Long, Long Road to (and past) Tipperary

Oh, my back was not happy about it. Nonetheless, I decided to add a major detour on my route from Lisdoonvarna to the Aldrige Lodge (see feature photo) on the Hook Peninsula, right between Waterford and Wexford (not the Terrace, for those of you in the know). First stop was Limerick, because, how could I not? One of the 4 oldest towns in Ireland (along with Waterford, Wexford and Dublin, thanks to the Vikings and Normans, who were Vikings come over from Normandy). Walked around, had a lovely lunch (Broccoli! Carrots! Lentil soup! The thrill of veggies while traveling), then hit the road for Kinsale, on the mid-southernmost coast and reputed to be a lovely fishing village, not as touristy as Dingle (which I couldn’t fit in). And indeed it was. If I didn’t already have the Lodge booked, I likely would have stayed because there was so much live music advertised I would have been busy all night checking it all out. But I walked and enjoyed the delightful streets, the beautiful harbor, incredibly good light supper at The Black Pig (had read this name in a magazine by the Irish version of Ina Garten), manicure for the wedding (yay!), and a long drive in the dark before I arrived at the Aldridge Lodge about 10:20 at night. Greeted by Joanne with a really big hug, I was relieved and delighted.

St. Munchin’s Church in Limerick
King John’s Castle (Michael: the very same of “after all, your majesty, he IS your brother”)
Courtyard of the Castle, where important business and trade was conducted. Perhaps we should bring these back?
View from the very top. An imposing sight for any ships coming into town, purposefully
Lovely streets of Kinsale, promoting local goods of course
Boo! So many awards for their wine, but couldn’t indulge due to long drive ahead
Happy girl with green salad, smoked duck and salad, and…
Beautiful, rich, wild mushroom toast
Check out how he turns this round and round to slice the Swiss “Head of the Monk” cheese into super-thin shavings. He shared tastes with everyone sitting at the bar (only way to get food, fully booked otherwise), which made for the perfect dessert.
beautiful light in the harbor as I walked back to the car after my manicure and lovely day

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