Ireland baby!!

The last two nights along with tonight we have flown by the seat of our pants. Well...Shannon is always game for that, but not me!  I like a plan!  I had not booked rooms because I just didn't know where the roads would take us. I had read about Kinsale, Ireland and thought we would head that direction and it did work out perfectly. 

We found a beautiful resort that was smallish in size so not a typical massive one. We did a last minute booking on it and got a steal which is always a perk. It was set on 90 acres along the Atlantic way and one of the inlets came up behind resort so our view 

was incredible. You couldn't find a more beautiful site to wake to.  Entire side of the room was windows which makes hard one for to sleep and not be ready to tackle the day.  

Yesterday we had heard about the true "main" distillery for Jameson. I had been to the one located in Dublin but didn't realize they don't produce there any longer.  So off we went to check out that and get our whiskey tasting on!  It was fabulous....incredible tour that gave so much information on why whisky is what it is...how it gets that way, why Jameson stands out from others (which with taste testing you could obviously tell also) and how Jameson started.  We spent a few hours there learning.  And since Shannon and I have both taken the bartender courses to run/bartend at serendipity we love to learn those things.  We may not be big drinkers but we are educated servers!  

We then made the decision to hop in the car in see the ring of Kerry.  It is the southern tip of Ireland that has amazing views, formations of rocks along a scenic drive. Truly gorgeous but have to admit...with the hazy weather that ireland tends to have, it makes it hard to see things sometimes. So yes, it was beautiful but as back road travelers...we get a chance to see that often.  Finding sheep out of their pens along a cliff, memorials built into walls, the way they handle back, tiny road traveling is a fun experience to both of us. Fortunately, I think we are both pretty easy going. If one wants to stop...sure!  Want a picture there?  Sure!  I do believe going into a major trip with anyone, whether it's a friend or a spouse, you have to know you will see things differently and it isn't worth arguing over or ruining a trip.  So we just go and can't sweat the small stuff.  Not always easy with picky eaters (me), people who need bathroom breaks often (me), or think you are always right (me), but in the end...it is vacation and needs to be enjoyed by all and everyone's needs thought about. 

Last night we headed to a pub in downtown Kinsale and we had a shuttle service so we could get our Guinness on. Nothing makes us happier than live music and good company. We had both so we enjoyed the time we had before the band retired for the evening. 

Today we headed to Blarney Castle.  I had traveled here two years ago with my family and climbed to the top of the castle but did not kiss the stone. Well today...I did!  Many people are not aware of the trek to get to the castle, then the climbing of the miserable, tiny, tight stairs.  So for a claustrophobic person, your heart gets to racing!  Shannon was a good sport and created space so I wasn't stuck in between people on the stairs and off I went!  This time the rain wasn't dumping so I decided to get my kissing on. You have to in essence lay down on your back, grab two bars and slide back upside down head first to kiss the bloody thing. It isn't as hard as looks especially since a fella is there to help you.  So glad I did and can cross that off my bucket list. 

We then did a little shopping at some tourist-y shops and now are on our way to Dublin!  Guinness, music, Irish dancing and Molly Malone  are on our list tomorrow.  Checking into another airb&b.com at noon which I am SO excited about.  I'm on my last pair of undies so it couldn't come at a better time. Laundry!!!  😜

Love that so many of you are following along. It has been fun!  Love the messages we have gotten and comments on the blog, plus makes the drive time in between go faster because we are working on the blog!  

Off to grab some scones and clotted cream...❤️

Jenny