We're starting up a brand new day

Today was our first full day in Ireland. It started earlier than my body wanted, but it started very well indeed. Our wonderful B&B hosts were so welcoming during our stay (we really want to come back again!), and prepared a feast for us. Carrie and Les had smoked salmon with their scrambled eggs, and loved it. Pat and I settled on eggs on toast with broiled tomato. They plied us with Irish brown bread, toast, nice black tea, and so much more. Both our bodies and our sprits were full upon leaving.

We headed out for the first tour of the oldest continuously operational lighthouse in the world - Hooks Head. It was very interesting, and had breathtaking views. While on the drive out there, Les noticed a tour of "Ireland's most haunted house" so, of course, we decided to visit. We had to loop back, as the tour didn't start for a while. So, we went to a ruined Abbey that, as recently as the 1950s, was in use as a private residence.

We had a bubbly guide who was very knowledgable about the history of the

area in general, as well as the abbey (we found out later at a different site, that she used to be stationed there, so her wide-ranging knowledge made more sense). We took a walk in the woods and back to the car to visit a castle.

The castle (our guide's former site), was going to be a short visit, as Carrie had scheduled a tight day of events, and adding the haunted house was in danger of throwing her plans askew. When she asked for the 15 minute version of the tour, the guid was incredulous - "You want me to describe the history of this 500 plus year old castle in 15 minutes?" He was so friendly and nice (like pretty much everyone here), that time flew out the window as he took us around this rather small tower house. It was very interesting, and we really enjoyed it.

Next stop was the haunted house. It was a blend of actual history and theatre designed to heighten the tension. Carrie's initial declaration was that I was not to leave her side, no matter what! My job was to ensure that Les couldn't make her jump with some attempt to frighten her. As soon as we entered the house, our guide selected some "volunteers." As might be guessed, I was one of those chosen. He separated us from the rest of the group, and I could hear Carrie's desperate thoughts. As it ended up, I was representing the Lord of the manor reenacting a legendary haunting event. We were reunited shortly thereafter, but I don't think this was her favorite tour. :)

From there, we rode a ferry across to get ready to drive to Waterford. Apparently, there was a big event going on in the downtown area, and we got caught in massive traffic. We found a car park, and walked around to find some dinner. We looked in Yelp and found a well-rated place and sauntered over. I had some amazing chicken curry and, thanks to a personal request, I posted a picture of Carrie and I toasting with our favorite elixir, Bulmer's cider - there you go, Sean!

We finished the day by driving to Cork to find our B&B. While centrally located, there was no real parking. After making a few loops, I stopped in an alley so we could unload and then I would go find parking. After several more loops (and some questionably-legal lane changes), I found one pretty close. We unloaded our stuff and walked around, though everything but pubs was closed. It's almost midnight, and I'm tired, so I'm signing off. Here are a few pictures from today. Enjoy!