Marvelous Mountains to Medieval City

July 26-27

Wicklow Mountains

               

Our first taste of rural Irish beauty was in the Wicklow Mountains.  From the sound of sheep roaming all around the Kangoo to the breathtaking views we felt like we were enjoying a little slice of heaven.  We listened to Eric Clapton unplugged and Van Morrison with the Kangoo doors open for most of the evening.  At 10:15pm we could still see a tiny wedge of sunlight peeking out from the hillside, as if it were a child that did not want to go to bed.

                         

We got up with the sun the next morning because we wanted to see the sunrise and because we could not shut off the natural sheep sounding alarm clock. As the sun kissed the mountains the flora came alive with bright reds and purples popping out against the green velvet covered countryside.

Taking it slow this morning we spent almost two hours enjoying a traditional Irish breakfast…..free range eggs, rashers (bacon), sausage links, black & white Irish pudding (sausage patties), grilled mushrooms, potatoes, and toast.  We sat on the patio at The Wicklow Heather Restaurant as it rained off and on enjoying our ritualistic coffee talk as well as the scenery.

Kilkenny Castle

                   

           

After the rain cleared we headed to the Medieval City of Kilkenny. The city was full of tourist because Bruce Springsteen was coming in town for a weekend concert.  Everywhere we looked there were billboard size posters all welcoming “The Boss” to town. 

The River Nore

We toured Kilkenny castle as well as browsing a few souvenir shops. We found the River Nore to be charming as well as the patches of vibrant flowers found all over town.