We got through our first day of driving through Ireland. We drove from Dublin to Kilkenny to Cashal to our hotel in Cappoquin. I love driving through ordinary green countryside on winding roads, then rounding a corner to see a medieval castle. I wonder what it does to people to live their lives where history is so apparent and immediate.
The Rock of Cashel was an important seat of Irish kings from 300-1100 A.D. when it was turned over to the church; it was important politically and ecclesiastically. St. Patrick himself baptized a king here in 450 A.D. It is impressive for the way it rises above the Plain of Tipperary.
Tonight we're staying in a Georgian-era hotel called Pilgrim's Rest. It's not so beautiful on the outside (at least I'm no fan of Georgian style) but it has a wonderful interior and marvelous (chatty) proprietors who are also great cooks. Even Doug says it is tranquil and pleasant. It is beside the Mount Melleray Abbey (cistercian order - established in 1832) which is a beautiful old complex to walk around at sunset, which we did after dinner last night. I kept thinking the name was familiar and finally figured out why. In 1849, a monk from this monastary established New Melleray near Dubuque, Iowa.
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