DAY 8
KILKENNY CASTLE ~ HOME OF THE BUTLERS
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND
OVERNIGHT IN DUBLIN
Kilkenny, on the shores of the River Nore, is the finest medieval town
in Ireland and one known for its artisans. A flourishing civic, ecclesiastical
and government center for more than 1,000 years, it boasts splendid
buildings, including the dominant
Kilkenny Castle.
Built in the 1190s by the Norman leader
Strongbow, Kilkenny Castle was
occupied right up until 1935. The powerful Butler family lived in it from
the late 14th century, but because of the exorbitant upkeep, their descendants
donated the Castle to the nation in 1967.
Children Celebrate Saint Patrick's Weekend on the Merry-Go-Round near Kilkenny Castle
©2014 Photo by Michael Reed ~ Creative World Travel
Kyteler's Inn, a medieval coaching inn, is named after Dame Alice Kyteler,
a 14th-century witch who once lived in the building. Like most of the pubs
in the city, Kyteler's Inn sells Smithwick's beer, which has been brewed in
Kilkenny since 1710.
Kilkenny Design Centre, housed in Kilkenny Castle's stable block, has a
nationwide reputation. You can see craftspeople in action and also buy
their works.
Virtual Tour of Kilkenny
Vendor on Kilkenny's High Street Knits Rosettes and Hat Badges for St. Patrick's Day
©2014 Photo by Michael Reed ~ Creative World Travel
From Kilkenny, we drive to Dublin and visit the
National Museum of Ireland at Michael Collins Barracks.
The museum is home to a wide range of objects which include weaponry, furniture,
silver, ceramics and glassware, as well as examples of folklife and costume.
The exhibitions have been designed in innovative and contemporary galleries.
One section of the museum is devoted to The 1916 Easter Rising and the heros of Irish Independence. like
Michael Collins and
Patrick Pearse.
Samba School Queen at the 2007 St. Patrick's Day Parade
©2007 Photo by Michael Reed ~ Creative World Travel
