County Waterford · Damp, Muddy & Happy · Ireland December 2012 · Monastery, Abbey, Church

St Declan’s Cathedral, Ardmore, County Waterford

After traipsing through church ruins, muddy paths and centuries-old graveyards, as well as the history lessons, I decided that I wanted to explore more of the same. So, Sunday I loaded up and headed towards Ardmore. The big decision is the best way to get there. The most direct route is through the Knockmealdown Mountains.… Continue reading St Declan’s Cathedral, Ardmore, County Waterford

County Kildare · Damp, Muddy & Happy · Ireland January 2013 · Tourist Sites

Newbridge Silverware, Newbridge, County Kildare

Three days left and I am back to this summer's dilemma ... No gifts. In fact, I was planning on completing some Christmas shopping. As of this moment, I have my sweater and socks. I also bought three skeins of yarn; it allowed me to buy something to bring home. So which direction? South to… Continue reading Newbridge Silverware, Newbridge, County Kildare

Cities, Towns & Villages · County Limerick · Damp, Muddy & Happy · Ireland December 2012 · Tourist Sites

Adare, County Limerick

New Year's Day was spent with a drive through the country to Adare. When we were here in June, we drove through Adare on our way to Dingle Peninsula. We were fighting the time, so we only stopped long enough to gas up. Adare draws tourists and is one of the top places to visit… Continue reading Adare, County Limerick

County Tipperary · Damp, Muddy & Happy · High Crosses · Ireland December 2012

High Crosses, Ahenny, County Tipperary

Ahenny's high crosses are located on a monastic site called Kilclispeen. The two crosses, simply referred to as the North Cross and South Cross are beautiful. Both have 'caps' or 'bishop mitres', excellent Celtic knot work, and spiral patterns. It is thought that high crosses were a place to meet for religious ceremonies; or it… Continue reading High Crosses, Ahenny, County Tipperary

County Kilkenny · Damp, Muddy & Happy · High Crosses · Ireland December 2012

High Crosses, Kilkieran, County Kilkenny

High crosses (sometimes referred to as standing crosses) are dated back to Irish and British origins. At Kilkieran, County Kilkenny, three of the earliest high crosses can be found. It is said that they date to the 9th century; two of them are ringed 'Celtic crosses' and have a capstone. The third is unique; it… Continue reading High Crosses, Kilkieran, County Kilkenny