Ryan and I initially planned to spend the first half of the day hiking in the Wicklow Mountains, but those plans unfortunately had to be scrapped due to weather. We were so, so bummed but since we have no control over Mother Nature, we rolled with the punches and shifted our loose itinerary around quite a bit.
Rather than setting out on a hike first thing in the morning, we checked out of the hotel right away and drove for a little less than two hours until we reached the adorable city of Kilkenny.
Tons of different shops, cafes and restaurants line the streets of Kilkenny and Ryan and I had no trouble spending several hours walking around and exploring.
Of course we had to pay a visit to Kilkenny Castle, a stunning castle that is more than eight centuries old!
Everyone who told us to visit the castle before we left on our trip encouraged us to talk to the guides in the rooms and ask questions which was great advice. We learned a lot about the Butler family who once owned the castle and had a great time chatting with a few of the guides, especially the man who told us to be sure to let him know when we were ready to move in. Ha!
Unfortunately pictures were not allowed inside the castle, but I made sure to snap some photos of the gorgeous garden (sans roses since we’re obviously not visiting during the right season for beautiful flowers).
Everyone say hi to the lady in the pink jacket!
After our time in the castle, we walked around for a little longer until our stomachs told us to stop for food.
We passed by a small deli called Fresh… Pam’s Deli and the glorious smells from inside beckoned to us and we knew we found our spot.
We both loved everything about this place.
My latte was fabulous and though the woman who made it couldn’t remember the name of the coffee, she said it was made locally and I couldn’t stop raving about it.
A perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
I also ordered a turkey bagel sandwich which immediately intrigued me when I saw that it was made with stuffing! Since stuffing is my all-time favorite Thanksgiving Day food, I couldn’t resist and was very happy with my selection. It was also quite the filling sandwich and kept me full all afternoon.
After lunch and a bit more time in Kilkenny, it was time for another two-hour drive to our second castle of the day.
Recognize this one!?
The famous Blarney Castle is on all of the Ireland “must see” lists and while we had a feeling it would be quite touristy, we still wanted to see it because we heard that it really is pretty spectacular.
The cold, rainy weather worked in our favor because it was practically deserted! We didn’t wait in any lines and only saw a small handful of people.
We climbed to the top of the castle (freaky small staircases!) and were in awe of the beautiful view of the castle grounds. Everything was so green and lush.
Once we reached the top, we saw a guide waiting to help anyone who wanted to kiss the Blarney Stone which, as legend says, is supposed to bring anyone who kisses it the “gift of eloquence.”
Ryan was more than game.
After Ryan kissed it, he turned to me and said, “Your turn!” I laughed and refused and told the guide who helped Ryan kiss the stone that I heard all about what supposedly happens to the Blarney Stone when tourists aren’t there. He told me it wasn’t true and then showed me a bottle of cleaner that is used on the stone. I still wasn’t so sure, but decided to do it anyway… but very lightly and very quickly!
It was pretty darn cool, I must admit.
Now it’s time for me to head to bed. Ryan and I have another big day ahead of us tomorrow. We’re hoping to see the Cliffs of Moher!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!!
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Ireland is the best! I love it so much, the scenery (so green!), the people (so friendly!!!, I went to the Aaran islands once after drinking the night before and my tummy didn’t like the rocky boat’s ride at all. I ended up throwing up and one man came to me and brought me a cup of tea!! ), the food… even the weather ha! bummer about wicklow but at least you got to do other things instead 🙂
Enjoy the cliffs, dunno if you’re a harry potter fan but the cave scene in half blood prince was filmed there!
funny, my brother is in ireland, too. Dublin.. Maybe you meet each other without knowing 🙂 I really liked the wicklow mountains when I went to Ireland. Have fun over there!
OMG!!!! This really looks like a great place to take a vacation. I so envy you guys for you really had a great time. I’m gonna tell my husband to take me there on our anniversary for some great experience like you guys! Thanks for letting us know.
