Day 4 - Kilkenny

What a great place this is. Have loved Kilkenny! Up early and off to Kilkenny Castle - what a place Got the audio guide and toured ourselves. Built in the 13th century, it became the principal Irish residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. No, I don't know who they were, the brochure says they were powerful so I believe it! In 1967 it was sold to to the people of Kilkenny for £50!. The interior is just amazing. From there we headed off to St Canices Cathedral, yes another one but there has to be 70 million of the things here in Ireland so you'll be seeing a few. This one was built around 1085 and contains the tomb of some of the Butlers - that's how powerful they were! There was also St Kieran's chair which has been used for the ennthronement of Bishops of the diocese for some 1500 years. I did sit in this chair but being as holy as I am already, nothing happened! Gary and I then climbed the round tower, all 121 bloody little steps and extremely high! However we have a Certificate to prove we did it! From there off to Dunsmore Caves, discovered to have been used in Viking times in 928AD when they slaughtered 1500 people and their bones were found. There were three chambers, the Main Hall and Fairy Floor, the Cathedral (of course) and the Town Hall. When we went into the Town Hall area all of the lights were off which was very dark and scary. We turned our torches on to see where to go when a tour guide up ahead said it would be nice if all of the lights could be turned off! He was starting a light show and our torches were ruining it. Once we did this, the light show was brilliant! Amazing! From there off to the Discovery Centre in Castlecomer. It was just like a park with Ziplines etc but I did get to see the fairy and elf village! From there home to Kilkenny and off to Cork tomorrow. Sun actually came out today, so great weather wise. Hope it continues tomorrow!