Christ Church Ireland 2012: Blarney, a Cork and some booze

It was gloriously sunny almost all day on Tuesday, the rain held off until we were on the bus heading back to Killarney.

Blarney Castle and Gardens

Our first stop of the day was at Blarney Castle and Gardens. The gardens are quite large and much was still in bloom, even in mid-October.

A view of the gardens from the top of the castle

The climb up to the top of the castle, where the Blarney Stone is located, is not for the feint of heart or the claustrophobic. Much of the way there are tight, narrow, spiral stone steps with only a rope to hold onto.

Allie climbing the castle steps

Those who make it to the top are rewarded with the view and the opportunity to lie on their backs to kiss the stone, after which (according to legend) they will receive the gift of eloquence.

Ann, Dolores and Ron at the top of Blarney Castle

Allie assumes the position

Dennis

Elaina

Marty

Rob

This was Dan's birthday and he got a kiss from Betty rather than a stone.

Betty & Dan

Marie & Bob at the Castle

After the castle there was some serious power shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills, billed as the largest Irish shop on earth.

Lunch followed, then we climbed back on the bus for a panoramic tour of the city of Cork. From there we were off to the Jameson Distillery in Middleton.

Arriving at the Jameson Distillery

Toward the end of the tour the guide asked for volunteers to participate in a taste test, pitting Jameson's Irish Whiskey against Johnnie Walker scotch and Jack Daniel's. From our group Allie, Leigh, Dennis and Rob were chosen.