Haegeles' Ireland 2022
Life is like a puzzle.
The more you travel,
The more you understand.
Then the more you understand,
The better the pieces fit together.
quaint
artsy
picturesque
medieval
breezy
colorful
gourmet
The kaleidoscope that is KINSALE
Day 3: Kilmainham Gaol and Cashel Ruins
Tuesday
Aug 16, 2022
Partly Cloudy 65°
A POIGNANT DAY IN WHICH WE...
A Love Story
Enroute to the Gaol, Pascal prepared us for the heartbreaking story - and this song - of Grace Gifford and Joseph Plunkett who said their marriage vows just before Joseph was executed for his part in the 1916 Easter Rising. As word of the executions spread through the world, public opinion began to change regarding the Irish rebellion. The British had unwittingly created martyrs and a full blown revolution followed. Please take a moment to listen to this moving song.
"I am happy to die for the glory of God and the honour of Ireland." Joseph Plunkett
sláinte
We toast Becky's buddy Sandy.
This was Sandy's 3rd Rick Steves tour. She thought Pascal, our guide, was GREAT and our bus driver, Mark, was equally impressive. To her pleasant surprise, the weather was much better than she expected!!
Sandy learned a lot about Ireland which corrected some misconceptions she had. (I think we all shared this sentiment to some degree, Sandy.)
Favorite "WOW" moment
The falconry at Ashford castle. We agree with Sandy!
Day 4: Kinsale and Charles Fort
Wednesday
Aug 17, 2022
Sunny to cloudy, 66°
AN INFORMATIVE DAY THAT LAYS THE GROUNDWORK...
The Pirate of Kinsale
One of the world's most famous female pirate's, Ann Bonny, was born circa 1700 on Old Head in Kinsale. Quite the pirate she was! Raised by her fugitive father, disguised as a male while training to be his law clerk, Ann's father disowned her when she married a sailor, James Bonny. She soon ran off with "Calico Jack"and married again. Their crew were captured, convicted and sentenced to hanging. Ann pleaded a stay-of-execution due to pregnancy. There is no final record on her demise.
Her parting words to Jack, "Had you fought like a man, you need not have been hang'd like a dog."
"Good women seldom make history."
IRMIRT GO MAITH | Play Well
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Tour the Rock of Cashel with guide Ashland.
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Stroll picturesque Scilly Walk
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Discover historic Charles Fort
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Visit the bustling Market Day (Wednesdays)
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Don and Barry's Historic Stroll with Barry Moloney
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Boat cruise around the snug Harbor
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Make discoveries on the outskirts of town
ITHE GO MAITH | Eat Well
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The Rock House a quick group lunch
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High Tide group dinner
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Kitty O Se's Pub for good craic | good time
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Kitty O Se's Pub again...for dinner and more good craic
We slept two nights at Friar's Lodge in a comfy large room overlooking quaint Friars St. below - named after the ruined Carmelite Friary nearby.
Friar's Lodge
Get Your Irish On
DRESSING LIKE A LOCAL
IRISH SAYING
"There is no bad weather,
just inappropriate clothing."
Wear what you normally wear and wear it in layers seems to be good advice. T-shirts are a great base layer, that can be built upon with a sweater, a fleece, a raincoat – whatever the ever changing weather demands.
Younger Irish and other Europeans seem to have embraced shorts and athletic shoes especially when hot temps prevail. The difference is they just look more put together than their American counterparts. Their clothes fit better, coordinate and don't show wear.
Young women tend to dress up a bit for an evening at a pub more so than during the day.
"To fit in and be culturally sensitive,
I watch my manners,
not the cut of my clothes."
-Rick Steves' Travel Tips
A TRAVEL TIP FOR WOMEN: Take a reversible travel skirt, they pack small and give two looks for one item. Becky discovered that both reversible jeggings (comfortable leggings that look like jeans) and reversible dresses exist too! Who knew?!