Kilkenny Birthday Weekend!

Last Thursday I celebrated my 20th birthday! And it also happened to be the day we left for Kilkenny for a few day trip. We did so much and learned so many amazing things. It all made my birthday really a fantastic time.

Our first stop was at Jerpoint Abbey in Thomastown, Kilkenny. It's from the 12th century, and it's a Cistercian abbey meaning they lived communally versus in isolation from other monks.

Tombs

The nave of the cathedral.

Colonnade. 

Cool archways.

After that we headed over to New Ross to see a ship from the time of the Irish famine (or hunger, depending on who you're talking to) called the Dunbrody. It was built in 1845 in Quebec, Canada actually by an Irishman and then sailed for about 30 years across the Atlantic. Each voyage took about 6-8 weeks with 200 or so passengers. Each one only got 30 minutes of free time on deck each day to eat and get fresh air.

This was a bunk for 5 people. It would've been a tight squeeze.

The ship.

Our final stop of the day was in Waterford County to see how the famous Waterford Crystal is made! We got a behind the scenes tour of the factory with an amazing tour guide. And since it was my birthday they let me smash a rejected piece of crystal! It was awesome.

A 30,000 euro harp.

They still use wooden shaping blocks and they only last about 6-8 times before having to be remade!

Hard at work.

So that sums up my birthday. We ended the night out on the town at a place called Matt the Millers drinking some apple cider (non-alcholic) and listening to live music. I loved how the musicians played stuff like The Lumineers and Mumford along with traditional Irish songs.

The following day we hit up Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral and Kyteler's Inn for dinner.

Kilkenny Castle. Built by the Normans and renovated to the Victorian style.

Kilkenny castle grounds.

St. Canice's Cathedral from the 12th century. One of my favorite spots.

View from the round tower of St. Canice's

Started in 1324! Almost a 700 year old restaurant we ate at. Won't find that in America.

Our last day, Saturday, was spent at Cahir Castle which had a lot of cool battlements and lines of defense for invasions. We also got to go to the Rock of Cashel (actually a hill with a cathedral/castle/round tower) where the high kings of Leinster met in the 400's! Our last exploration was Hore Abbey which we got to climb all over.

Cahir Castle- inside

Cahir Castle- outside 

12th century frescoes in a church at the Rock of Cashel

Inside the Cathedral looking at the round tower at the Rock of Cashel

You can see more pictures on my Facebook album under "Ireland 2013" if you're interested. And I will try to blog again tomorrow or Sunday about this weekend and how much fun I'm having! Hope everyone in the states is doing well! Love and miss you all.

Until next time,

Max