We ended day five strolling through medieval Kilkenny


DAY SIX

We began our sixth day at Kilkenny Castle home of the Butler Family, the Dukes & Earls of Ormonde, who resided at the castle for 500 years. Kilkenny Castle is a cross between a medieval castle and an elegant manor house. The oldest parts built in 1192, partially destroyed in 1650 by Cromwell and then restored and updated in the 18th century and again in the 1830s

After the tour we set off to Dublin with a stop planned at Russborough House along the way. Upon arriving however we discovered it closed and so, with the extra time decided to take a more leisurely route to Dublin. We almost immediately stumbled upon what we thought to be a local race meet -- only after returning home did we discover that we'd attended Punchestown Festival, the grand finale to the National Hunt Season, on last of day of the 5 day meet

Rebecca, being an old hand at the tote from her days at Santa Anita, was quick to put a fiver on a grey in the 2nd. A wager that covered her day's entertainment  
    • Dame Alice le Kyteler owned this inn until 1324 when she was condemed as a witch and forced to flee Ireland. We just had dinner.
    • Our 2nd brewery - This one, like Wonka's factory, was closed up tight. We looked and looked but never found another entrance
    • Another Black Abbey
    • Please can I have it? I won't ask for anything else on the trip
    • Day Six - A tour of Kilkenny Castle
          • On the way to Dublin we stumbled upon Punchestown races
            • Number 4 in the Second looks good
                • A winner paying €12.80
                • We make it to Dublin and our final Hotel