Cashel and Cork

            Friday began our excursion to what we may consider the ‘countryside’ of Ireland, which was a very drastic change to the city life. Our first stop was at the Rock of Cashel. Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century and was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. In 1101, the King of Munster gave his fortress on the Rock to the Church.

This complex of buildings stands on a high hill and we had a great view of the country from there. Although it was from the tenth or twelfth century AD, there were many new additions to the gravesite.  Many of the parts of the church were in various states of preservation - for example there was a very large Celtic cross which had lost its top. Though the top was toppled over onto the ground, it was very graphic with heavy detail. They kept the artifacts from the church preserved as well. Broaches, crosses, and church items were all detailed and meticulous. After traveling through more of the countryside, we finally arrived in Cork. Though all the shops were closed, we received a tasty dinner. Mr. Doyle, a teacher from Belvedere, thought he was very clever and tried to tell us that there were no more burgers or fries left. The name of the restaurant was Gourmet Burger Bistro. Minutes later I found out it was a joke. After dinner, we received a quick tour of the city center from Mr. Gibbons and then went back to the hostel for a good night’s sleep, after some shenanigans of course. No, but, we did get to sleep at a reasonable time.