We awoke to sunshine over the Atlantic Ocean.
After getting ready and having a delicious breakfast, we were off to the Waterford Crystal Factory. Ellie continued to drive with me navigating. After a few wrong turns we finally made it. The tour lasted only 45 minutes, but I think we spent at least that much time in the store.
There was a cute shop around the corner from Waterford Factory. We spent a good amount of time there too. I found my sweater there! I wanted to get an Aran Sweater while in Ireland and I found it in the little shop.
After leaving Waterford, the adventure really began. We were headed to Skibbereen. Google Maps said it would be a 2.5 hour drive. The locals said it would only take 2 hours. I think it took us closer to 3 plus a stop for lunch. Remember the scene in "The Holiday" when Cameron Diaz is driving to town and a big truck is coming toward her on a narrow road? That's what the drive was like. Ellie was champ driving, but I'm sure her hands must have been sore from clutching the steering wheel.
There were many gasps and much more laughter along the ride. Such fun!
We finally made it to Skibbereen. The purpose of going to Skibbereen was to see the town where our Great, Great Grandfather, Paul Spillane was born in 1821. He left Ireland during the Great Famine.
After leaving Skibbereen, we headed for our lodgings, Old Weir Lodge. The drive was magnificent! We drove part of the Ring of Kerry. There were mountains, sheep, goats, mountain overlooks, quaint villiages. We even went through a few tunnels along the way.
We arrived into Killarney as the sunset. We checked in, then they told us to be off to get a bit of dinner at Flesk's before they stopped serving. After dinner we came back and crashed at Old Weir Lodge.
Tomorrow we'll be off to Ross Castle, Dingle Penninsula and the Cliffs of Moher.
Now for some sleep...
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