Killarney

Turns out I wasn't able to pack my laptop for the 3-day Killarney trip because everything had to fit into a bookbag. But, it was a great (albeit tiring) trip! We left early Sunday morning and got back Tuesday afternoon. On our way to Killarney, we stopped in the city of Cobh for lunch and then went to Blarney Castle. It was 8 euro to climb through the castle (a feat in and of itself) and then kiss the stone, but worth it just to say I've done it. I didn't realize the "stone" was really a brick in a wall. And I also didn't realize just how far back you had to lean to get to the stone. You're on the roof and lying on your back. The employees hold your legs and from the waist up, your body is hanging down, backwards. Thankfully it barely lasted long enough for me to understand what just happened. In front of me was this grandmother who was just too cute and went through with the whole shebang; she was a hoss!

Cobh

Kissing the Blarney Stone!

In Killarney, we arrived just in time for dinner at the Castlerosse Hotel where we stayed. Each morning we had a full Irish breakfast and each night a 4-course dinner... for free! Monday, we toured the Ring of Kerry and that was a full-day excursion. We stopped in various towns, including where the home of Daniel O'Connell lived (big name in Irish history). The sea-side and mountain views were just insane! It was a long, long day of driving that finally ended back in Killarney just in time for dinner once more. At this point, I was getting pretty tired of travelling and just wanted to stay put for a little bit!

Today, we stayed in Killarney and visiting the Killarney National Park. It had some beautiful gardens and a nice little hike to a waterfall. We shopped and had lunch in Killarney before making our way back to Waterford (you guessed it) just in time for dinner. I have found my Irish Forever 21 replacement: Penney's! I spent about 30 euro there today but got so many clothes! I'm going to need someone back home to compliment my outfits so I can say, "Oh yeah. This is from Ireland." Once back home, Taylor, James, and I walked the few blocks to Tesco to get some basic groceries and now I'm about to make pizza for dinner. Tomorrow is our first day of classes! But, to be honest, I'm more excited about just staying put in Waterford for the rest of the week. As nice as our tour buses are, nothing is more uncomfortable and just screams "HEY I'M AMERICAN Y'ALL" than a tour bus.

Clearly exhausted, but still having a great time!

Beir bua!