Kilkenny - Day #5

We had a light breakfast of scones and coffee before heading out to Kilkenny.

The owner of the B&B gave us a few tips for following road signs. You can't really depend on signs telling you what highway or road you are on, so you have to know what city is coming next and follow the signs for that city. I kind of wanted to drive through the Wicklow mountains, but after yesterday's adventure taking so long I decided against it. we are staying in a national park in  a few days so I will get my feel of mountains there. We found our way very easily and only had to turn around once when we reached Kilkenny centre.We enjoyed the afternoon walking around the quaint midievil town.

Kilkenny Old Jail and Courthouse

St. Mary's Catherdral was built in 1857. It is a  Gothic design, built entirely of chiseled limestone and cruciform in shape”.  The tower which has become a landmark of the city was originally designed for St. Kieran’s College, and rises to a height of 186 feet.

I loved the rows of colored doors. In the picture on the left you can see St. Canice's tower. Not sure why I do not have pictures of the catherdral.

Our walk into town led us down College Road and by St. Kieran's College. The college was founded in 1782, however this has been the location since 1836.

St. Patrick's Parish

I think this is just a hotel, but I loved the red bud blooms against the old Irish building.

Once 2:00 rolled around we went to the B&B the check in. We stayed at Melrose House B&B ran by Pat and Nuala Brennan.

We received a map and headed to Kilkenny Castle. The castle is located along the River Nore and dominates the 'High Town' of Kilkenny City. Over the eight centuries of its existence, many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles. 

The original Anglo-Norman stone castle was built for William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke during the first decade of the  thirteenth century. It later became the principal Irish residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. The Butler ownership began when James , 3rd Earl of Ormond, purchased the castle in 1391, and lasted until 1967 when Arthur, 6th Marquess of Ormonde , presented it to the people of Kilkenny. It has has been in the care of teh city since 1969.

The front gate.

I sneaked a picture of on of the rooms.

A statue of Hermes modeled after the original in the Vatican Collection.

The fountain.

 

Today the castle sits on 21 acres of land.

 

The back of the castle. They were doing yard work that day.

 

Rothe House is a unique Irish merchant's townhouse, built between 1594 and 1610. The property comprises three houses, three enclosed courtyards and a large garden. John Rothe, who was a wealthy merchant and landowner in Kilkenny, built the first house in 1594 and as his family grew (to 12 children) he built the second and third houses. - See more at: http://www.visitkilkenny.ie/rothe_house#sthash.5TUVf0wF.dpuf

othe House is a unique Irish merchant's townhouse, built between 1594 and 1610. The property comprises three houses, three enclosed courtyards and a large garden. John Rothe, who was a wealthy merchant and landowner in Kilkenny, built the first house in 1594 and as his family grew (to 12 children) he built the second and third houses. - See more at: http://www.visitkilkenny.ie/rothe_house#sthash.5TUVf0wF.dpuf

othe House is a unique Irish merchant's townhouse, built between 1594 and 1610. The property comprises three houses, three enclosed courtyards and a large garden. John Rothe, who was a wealthy merchant and landowner in Kilkenny, built the first house in 1594 and as his family grew (to 12 children) he built the second and third houses. - See more at: http://www.visitkilkenny.ie/rothe_house#sthash.5TUVf0wF.dpuf

 After the castle we strolled through the city to the Black Abbey.

othe House is a unique Irish merchant's townhouse, built between 1594 and 1610. The property comprises three houses, three enclosed courtyards and a large garden. John Rothe, who was a wealthy merchant and landowner in Kilkenny, built the first house in 1594 and as his family grew (to 12 children) he built the second and third houses. - See more at: http://www.visitkilkenny.ie/rothe_house#sthash.5TUVf0wF.dpuf

Rothe House is a unique Irish merchant's townhouse, built between 1594 and 1610. The property comprises three houses, three enclosed courtyards and a large garden. John Rothe, who was a wealthy merchant and landowner in Kilkenny, built the first house in 1594 and as his family grew (to 12 children) he built the second and third houses. - See more at: http://www.visitkilkenny.ie/rothe_house#sthash.5TUVf0wF.dpu

The Dominican came to this part of Ireland about 1225. The church and priory came to be known as the Black Abbey, because it was there the Blackfriars lived (Dominicans are also known as Blackfriars fromthe black ‘cappa’ or mantle they wear on occasion over their white habits).

 

We grabbed a quick dinner at Lanigans Bar and Hostel. I had bacon and cabbage. It was not what I excepted and I know I took a picture .but can't find it now. The bacon was so thick it looked like slabs of ham.

We decided to turn in for the night. We'd put in a very long day of driving and had another one ahead of us the next day. We found a Sparta and bought a bottle of wine to take back to the rooms and enjoyed watching a few episodes of House of Cards on Netflix.

othe House is a unique Irish merchant's townhouse, built between 1594 and 1610. The property comprises three houses, three enclosed courtyards and a large garden. John Rothe, who was a wealthy merchant and landowner in Kilkenny, built the first house in 1594 and as his family grew (to 12 children) he built the second and third houses. - See more at: http://www.visitkilkenny.ie/rothe_house#sthash.5TUVf0wF.dpuf