Fabulous, Feisty and Fifty-Something : Sealed with a Kiss

We've had enough of the city and rent a car to head south. Bob takes the wheel like a pro but I am continually reminding him, "Drive on the left!" since our rental has a sticker on the dash with this warning.

We take to the highway and head south toward Cork. It's about a 3 hour drive but the bucolic scenery makes the time fly by. Seeing that we're not trying to be too touristy (ha!) we decide to swing by the Blarney Castle and Gardens on the way in. The castle was built by Cormac McCarthy in 1446. Most people recognize it for the Blarney Stone.

As legend has it, kissing this stone gives you the gift of gab. I need all the help I can get in this department so I don't dare pass up this chance but they don't make it easy. We climb a very tight, stone spiral staircase for several stories to get to the top of the castle.

The view alone is worth it.

We are hesitant when we learn we have to hang upside down and backwards while someone holds our legs to reach the stone. It's not as easy as it sounds and it is a little disconcerting to be looking down while 90 feet in the air.

We all seal the deal with a kiss. It's then that I wonder how many people have also locked lips with this stone. Yuck. But I'm assured by the staff that the stone is wiped down many times a day.

Despite being considered a tourist trap, the grounds of this castle are worth the trip. As with everything in Ireland - lush and green. We wander around for a couple of hours taking in all the beauty.

We head into Cork for an early dinner at Gallagher's Pub. This pub is named after a famous musician from Cork named Rory Gallagher and it sits at the base of Patrick's Hill a block away from the St. Patrick's Bridge. I'm skeptical but one of my son's Rooster Teeth fans who resides in Cork highly recommends the place. It does not disappoint. We're seated next to a huge plate glass window overlooking Patrick's Street so we can people watch while listening to the cool tunes playing.

After all the walking at Blarney, we are famished and ready to whet our whistles with more Irish beer. Pubs are the best place for fish and chips and mine are delicious.

I would love to stay until the 8:00 Vinyl Hour to see what albums they spin but with our appetites satiated, it's time to move on to the coastal town of Kinsale. This quaint town is full of character and charm. It's small and appears to have more pubs than people. The cobblestone streets are lined with charming shops and restaurants as well. Our time here is way too short but we make the most of it.