Blarney Castle & Kinsale (County Cord), Rock of Cashel (County Tipperary), Thomastown (County Kilkenny): Days 7 & 8

Drive east to County Cork (approx. 1 1/2 hours) for the obligatory kiss on the Blarney Stone. Along the way, pass through the mountains of West Cork and charming Ballyvourney and Macroom.

• Blarney Castle – The medieval castle near Blarney in Cork houses the ‘Stone of Eloquence’ – kiss it and you’ll never be at a loss for words. Legend dictates it must be kissed upside down, which involves being held on your back by a staff member with sometimes dubious hand placement

If you wish, drive about 45 minutes to the fashionable harbor town of Kinsale for lunch. It does take you off the main road so you may opt to continue inland instead

The medieval castle near Blarney in Cork houses the ‘Stone of Eloquence’

Continue approx. 2 hours to Cashel Rock in County Tipperary

Rock of Cashel – 12^th and 13^th century site where the Kings of Munster once ruled. Cormac’s Chapel, a soaring cathedral, distinctive carved stone crossesan important round tower (the oldest structure at the compound) make for an interesting stop

Continue onto Thomastown (about 30 minutes) in Kilkenny

Where to Stay

• Mount Juliet Hotel – Lovely sporting estate set on 1500 acres along the River Nore, tastefully-decorated with period furnishings and featuring a fantastic spa

• Dunbrody Country House – Small luxury hotel with elegantly-appointed suites, lush gardens and a culinary school.

What to Do

• Kilkenny – Often called ‘Marble City’ for it’s numerous medieval buildings created from characteristic local black stone with white fossils

• Wander the quaint city and visit Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral and St. Mary’s Church

• Kells Priory – 13^th – 15^th century ruins of fortified walls and monastic ruins

• Waterford – Visit the famous crystal factory and learn how the pieces are crafted and marvel at the glittering showroom collections

• Wexford Opera – World-class opera festival in the fall each year