March 22

View of the watch tower from a window at Blarney Castle.
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We had a blast today. It was a drinking and eating orgy. Our day started with a tour at the Jameson Distillery in Midleton where we learned Irish Whiskey (spelled in Ireland with an “e”) is distilled three times, as opposed to Scotch Whisky (spelled with no “e”) which is “only” distilled twice. The highlight of the tour for Kathy was being selected to become an “official” Jameson whiskey taster…she has the certificate to prove her status! Whiskey tasting is a scientific process of sniffing and sipping a total of five whiskeys…a Jameson, a Paddy, a Powers Gold Label (all Irish), an American Jack Daniels, and a Scotch whisky. Kathy voted for the Powers Gold Label as her favorite. What a way to start the day! Rachel sampled a Jameson with cranberry juice since she is a bit of a wimp.

The front of Blarney Castle. Note the opening at the very top, center of the highest part...that's where the Blarney Stone is located.
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After we sobered up, we moved on in search of a more substantial midday meal. We went to Ballymaloe House and Cookery School, a beautiful country house on a large estate with sheep, a croquet lawn, and a golf course. Our meal started with delicious, creamy, buttery mushroom soup. Rachel had the “bacon” which in Ireland is thick slices of ham, while Kathy had the cod with herb butter (Kathy LOVES butter). The main course was accompanied by potato, acorn squash and leeks. Dessert was the highlight. They brought out the dessert cart and we asked for a taste of everything, which included homemade ice cream with chocolate sauce, lemon pudding cake, meringue with real whipped cream, chocolate mousse, and the Irish version of jello. We were in food-heaven! 

The Daily Guinness, in Cork City Centre.
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We worked off this caloric extravaganza by walking the beautiful grounds of the Blarney castle and gardens, and climbing up five flights of very, very narrow spiral stone steps to the top of the castle so Rachel could kiss the Blarney Stone and be blessed with the gift of gab (and we all know how much Rachel needs THAT gift). Kathy declined due to the bent-over-backward position required to accomplish this feat along with her fear of hanging upside down over the edge of a five-story structure. What kind of fool would do that just to be blessed with chattiness???