In & around Athy

A great night's sleep, despite the heat. After a large bowl of porridge we were ready for the cemeteries visit, guided by Kevin who knows more about all the inter-related families than Noel ... because it's his hobby and he has a prodigious memory. That took the morning. We saw a felled tree that grown over a headstone - startling.


We dropped Kevin back then headed off for the rest of the day to give them some space. First, as suggested by them, the Rock of Dunamase which is a ruined castle rather like Corfe but without the tearoom. This was Cromwell's doing when he re-invaded Ireland in 1649.
We had lunch in the van in a shady spot - it is stinking hot, again. Went to Emo Park, where there was a tearoom; iced decaf, cold juice and carrot cake. The house is only by 1 hr tours, we didn't fancy that. Strolled in the beautiful grounds, keeping to the shady bits, feeling very chilled out. Found a spectacular cypress tree.


The driving is so relaxed here, no-one speeds and there isn't much traffic - just a lot of tractors. Back at house, Noel has bought us a fan for the bedroom which is so kind. Bit more chat then Kevin took us to St Michael's in the town where we met up with Freida for Mass - 6pm on a Sat! Freida has been saying a lot of prayers for us so it was only right that we supported her church.

Now we're back at house for 45 mins relax (writing this) before we go back in for Chinese dinner and meeting Michelle in the pub after. It's all go. And indeed it was all go at Clancy's where it was Pride Night with a disco and Michelle and her sister Mag with their mates were already hooting and booting. They were very kind in spending time with us and having shouted conversations ... and dancing. Noel kindly bought drinks - the Guinness was lovely and the G&Ts large. We extracted ourselves at 11pm.

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