Limerick, Blarney Castle and Waterford
Limerick is the next stop and an orientation drive was first on the list. We passed St Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle on the way to our hotel. The hotel was situated on the side of the River Shannon and the views across the water were spectacular. King John was the brother of Richard the Lionheart, connected to legends such as Robin Hood and the Knights of the Round Table . The castle has been renovated and has now many interesting fascinating displays of time past. Limerick is a modern city full of cultural events and entertainment. There were lots of pubs and we enjoyed the company of some locals at the Pigs Fly pub.Lots of fun!
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An excursion to Blarney Castle was our next visit.The grounds were magnificent leading up to the castle itself, green, manicured and full of flowers! The castle was in the distance and after a walk we came to the entrance where there were many steps to climb to get to the Blarney Stone. The rooms we passed were large and very useful in times gone by and at last we reached the top where the line was to kiss the stone. When it was our turn we found it not so easy!!! Lay back and hold on while trying to kiss the stone backward quite a challenge but we did it!!! Now we have the gift of the gab!!
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Waterford Crystal was a fabulous place to visit first of all a welcome and talk about the crystal and its processes. Then a tour of the factory floor and apart from looking at the machinery, got to talk to the craftsmen working on their pieces. Their skill is amazing and the crystal they produce is fabulous and so intricate. We also saw the tribute in crystal to the 911 Emergency Services great visit!
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