake and summer here frequently.

Some waterfalls along the way near the end of the ring ride.

We were at another special dinner, here at a school house. And we were all sitting in class.

The teacher is showing the shape of Ireland and where the ring of Kerry sits.

Dinner, whisky and beer this time. Sometimes my allergy works out for me.

Sunset on church from inside the bus.

 We stopped on the side of the road to get some sunset shots on the ring.

The end fo the ring of Kerry, next blog will be about the trip to Castlebar, via Gallway.

30th Anniversary cont'd day 7 aka Blarney (no kissing here)

On day 7 our trip left Waterford heading for Kilarney via castle Blarney. Yes the castle where the people who are shy climb on their back to kiss the stone. The stone that everyone in the whole world has had their grimy (ah really it is up 200 stairs and I was not going.)  Along the way we stopped for some spectacular scenery where we were allowed to shoot off the bus.

We stopped here, because it was a "hidden treasure from Trafalgar" a cemetary and monument to the victims of the potato famine in the 1800s.

 At the castle grounds, there was a bridge over a quiet brook.

The castle where on the opposite side folk climb the steps to kiss the stone.

 Also on the other side of the grounds are gardens of varying types. My favourite is the Poison Garden. Where various types of poison plants of differing capabilities of killing are planted. The stronger ones are in the middle of a bed and have a secure fence around them.

 And at our hotel we had prints in the halls. And I was happy to discover some of my favourite artist. A. Bourgereau http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William-Adolphe_Bouguereau

After setting up our hotel accommodation we headed off to our dinner called "be my guest". The first thing at the dinner was to see and taste home made butter. Some people got a chance to turn the butter, but we did not have time to wait.  

 It was raining when we arrived, but we still got to see some of the farm

This is one of two tables, of course they had home made wine. But they knew about my sulphite allergy and gave me a couple of fingers of Jameson.

The entertainment was really good, the singers were very good. And the dancer was a youngster who was also good.

We got back and I took a few shots in the blue hour.

 The next blog will be of the area around Kilarney and onto the Ring of Kerry

30th Anniversary cont'd Day 6 aka Irish Stud Farm/ Japanese gardens

Another day that started early in the AM, we got on the bus to head for the Irish Stud farm. On the same property as the stud farm is a very quaint Japanese garden. It was pretty interesting to see the horses, and the pampering they received.

No this is not the Irish stud. ;-)

The property is very tranquil and peaceful with fountains, plants and animals.

Artwork on the property to show their business

This is what a successful product is.  :-)

Some of the variety of foliage in the Japanese garden.

After finishing up at the stud farm we headed to Waterford, where the expensive beautiful crystal comes from. 

Church that we went through, nice stained glass and materials.

 One of many organs found throughout our trip.

And here we are at the Waterford Crystal factory.

And here is a mold for the shapes

 Here the worker is heating up the material, before a glass blower shapes it.

Here is a quality control station, lots get rejected and re fired.

 Here is a worker marking up a bowl, a cutter then gets the work.

 It takes 8 years to make a master cutter, the test is a timed event where they make every cut the company uses.

 Below are some samples that were in the work area and out on the showroom floor.

 Of course the national emblem is represented.

 Hi tech crystal for the fan boy who has everything.

Part 7 will follow where we head to Kilarney and castle Blarney.