England and Ireland---Day 11

Archway into Glendalough

Had our bags out the door at 6:45 this morning, then downstairs for breakfast.  Very nice hot and cold buffet with lots of choices of meats, cheeses, breads, cereal and eggs,  although they were a little light on the fruit.

Round tower

Leaving Dublin, we first went to the 6th century monastic ruins at Glendalough.  Certainly one of the more interesting cemetery's I've ever been in, with thousand year old ruined churches, a round tower that was used to watch for marauding Vikings and Celtic crosses everywhere.

Top of the mountains

Shaping glass at Waterford

After leaving Glendalough we spent a lot of time on twisty turny roads in the Wicklow Mountains (hills in CA), finally ending up on the M9, a nice dual carriageway.  We reached Waterford in time for lunch, then a very interesting tour of what is left of the Waterford factore.  Yes, they still do make some things, with everything else being outsourced to Italy, Slovakia, etc.  Saw actual blowing, cutting, polishing and sculpting.  No wonder Waterford crystal costs so much.

 

Waterford town wall

Directly after this tour we met up with Jack, a local guide, who took us on a tour of the old Viking triangle, the walled part of the original town of Vadrafjordr, which means "Safe Water".  This has been changed over time to Waterford, and has nothing to do with fording the River Suir.

Another drive, this time ending up in Cork, and our hotel for the nighe.  After a nice meal, and with the sun still fairly high in the sky, it's time for bed, and the Blarney Stone tomorrow.

Mayonnaise eggs

Salmon with potatoes

roasted and mash

The Irish do like their potatoes.

Pt. of hard cider