Blarney

I am guessing that many of you have heard of Blarney.  It is one of the most popular places to visit in Ireland.  Almost every tourist has memories of Blarney.  I was told by a few people that we needed to go to a "Real" castle and that Blarney was "Just a tower".  If that is true, then we have a real treat in store for us when we do go see a larger castle.  My first site of the "Tower" was of awe and amazement.  I didn't realize it would be quite so big.  It was much more then I had anticipated.  Everyone of us at one point or another uttered the word, WOW.  Below is the first real good look you get of the tower as you approach it. 
To think that we were in a place that was around during Queen Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII was beyond explanation.

To look up at the Blarney Castle is to be left speechless.  All we could do was think of the many people that lived here in the past.  There is actually people who once called this home! 

Below is a picture of Babby and Tater-tot right next to the castle.  It was so awesome to be able to walk up to it and touch it.   

Badgers cave was built right into the bottom of the castle.  You are able to walk in but it is very dark and a bit muddy and wet.  The older kids had a blast exploring. 

(remember you can click on any image to enlarge it)

Below is the pictures we got of the dungeon.  An actual dungeon!  How cool is that?

Our son within the walls of the dungeon.  Too bad we don't have one of these at home.  :0)

Inside, part of the dungeon, looking out.

It was amazing to look at the castle from the outside but to see it from the inside was even more amazing!  Below are some pictures that I took while looking out the windows and from the top.

It was wonderful to see the tremendous work that was put into the architecture of this magnificent structure.

Below are a few pictures that were taken from the inside.

I was able to stand above the Murder Hole but unfortunately unable to get a better photo.  The room was very small and my camera lens couldn't pull back far enough.  If you look closely you can see through the protective screen down to the bottom.

Babby is in front of one of the castle windows.  Not all of the windows were built so deep into the walls. 

                                                  

Below I am standing in front of one of the entry gates. 

According to Irish folklore, anyone who kisses the stone receives the ability to speak with eloquence, or “The Gift of the Gab.”





I was not willing to hang from the castle upside down to kiss the stone so instead I took a picture with the man who helped my children as well as Samantha Brown get the "Gift of the gab".  (My children do not need that gift.  It was naturally put upon them.  They gab very well on their own.)

I could not find a link to the episode with Samantha Brown but did find the credits which have her kissing the stone.  Click here to see

Sadly I did not get a picture of Paul kissing the stone.  We had to go up separate since we have a little one.  She was allowed to go but climbing to the top of Blarney is a bit exhausting.  Neither of us wanted to do that while carrying a toddler.  In the picture below, above the top window is where you hang to kiss the stone.

While waiting for Paul to get the "Gift of the gab", we took turns taking pictures with this beautiful tree.  I have always adored the trees of Ireland as well as England.  They are just as amazing in person as they are in photographs. 

Tater-Tot and Sunshine went for a little stroll in this beautiful countryside.  Tater-Tot was a bit bossy while Sunshine showed her patience well.

When it came time to head back we happened upon the stable yard for the castle.  It has been turned into a coffee shop.  We enjoyed some coffee and dessert and were able to get a few postcards.  It didn't have a feel of being commercialized.  It actually felt like we were having drinks in a stable.

The walk back was more proof of just how beautiful Ireland is.

Babby and I giggled when we came upon this road.  I couldn't help but sing the "The Rocky Road to Dublin".

At the very end of our visit we went to the famous Woollen Mills.  It is enourmous, a bit pricey and fun to look around in.  





To end our trip in Blarney we went to Christy's Pub and enjoyed scones latte's, tea, and some lunch.

click here for more history of the Blarney stone

Irish Vocabulary

I just recently noticed that this post doesn't make much sense on an IPhone.  If you are having trouble viewing it with your phone move on to the next post. 

American           Irish

Potato Chips                               Crisps

Gasoline                                        Petrel

Check                                            Tick
(like when you are going to
 put a check mark on a paper)

Register                                        Till

Diapers                                         Nappies

Grocery Cart                                 Trolley

Escalator                                       Travelator

Elevator                                         Lift

French Fries                                  Chips

Cookies                                          Biscuits

Chocolate Syrup                            Chocolate Sauce or Chocolate Spread

Bacon                                             Rashers

Stove Top                                       Hob

Car Trunk                                       Boot

Stroller                                           Buggy

Garbage Can                                Wheelie Bin

Biscuits                                         Rolls

Break Time or Lunch Time           Tea Time

While                                             Whilst

As new words come to me I will add them to this list.

An Old Irish Pub

We went to our first pub a couple of weeks ago.  It was right after our trip to Glendalough. 
It was a lot like what we have heard.  When we got there it was so busy we didn't know if we would be able to find a seat.  Turns out we went to the most famous pub in Ireland.  At least that is what they claim.  I am guessing it is true now that I have seen the amount of people that were there. 
It was raining super hard that day which meant we had to run in if we didn't want to get soaked.  Paul went in while we waited in the car and asked someone there, who looked to be an employee, if they had seen any open seats.  (in pubs you seat yourself)  The man took him to the back room and sure enough found the one open spot in the place.  Paul then ran to the car and hurried us out to go sit. 
We ran in, doing our best to avoid getting wet.  There were people at every corner.  I never realized that many people could fit within a building, although it felt more like a big house. 
The people there were extremely friendly. Our first order was an order of Mussels. They were from local waters and deliciously fresh tasting.  The shells on the mussels were a bright blue with other colors incorporated in them.  I have never seen them like that.  Recently Thomas and I found one at a beach that looked just like the ones we ate.  It had proven that the ones we ate must of been local. 

Around the time we received the mussels the waitress brought over some traditional Irish soda bread.  My son and I are gluten intolerant but we tried the bread anyhow.  We couldn't leave Ireland without a taste of it.  The texture and flavor was absolutely yummy!

Click here to read some history about Irish Soda Bread

Within the Pub it was quite dark.  We were blessed to be able to sit next to a fireplace which made it feel like we were in an old Irish home.  Even in July and August the pubs will still have their fireplaces going.  Ireland seems to always be cool enough to have a fire going.  These shots below were taken without a flash to show you just how dark it was in there.

The candle, farm equipment hanging on the ceiling and the clothes hanging over the fireplace gave off a strong 1700's-1800's feeling. 

As we were leaving the rain wasn't quite as heavy.  This gave me an opportunity to take a couple pictures.  Below is a couples items that really stood out to us.

Click here for the History of the pub

Click here to see the list of famous people who have been to this pub