Tag: europe

Our First Full Day in Dublin: A Trip to Kilkenny

Our first full day in Dublin did not quite go as originally planned. We had intended to visit Belfast, but due to the protests taking place there, we decided to alter our plans and head to Kilkenny instead. Looking back, it turned out to be a wonderful choice.

We navigated our way to the train station using a taxi app and checked in with the assistance team. From there, we made our way down to the trains and asked where we needed to go. The accessibility assistance on Irish Rail has been incredible. At both stations, staff met us with ramps and helped us board and exit the train. It made traveling with Kiya so much easier and less stressful.

The train ride itself was beautiful. We spent much of the journey looking out the window and taking in the Irish countryside. We marveled at the hedge-row fencing that divides the fields and noticed how often sheep and cattle grazed together in the same pasture. The rolling green landscape looked exactly like the Ireland we had imagined.

Upon arriving in Kilkenny, we grabbed a taxi and headed straight to Kilkenny Castle. We joined a guided tour and quickly became fascinated with the castle’s history. Originally built in 1195 by the Norman lord William Marshal, the castle was designed to control a key crossing of the River Nore and demonstrate Norman power in Ireland. Over the centuries, it became the home of the powerful Butler family, Earls and later Dukes of Ormond, who lived there for nearly 600 years. The castle survived wars, political upheaval, and changing fortunes before eventually being sold to the people of Kilkenny in 1967 for the symbolic sum of £50. Walking through the grand rooms and learning about the families who lived there made it easy to imagine what life was like centuries ago.

After our tour, we enjoyed a delicious scone and a bowl of soup on the castle grounds before setting off to explore the town. The castle gardens and parklands were beautiful and offered a peaceful place to relax and take in the surroundings.

One of the places I really wanted to visit was St. Canice’s Cathedral. The pictures I had seen were incredible, and I was excited to see it in person. Unfortunately, a service was taking place when we arrived, so we were unable to go inside. We did spend some time wandering around the grounds, which were beautiful in their own right, before continuing our walk through town.

Kilkenny is such a charming city. We wandered the narrow streets, explored shops, and eventually stopped for a coffee to recharge. It was nice to sit for a while and watch the world go by before continuing our adventure.

As evening approached, we began looking for a place to eat dinner. After considering several options, we settled on a local pub. Mom ordered the Irish Stew, while I chose the Cottage Pie. Both meals were delicious and hearty after a long day of exploring, although we both agreed they were a little heavy on the bay leaf!

With full stomachs and tired feet, we made our way back to the train station for the journey home. Once again, the train staff were wonderful with accessibility assistance, making the trip smooth and stress-free.

It may not have been the day we originally planned, but Kilkenny turned out to be a highlight of our time in Ireland. Between the castle, the countryside, the friendly people, and the wonderful food, it was a day well spent.