Looks like you are having a wonderful time with busy days of fun. Lots of great pictures.
Where did you get the adorable headband/ear warmer?? I must have one! Enjoy the rest of your time over seas!
Agreed, so cute!
thank you! my friend merri’s mom actually made it for me. i told her she needs an etsy shop!!
Wow, Ireland is such a great place to have a vacation too. The castles are so beautiful, full of mysteries and histories. I actually liked the story about the Butler Family. Ha ha. Turkey Bagel Sandwich looks yummy! Great food selection! Also love the adventure that you had upon climbing the staircase of the castle, as well as the kissing of the Bagel Stone! That’s so cool! So happy for the both of you. 🙂
You were lucky, I was saw this pictures and the river from the bridge is look great really romantic. I love the way you take a pictures in front of the castle. Wish I have one but impossible, that just a dream.
You’re fitting lots in! Love Kilkenny! Hope your planning on hitting Galway!! So funny seeing you in all the Irish spots!
Everything looks so pretty! Even with the weather not being the best!
Great photos! I would have been VERY nervous to kiss that castle! I bet you’re glad you did it though. Such a great opportunity.
So excited seeing your pics – I am going to Ireland in May with my partner to look up some long lost relatives in Cork. We are then traveling around and will visit most places you have been to. Can’t wait!
definitely plan to spend some time in kilkenny! we loved it!
I think castles have to be the most fun to go see. I mean, they’re so cool! Love the kissing pictures. The germophobe I am, someone would have to give some money to kiss that wall. Eck!
Oh, those castles all just look so gorgeous!! You do, as well! I am loving your outfit :).
It looks like you are having a blast! I can’t wait to read more about your trip! I love your outfit and your cute headband! Have fun!!
Im loving reading your tales! My (new!) hubby & i leave this afternoon for our honeymoon in Ireland. We’re staying in 4 different castles around the country so its exciting to see your posts of what we’ll soon visit. We’re traveling to Kingscourt, Galway, Tralee, & Dublin. We have a rental car so I’m excited to hit up some cute little spots between each of our layovers. The bit about the Blarney Castle was a good tip. I’ve gone back & forth about kissing the Blarney stone bc it the concept alone seems disturbing. I didnt even know the rumors about the locals! But i also feel like if I go to ireland its just one of those things you HAVE to do! Enjoy the rest of your trip! Looking fwd to seeing more posts about your adventures.
Ireland looks so pretty despite the bad weather. I would love to go there one day and explore all of the little towns and countryside.
It looks like you guys are having a blast! If you spend a night in Dublin, the Brazen Head pub is one of the best bars that I visited while there. It’s the oldest bar in Ireland (dating back to 1198!), plays traditional Irish music and has very good Irish food.
What a great trip to be taking!!! I would have kissed quick and lightly too haha
We were just in Ireland and your photos are bringing back lots of great memories. It’s a wonderful place to vacation!
the cliffs of Moher are absolutely amazing!! They are so breathtaking you are going to love it!
Your trip looks amazing so far!! Great pictures 🙂 My fiance has family in Ireland and went there over the summer…I can’t wait until I get to see the sites in person too!
This is so fun to read! My sister and aunt took a trip to Ireland a few years ago so I recognize the pictures and some of the names. Have a great time!
Julie! I know you don’t like packing (I don’t either 🙂 and I just found this website that helps you see what other people are packing and wearing in different cities and thought of you! Check it out! http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/category/what-to-wear-destinations/europe/
Hey! The weather looks like the weather I’m having here in Georgia. I wish I had some castles to explore. I want to go to that castle home on Downton Abbey!! Where is Downton? Is it in Ireland??? I need to look that up. Have fun!!!!!
Oh, it’s so beautiful! My urge to go back to Europe is stronger than ever now. Interesting on the kissing tradition. I would have gone for it too. Gotta experience it all, right? Worth the possible contamination risks. 😉
Love all those places! reading this post is like a trip down memory lane for me! glad you’re enjoying your trip!
