up on the hill
We were up early to check out of Buswells Hotel. Our bus driver, Dennis was there to meet us and we took a short drive to Kilmainham Gaol. The jail was used by the British as a political prison and many who fought for Irish independence were held and executed here. From here we headed South West to the Rock of Cashel. We had a guided tour of the ruins including Cormac’s Chapel. The grounds contain a graveyard with wonderful celtic crosses and expansive views of the Plain of Tipperary. Also, a large stone chunk that was blown off in a massive storm in 1848 known as “Night of the Big Wind.” We had lunch in Cashel, then we bussed off to Kinsale. Here we did the “Rick Steve’s Rumble” as we towed our suitcases a few blocks into the city center. We met for a brief walking tour of Kinsale, getting suggested ideas for meals and activities. We had the rest of the day free so we decided on dinner at Hoby’s Restaurant and a pint at a local pub while some locals played some great traditional Irish music.