A Day in Kilkenny and Waterford!

This morning we loaded up on our bus and headed for the town of Kilkenny. Kilkenny is much smaller than Dublin and much more quaint. As soon as we stepped off the bus, we were confronted with the massive, beautiful and stately Kilkenny Castle. From the amateur's eye, it looks in near perfect condition. Although we couldn't go inside, the outside was plenty impressive. The city takes excellent care of the structure and the grounds. Rose bushes and a beautiful water fountain consumed the entire front yard. In the back yard, the locals and tourists would thrown down blankets and have picnics. It looked like something out of a movie!

We wandered the streets and passed countless coffee shops, meat and fish stores and small retail shops. Subway was the only chain store I spotted. All the businesses are locally owned and operated. Fresh scones, muffins, sandwiches and coffees were at every corner. I was in HEAVEN!

Next stop was Waterford, home of the Waterford Crystal Factory. Now don't get confused......most people think that the town was named after it's famous crystal, but the exact opposite is true. The Vikings actually named the town centuries ago. Waterford was extremely important and valued to many due to it's easy access from the Atlantic and its natural borders that protected the island against the ocean winds. It's still a booming city, but back in the day............. it was like New York City! THEE place to be!

We toured the Waterford Crystal Factory, and let me tell you, I have a whole new appreciation for this crystal! Each piece is hand-made. Let me repeat that............each piece is HAND-MADE. It also must past 6 quality inspection points. If it doesn't pass, it is smashed and sent back to be melted down. The master craftsmen must study their craft for 8 years to be certified a "master". They must also memorize each and every pattern and cut. They take their quality serious and it shows in their product and their prices. You get what you pay for when you purchase Waterford. Some pieces are crafted for 4 months and cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Finally, we checked into the Granville Hotel and then met for dinner. Some of us went for a walk by the water and admired the beautiful city lights. Today was a great day. I can't wait for tomorrow when we will be climing the stairs to kiss the Blarney Stone!

 Kilkenny Castle