PINK COAT LADY! Grrr! Doesn’t that just kill you when you have such an amazing photo all set, nothing but you&your man in the pic and then……a random person just chillin…. Darn it!!
Loving all of your beautiful pictures! Hope you have an amazing time 🙂 LOVE + Shine CourtStar
How fun!! Your pictures are beautiful and it seems like you are having the best time.
Too fun!! I’m an avid reader of your blog and had to laugh. My boyfriend has a stutter (it’s not too bad, but it really bugs him) so I had to show him your tidbit about kissing the Blarney stone and he immediately told me to pack my bags, haha! Anyways, I’m glad to hear you two are enjoying your time 🙂
Yay – you kissed the Blarney Stone! We did that too when we visited Ireland a few years ago. It was so intimidating. I felt like I was going to fall through those grates. The girl ahead of me in line had a panic attack right as she got ready to lay down and kiss the stone. She didn’t end up doing it, but I was next which made me super-nervous. Turned out to be a fun memory and a fun photo to share with friends! Glad to see you’re having a fun time.
Ireland looks fantastic! I can’t wait to see your London highlights – I am going in the summer and adding places to my list!
Jenny
I went to Ireland several years ago and also was weirded out about kissing the Blarney stone, but I’m so glad I did. So random yet so fun!
Let me know if you’d like me to Photoshop that lady out for you, just so you have a nice photo of the two of you without a random stranger! I’m happy to do it. You could just email me the photo; let me know if you can’t see my email address in the comments. 🙂
Julie where is that headband from! Very cute!!
I HATED the staircase at Blarney Castle. Totally freaky haha. Also, hanging off the side of the castle to kiss the stone was an adventure for sure. Glad you’re enjoying your trip!
Hi Julie!
If you are looking for a great place to eat with awesome beers, try out Porterhouse Temple Bar! So delicious and unpretentious. I think you and Ryan will really like it.
Another great day! I’m glad you kissed it- a once in a lifetime experience 🙂
Loving the Ireland posts!! Can not wait to hear more about it!! Stay safe and have lots of fun, love you guys so much!! xo
So glad you are having a great time, I love how green everything is!
You have wonderful pictures! I’m envious that you have a wonderful time in Ireland.
I hope you get to the Cliffs of Mohr! It is a must see!! Glad you are having a great time in a country that is a favorite of mine!! Erin Go Braugh
Ireland looks absolutely beautiful! The weather seems to add to the atmosphere of it, foggy and mysterious. Those castles look so intriguing and mystical.
Love Ireland! If you hit good weather, the Cliffs are AMAZING!! Not sure if it is on your itinerary, but Galway was, by far, our favorite town we visited while in Ireland. I also second going to The Brazen Head in Dublin and also have to recommend The Temple Bar. So good!
Awesome pictures! It looks like you’re having a blast and making the absolute most of it 🙂 My husband and I will be travelling through Europe from April through August, and we’ll be wrapping up our travels with stops in London, Ireland & Scotland. Your pictures have me so excited!
I am so excited that you are in Ireland . I am planning a trip to Scotland and Ireland in August so your posts are giving me ideas. In April I will also be visiting Greece for 9 days. I love traveling and I am trying to take full advantage while I am stationed overseas. Glad you are enjoying your vacation.
These are amazing! Looks so fun. I love your outfit. Where did you find the extra long tank?
forever 21! 🙂
Haha very cool! I’d never heard of that but neat that you ‘kissed the blarney stone’ 🙂
I do recognize that castle, only because my boyfriend traveled to Ireland for work (Microsoft has a big data center there) and he visited the castle while he was there. So cool. I hope you guys had a blast!
So what have you heard happens to the stone when the tourists are gone?
Looks like another great day. Really liked the picture of the staircase. People were much smaller back in those days. 🙂