The Pond House B and B in Blarney Town - Jan 6

We spent the better part of the day driving to Blarney Castle so mom could kiss the infamous Blarney Stone. We climbed the steep, narrow steps to the castle's highest point and mom kissed the stone. (See the photos). It is a narrow round staircase that is almost a ladder it is so verticle. It was a lot of work to get to the top of the castle to the stone - she did a good job.

http://www.bandbireland.com/accommodation/3246/cork/pond-house-bed-and-breakfast.html

We stayed in Blarney town last night at the Pond House (above).   Steven and I went into the local pub to hang with the locals and listen to some music.  There is a great tradition here on the 6th of January every year. The women all go out without the men.  It is a celebration of sorts after the work of the holidays.  The scene in the pub was grand.   The women of all ages were dressed as uf they were going to a night club: sequins, glitter, cleavage and lots of make-up.  They were all singing, drinking, and having a great time.  There were woman 18 to 80.  It was a hoot to see.  Steven and I sat at the bar, and there was a football match on (Soccer to you and me), one half of the bar was screaming for Liverpool, the other half for the Irish boys.  Our bartenders told us stories of local lore and filled us in on the local boys.   There was a man of about 70 who, "took a fancy to me."  Everytime I walked past him, he would grab my hand and and say, "you are lovely now."  He was sweet and funny and no doubt had more than a few pints in him.  hahahha.  A local group named "The Voodoos" played very American music.  (See pub above)

Steven and I stopped at a fish-n-chips and bought two orders of "chips."  Chips are french fries that are doused in salt and vineger and then wrapped in a giant piece of parchment paper.  They are truly a beautiful thing.  I have to say, one of our better nights on the town.

We had a long travel day today: Blarney to Wexford. The town we are in now has a harbor and our B and B is right on the beach. We can see the lighthouse in the harbor twinkling in the distance. It is a working farm and we will have free range eggs for breakfast. Tomorrow we travel to the Hook Lighthouse and much more.......