Ireland

 Borris, Co. Carlow Rudkins Mill on the River Barrow near Bagenalstown Ate lunch at the Stephouse Hotel in Borris The "road" into our Airbnb House on the River Barrow Our beautiful Airbnb View of the River Barrow and "our" swan Where do I go over the falls? Found the spot! Older stone house on the property (not used) The river was so beautiful we couldn't stop taking pictures! On the little island a drake and hen mallard are nesting Definitely breezy by the river Kilkenny Castle Built after the Norman conquest, Kilkenny Castle has expanded over the years. Parts of the original are still being excavated and restored. The tour is a good one and display of the artwork and furnishings are tastefully done. This is an OPW site. One of several beautiful tapestries Gallery ceiling was handprinted in detail Jerpoint Abbey Jerpoint Abbey ruins are undergoing some restoration. Built by the Cistercian monks in the 800's it once covered a larger plot of land where a town...

 Dublin Truly I felt in a fog for a couple days in Dublin. Between the jet lag, time change, lack of sleep on the flight and general stiffness from the flight, it took a couple days to start feeling normal again. Morgan Hotel is in the party part of Dublin. Bars and restaurants line the streets for several blocks each direction. Mostly it seems like international travelers with accents from all over the world. It did not particularly feel "Irish" to me, but still enjoyable. Many tourist sites are within walking distance, but this is lots of walking and many of the streets are cobble stones with high curbs and lots of stairs. My arthritic feet were quite sore, as was the rest of my body trying to push too hard. We did take taxis a few places clearly outside walking range, and even rode an Irish bus once! Temple Bar District Oliver St. John Gogarty Traditional Irish bar Joining the party Kilmainham Gaol This is a really moving place to visit. Built in 1796, it is an imposing ...