Five Feet, Nine Inches Above Ground

Thursday July 25, 2024

The train trip from Dublin was very pleasant. I had an interesting chat about Ireland with a lovely couple from Dublin who were escaping to the smaller city for a bit of a break. Now that I have been here for several days, I understand why. It is absolutely beautiful, very walkable with lots to explore. I’m here for a week attending SCOIL NA gCLÁIRSEACH–FESTIVAL OF EARLY IRISH HARP. The Festival includes hands-on workshops with eminent players of the Irish wire strung harp or gCLÁIRSEACH. Thus, my week in Kilkenny will be consumed with music some of which I will attempt to share with you.

The hotel where I’m staying is a building that dates back to 1797. It has plenty of character, to say the least, and is clean and comfortable.

There were several hours of daylight left when I arrived and the sun was shining so there were places to be and things to see!

The colour and perfume of the roses was intoxicating as they glowed in the late afternoon light. There had been a shower of rain – frequent in Kilkenny!- making everything fresh, green, and dewy.

From the rose garden, I went around the north east corner of castle, following the wall fortification above the River Nore that lead to the extensive park and playing fields that are part of the castle grounds.

And then it was time to call it a day and have dinner in an unpretentious Persian restaurant.