Glendalough, Sheep Dogs and Kilkenny

So, I’m back in Ireland, waiting for my cruise ship to finally be fixed and pass all its tests so we can get to it. While I continue to wait (it’s been 78 days late) I went on a trip to west to see a few new sights and revisit Kilkenny.

The way I loaded the pictures I’m actually travelling backwards from my real route. I finished with the sheep farm, but here you go, they’re up first.

Irish Collie Sheep Dog Trials

Our final stop of the day is on a working sheep farm. This is a 4th generation farm that raises sheep. Sheep wool is worth a little less in todays market so to suppliment their income several farmers offer tourists a chance to come and experience their farms.

Now if you know anything about real sheep farming in Ireland most sheep have their babies in March. Due to the tourism having a high season in the summer, not the spring, the owner here breeds a few ewes off season so that he has small lambs until the fall.

This is a 4th generation sheep farm and the owner’s brother owns land adjacent to the farm for another farm in the family.

This is Rob, the sheep dog. He’s 4 years old and loves his job.

They put on a little show to demonstrate how Rob listens to commands to round up the sheep. The sheep don’t like Ron.

They also have six kinds of sheep on the farm. The majority are of two native breeds, but he their are a few others just for show. They aren’t breed. There is 1 ram for every 40 ewes and about 250 animals total.

Glendalough (Glen of Two Lakes)

This was a new spot as I didn’t do this one the last time I was in Ireland. It is where St. Kevin founded a 7th century monastary. I don’t know why, but I’ve always thought Kevin was a more modern name and kinda wanna giggle when I hear about Saint Kevin.

There are deer here that were introduced from Japan years ago. They are a little too used to people and have to be stopped from stealing food.

Here there are several ruins and a lovely walk between the lower and upper lakes. Now coming from Canada, i kind of assumed upper lake would mean climbing up the mountain, but no, it just refers to walking up the path further.

Sancuatry stone -At the entrance to all monastaries there is a stone like this. Once touched the person is abel to stay in the monastary for 90 days. After that time you either join or leave.

Ruins of St’ Kevin’s Church – This was the second one. The first was actually at the Upper Lake.

Celtic Cross with the round tower in the background. There are 65 of these towers throughout Ireland. They have a high door because most of the foundation is not underground but in the lwer part of the tower itself.

Solid granite cross- this is the oldest piece in the grounds.

Walking between the lakes takes about 25 minutes

Wicklow Gap

Driving between Kilkenny and Glendalough there is the Wicklow gap. It is a picturesque valley.

The big battle scene in Braveheart was filmed here.

Kilkenny

I was briefly in Kilkenny 23 years ago, but my friends and I had stayed in a castle outside of town and didn’t really see too much of the city itself.

The only thing I can clearly remember is having a sausage bap with jalapeno jam here. It was delicious and I’ve recreated it over the years many times.

The shop called Blah Blah Blah, is still here since 2000. Sadly for me, they are on holidays for a few days so I couldn’t pop back in.

Blah Blah blah is on the right hand side of this street and the train/bus station is on the left hand side of this street.

St. Francis Abbey aka the Black Abbey, was founded in the 13th century.

This Abbey holds one of the oldest breweries in Ireland, the Smithwick’s Brewery dates back to the 14th century.

St. Canice’s Cathedral was built during the 13th century and named after St. Canice (St. Kenny), an Irish Saint. The tower can be climbed for 5 Euro. The cathedral costs 6.50 Euro to enter.

Is it worth it? Since you are there yes. There are some cool things inside, particularly the tombs and a very old book. The entrance leads straight into a gift shop which has taken over the back of the building. When I see this it automatically down grades my desire to see more.

700 year old Red Book Of Ossory written by a bishop Richard Ledrede in Killkenny. In 1324 he was the first clergyman to accuse a person of witchcraft in Ireland.

Killkenny Courthouse and behind the Smithwick’s Experience

This is about the only place in Ireland you can buy a Killkenny beer anymore. Guiness bought them out and moved production to Belfast in 2016. I do remember it was shortly after my 27th birthday when my friends and I were here drinking Kilkenny in Killkenny county.

Sucks to be poor and have to take the place of your rich employeer who bribed her way to freedom.

Medieval Mile Museum -originally St. Mary’s Church.

Shee Alms House- Founded in 1582 by the Shee family to help the poor people in the region.

Probably the most famous building in town is the Kilkenny Castle. It was built in the 12th century and originally had 4 towers and walls to protect the inhabitants. Two of the towers were destroyed in 1650 by the invasion of Oliver Cromwell and the castle was purchased and renovated to be a chateau in 1661.

The inside can be visited on a self-guided tour for 8 Euro. And the grounds is a huge park that anyone can stroll around for free.

Chasing Summer –