Day 1 – Driving, Rain, and the Rock of Cashel

After arriving in Dublin an hour later than expected, we grabbed our checked luggage, some money for the ATM and signed the paperwork for the rental car.  Roads we drove on ranged from multi-lane expressways (particularly around the airport) to one-lane roads with traffic in both directions.

Reviewing the map and reading about the car.  I continue to turn the windshield wipers on instead of the turn signal.

Our first stop was in Kilkenny at Kyteler’s Inn.  Amanda tried the chicken with whiskey mushroom sauce, while I opted for the lamb with mint sauce.  The meal was overshadowed by the atmosphere of the restaurant – and focus of diners on a championship soccer game involving their hometown team.

The historic Rock of Cashel was the highlight of the first day.  Though the day was dreary and misty (and Amanda’s hair puffed up like a frizz-ball), the overcast sky did make for some cool photo opportunities.  After the Rock, we explored the ruins of the Hore Abbey, then we began the last leg of our drive to Dingle.

The chapel at the Rock of Cashel.

Amanda, her umbrella, and the Rock of Cashel.

Though we planned on pizza for dinner in Dingle, we ended up stopping at a modern grocery store in Newcastle West.  Our feast (in the car) included salami-wrapped crackers served with Edam cheese.  Shortly after checking into the hotel, we were asleep.