Blarney Spoken Here!

What a day!! We left our B & B in Waterford after having an incredible breakfast this morning. We went on the Waterford Crystal Factory Tour. It was awesome even though most of the artists weren't working today because of the St. Patrick's Day Holiday. The tour was great. The artists that work there take about 8 years to become masters. They spend five years learning and then another 3 years. If they become an engraver it takes an additional 2 years because they have to go to Art College. We saw all of the trophies that they make for different sporting events, the Super Bowl and the Nobel Peace Prize. Our guide told us that they make three trophies for these big event--one for the event, one for them to keep at the Waterford Factory, and one "just in case" something happens to the original. The "just in case" ones come back to them if nothing happens. They always send an engraver who has about 10 minutes to engrave the winners name on the trophy. It was an incredible tour!! We went to the shop and I can truly understand why everything is so expensive.

After our tour, we headed for Cashel because Patrick really wanted to go there. I drove and we had to take a detour because of a fatal accident on the road. We went on a very narrow road and it was nerve-racking!!!! People drive too fast and they were driving really fast on this detour. The road was barely wide enough for one car, let alone two and some very big trucks. At one point, we had to cross a bridge that was only meant for one car and it was awful!!!!!! I was driving the entire time....... But we made it to Cashel and went to Church there at St. John the Baptist's Catholic Church. We then went to the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick baptised the King of Muenster in around 350 A.D. making Ireland a Christian country. We had to hike up to the castle and it was absolutely beautiful. It is hard to believe how old things are here.

We then drove to Blarney to our B & B here. We arrived around 4:00 and got settled and then walked down to the downtown area. It was too late to kiss the Blarney Stone, but we were able to go to Blarney Woolen Mills and then to dinner at a local pub. One of the most amazing things was that they have COORS LIGHT on draft. I couldn't believe that!!!

We are back in our rom and it is around 10:00. We will have breakfast tomorrow and leave for Limerick on St. Patrick's Day.

We talked to Kerri earlier and then to Teresa and Judy. We have seen a lot of dogs, but no pugs. Patrick says it is because pugs are such "woosies" and couldn't handle the cold weather. I agree, but I miss them

This is an incredible adventure!!