Today is Day 5 and we had a change of plans. I know, I know. It is a shock for those of you who know me well, but I can at times be flexible and adjust my schedule as needed. Take for example when you wake up the morning that half of your group is to go fishing and there are wind gusts that knocked over our chairs, grills, and made it hard to stand betting to the car. I just thought maybe fishing wouldn't be enjoyable today..... plus Stevie and I didn't really want to have the car blow off of the side of the Kerry Peninsula, so we decided to flip days and headed to County Cork.

First, we visited Blarney Castle. Stevie and I had been here 5 years ago, but we wanted the guys to be able to "kiss the blarney stone." Plus I think the gardens and grounds are beautiful. We visited the castle and climbed the 100 stairs to the top. The views from atop the castle were amazing. I simply can't get over the lush greens that exist in Ireland and how that just makes the vibrant colors of the flowers pop a little more.  As we looked around the castle area we could help but wonder how they built these wonders so many years ago. As you can see from the pictures it simply sits on a large rock and them they built it up on top of the rock. I just don't get how the moved, lifted, and did all that stonework without machinery.

 



 



Next we headed to the Jameson Experience Tour in Midleton at the Jameson Distillery. It was an excellent tour and our tour guide was wonderful. We learned that the 3 differences between Scottish and Irish Whiskey are 1. Irish barley is not exposed to smoke only heat 2. Irish has Malt and Barley 3. Irish is distilled 3 times and Scottish only 2 (American only 1). We saw how they make the casks that the whiskey is stored in (only after it has stored port, bourbon, or sherry). Finally we got to have a drink and I must say as someone who does not like hard stuff.... the Jameson with ginger ale was nice and smooth. Dad got picked to be a taster and got to taste American, Scotch, and Irish. He said there is a definite difference and that he may be drinking Jameson from now on. He even got a taster certificate.

 



We ended the evening in Cobh which used to be known as Queenstown. This is where the Titanic picked up its last passengers before heading to sea. Unfortunately we missed the museum as it was closed, but we got some pictures and I got to go to the gift shop. We had dinner at a wonderful little restaurant and Dad and Bub had a pint at a local pub. I think this was their favorite pub this far. Lots of locals out for their nightly pint after work.

 

The Restaurant

 



The Pub--Kelly's

 



 

Cob The Town

 

The Titanic's Tenderboat dock

 

 

Ticket Office for White Star Line

 



Tomorrow the boys are fishing and Stevie and I are headed out to the Ring of Kerry.... or that is what it is supposed to be....