Day 2 in Ireland

We rose early, apparently still on US time. Packed, loaded and on our way. A quick prayer for our safety as I was the chauffeur driving a strange car, with the steering wheel on the wrong side and driving on the wrong side of the road. I had mapped everything out including driving times and miles.

I was glad we rose early and got on the road, as there were no one on the roads and I was able to get out of Dublin with only a couple of honks, glares and hand signals.

Next stop Wicklow. 68.3 km and 56 minutes……in the pouring rain and I might add Ireland isn’t big on road signs either. 2 hours later we arrived. We explored the magnificent 47 acre garden, voted 3rd best garden in the World. A beautiful estate and gardens Definitely recommend this one.

And then we went to the waterfalls, also a part of the estate.

Executive decisions had to be made. We still had Waterford on the agenda and Blarney Castle and Gardens. Waterford was 144 km away and estimated as 1 hr and 44 minutes. Yeah right. Better add another hour or so. We opted to bypass Waterford and head straight to Blarney Castle. So off we go. Small one lane roads and again NO SIGNS.

Did I mention one lane roads and we are on the opposite side of the road and that I am driving!!!

First full day and we had a blow out. Thank goodness for the kindest people on earth. The blow out happened in this cute families front yard. He came to the rescue and so did his adorable children. They were so cute and talked and entertained while their dad fixed the flat and sent us on our way.

As we were on our way to Blarney Castle. We actually got within 5 minutes of the Castle when this occurred and so once again our planes changed. Both of us were fairly frazzled with all of this occurring so we opted to go straight to Hayfield Manor and call it a day.

I cannot praise the Hayfield Manor enough. It was like entering a fairytale. When we pulled up in front a doorman came to us took our luggage and our keys. Hearing about our ordeal for the day he took over sending us inside to relax and have a drink. We were amazed at the hospitality of this Manor.

We were shown the lobby area and then escorted to the patio to enjoy a beverage or two while our luggage was delivered to our room. The view from the patio was magnificent!