2012 IRELAND TRIP

FEBRUARY 21
Kilkenny Castle***Rock of Cashel***Adare Village
KILKENNY CASTLE (Irish: Caisleán Chill Chainnigh) is a castle in County Kilkenny built in 1195 for William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke (c.1146-1219) during the first decade of the thirteenth century. Kilkenny Castle later became the principal Irish residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. The Butler ownership began when James (c.1360-1405), 3rd Earl of Ormond, purchased the castle in c.1391, and lasted until 1967 when Arthur, 6th Marquess of Ormonde (1893-1971), presented it to the people of Kilkenny in return for a token payment of £50. 

Lunch was a nice grilled ham and cheese sandwich with fries and olives accompanied by a refreshing glass of Guinness at a little cafe in the town of Kilkenny.

ROCK OF CASHEL (Irish: Carraig Phádraig), our next stop in County Tipperary is a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. It was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years, prior to the Norman invasion, but in 1101 the King of Munster, Muirchertach Ua Briain, donated his fortress on the Rock to the Church. Click here for a video tour of the Rock Of Cashel.

Back in ADARE VILLAGE, we went to see the town's beautiful sights such as the Village's thatched roof cottages, Adare Town Park, Trinitarian Priory, Village Hall, Augustinian Priory, Desmond Castle, Franciscan Friary. Some of the cottages are kept by local restaurants and Arts & Crafts shops, but many are still privately owned.

The DESMOND CASTLE was erected in the early13th century. It was the property of the Earls of Kildare for nearly 300 years until the rebellion in 1536, when it was forfeited and granted to the Earls of Desmond who gave the castle its present name.

The FRANCISCAN FRIARY was founded in 1464 by Thomas, the 7th Earl of Kildare, for the "Franciscan Friars of the Strict Observance".

The AUGUSTINIAN PRIORY was founded by the Earls of Kildare in the early 14th century. It became and remained the home of the Augustinian Order until they were driven out, in the mid 15th century. The Priory was suppressed and badly damaged during the reign of King Henry VIII.

THE WILD GEESE RESTAURANT was a delightful place to have our last dinner in Adare Village. It has been included on Bridgestone’s top 100 restaurant in Ireland for the past 13 consecutive years and owned by Chef David Foley and Julie Randles the past nine years. They brought us an interesting Amuse Bouche which was pesto cheese on a tiny biscuit, floating on a red pepper puree.

My appetizer was Duck and Vegetable Spring Roll with a chili and soya dressing and my main course was Roast Rack of Irish Lamb served with Rosemary and Thyme Potato Gratin with Creamed Leeks, Rosemary Jus.

My friends ordered Pan-seared Sirloin of Irish Beef served with a Rosemary and Garlic Potato Gratin, Mushroom and Bacon Tartlet, Garlic Butter/Peppercorn Sauce; Roast Breast of Barbarie Duck served with Roast Sweet Potato and Wild Mushrooms, Pear Puree and a Red Wine Jus; and Roast Atlantic Cod topped with Crabmeat with a Potato Rosti, Mussel and Smoked Haddock Sauce.

Everything was needless to say delicious! Having had an aperitif and a glass of wine with dinner, we did not need any dessert. Nice cap to our week-long stay at Adare Manor.