Athy arrival

20th: We woke up early and had to beg a euro from a fellow campervanner to pay for our morning shower. A Full Irish cooked breakfast followed at the hotel kitchen. Then we set off for Athy, through green countryside on an increasingly hot day. 

We arrived at Noel and Kevin's house late morning, and had croissants and coffee. They insisted we stay in the house, which is very tastefully furnished with a huge garden, Kevin's project. 

When they went out for an appointment, we had lunch on the last of Nic's bread and relaxed, which is code for snoozed.

Then it was time to go to Freida's house. She looked very smart, with gold jewellery and pale green pedalpushers. She doesn't look 83. We had a lovely talk about the extended Kane family, with lots of help from Kevin who assembled Noel's family tree. 

Freida was happy to go out to the Clannard hotel, so we had a big dinner there and more interesting talk. There was a wedding going on in the huge hotel and the ladies' loo was at sixes and sevens with high heeled wonen reeling in and out. Freida said they would do a second round of food at 11pm and keep a bar open until 5am! OMG.

Lesley offered to pay but Freida got in first, which was very kind of hero. Kevin drove us home, by way of a longish drive down beautiful local roads, where he pointed out all the family houses and connections. Kevin & Noel often go for an evening drive - it's a relaxing thing for them. Lovely countryside with occasional interesting buildings.

Back at their house, we collapsed in comfort. More talk and then bed. Very hot, even with just a sheet and the bedroom window wide open.

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