Sept 7th: Blarney Castle and Visit with Will's Irish relatives

The Blarney Castle was on our way to visit Will's Irish relatives.

History of Blarney Castle

There were signs posted about the origin and kissing of the Blarney Stone.

We climbed the many stairs to the top of the tower. The Blarney Stone is on the side of the outer wall of the castle. Will is getting ready to lean back over the sheer drop to kiss the Blarney Stone. It is a very long way down and quite the view as you lean backwards to get low enough to kiss the stone. ( There is a Worker who hangs on to your legs and another to wipe the stone with sterilizing cleaner after each person kisses the stone.)

It is said that kissing the stone grants the person eloquence. We all felt we were already "Eloquent" but maybe even more so after kissing the stone.

 

As you look at the top of the picture, you can see a person leaning over the opening to kiss the stone.

There are extensive gardens at Blarney Castle. One flower bed was comprised of carnivarous and poison plants. to the left are two varieties of pitcher plants which catch insects.

The grounds house ancient trees and plants. Some are quite unique and have a history to go with them. Here are the signs explaining some in keeping with Irish Folklore.

Will in front of one of the Yew trees

The Three Wise Men Yew trees were very cool looking. They looked like something out of Lord of the Rings.

Of course there were tales of witches.

There were some monoliths that have been in place for many centuries. There is a story that goes with the monoliths.

In addition, there were many beautiful plants and this waterfall area.

We didn't expect the gardens to be so extensive and interesting. We all enjoyed the Castle grounds as much as the castle.

Now it was time to move on to the visit the relatives part of our trip. 

Swans came to visit

View from the patio

We drove the crazy, narrow, bumpy roads to Glengarriff to move into our new accommodations. It was a lovely house on the ocean with a great view.

View from the beach looking at the patio and house

Timothy, Will's cousin, is between Will and me. Will's other cousin,
Timothy's brother, is in front in the purple shirt

Timothy's son Timothy and the kids

Will's cousin Timothy is quite a character. The entire family was very welcoming and fun.

The afternoon we arrived at Timothy's house, we were handed a "Pour". That would be a generous glass of Irish Whiskey. I was told that this was just when company came. We remained company for every visit, noon, afternoon and evening. We planned to get together for one dinner with all the relatives. Turned out, the afternoon we arrived, we were simply told what time dinner would be. The table was already set. We were simply expected to come for dinner the three nights we were there. The food and company were wonderful.
 

Timothy said we needed to come with him that evening for a special treat. We drove out into the country to an old stone house that is being renovated. There were about 30 local Irish people gathered to play music, sing, dance and have desserts.

There were musicians, a keyboard, a guitar, a fiddle, an accordion and a mandolin. Several people sang acapella Irish folk songs that related to the hard times the Irish overcame. We were expected to join in. I was able to keep up with the first couple Irish dances but then things sped up. Here is a video that captures the flavor of the group. Others told stories and others jokes. We has a wonderful experience that tourists would never get to see. Here is a video that captures the atmosphere.

We finally left after midnight. It was a very enjoyable and unique experience. Timothy told us the group gets together 2 or 3 times a year and we were just fortunate to be there at the right time.

Louise and The Beacon hike

Everyone was wonderfully friendly and constantly tried to help us have a good trip. We got a lot of good advice about things to see. Louise in particular spent time taking care of us. She and her children joined us on some of our outings.

Louise recommended Lough Hyne. There was a great hiking trail up the side of the mountain that overlooked Lough Hyne.

Lough Hyne is a very interesting place. This sign explained why it is so unique.

 

And of course there are legends attached to Lough Hyne. Cloghan Castle and Lough Hyne

Our group at the top overlooking Lough Hyne

Lough Hyne in the distance

A view looking down from the trail

There are many unbelievably fantastic views in Ireland I wanted to capture all of them. Here is a collection of pictures from some of our hikes.

Christi photographing Kaitlyn

Trail to Sheepshead Lighthouse

Will

Sheepshead Lighthouse

Kaitlyn

 

Timothy told us about a famous police officer from the area, Francis O'Neill. Timothy took us to a monument to Francis O'Neill. Timothy knew Francis and even has O'Neill's police coat and baton. Several of us had to try it on. Kaitlyn looked the best! He is credited with saving Irish music. 

Chief Francis O'Neill

Louise, Kaitlyn and Timothy

Timothy knew Francis and even has O'Neill's police coat and baton. Several of us had to try it on. Kaitlyn looked the best!

Memorial to Chief O'Neill

If you look at the names on the plaques you'll see Maureen O'Hara. She knew Chief O'Neill and retired to a house close by.

Life Size Chief O'Neill statue

I will happily admit I was getting worn out. Long hikes, long days and lots of fun family interaction. Timothy still had two excursions planned for us. One was to visit his brother and his wife at their farm. It looked like stereotypical Ireland. We arrived at noon and were handed a "Pour". When in Rome, right? We walked part of the farm. 

I was informed that he had cleared all the land in these pictures many years ago. Very impressive. He also planted a pine forest. Truly amazing.

Kaitlyn's "Nest"

The last excursion was to an old mill where Timothy's father had worked. It is currently being renovated into a house. We all six of us rode in our 5 passenger car. Kaitlyn fit nicely in the trunk. In fact she liked it so well JP was fighting her for the space!

The history of the mill was interesting. I never asked how old it is but I'm sure, very. Here are some pictures.

After a wonderful visit with Will's relatives it was time to move on. Our next lodging is Ballyseede Castle. 

It is hot and or raining in Burlington. We're still getting out. We went for a long walk along Lake Champlain starting at 6am to beat the 88 degree temps and thunderstorms in the PM. I got some great sunrise pictures.

This blog is long enough. More Ireland to come.