Adventures by Disney – Emerald Isle – Part 3

Emerald Isle – Day 3 – Celtic Kingdoms

Its moving day and we are about to embark on a journey to the land of the Celtic Kingdoms. Today began with an early alarm and the reality of having to have the bags packed and ready for pick up by the hotel bell staff. One of the nice benefits of going on an Adventure By Disney is you do not have to lug your bags around. Luggage handling and tips for bell staff is included in the package so all we had to do is pack them up and have them ready by the door. The next time we’ll see them is at our hotel in Killarney.

A little off topic here, but the moment we began talking about going to Killarney I got a song stuck on my head and as I write this my subconscious is signing along with such a fervor that I feel the need to mention it so it will happen to you as as well. (I like to share.)

Anyone heard of an old song “Christmas in Killarney”?
I remember it well from my youth. My dad loved many types of music from Billy Holiday to the Beatles.. and yes – even the Irish Rovers – who sang this little song about a traditional Irish Christmas. Thankfully in the age to the internet all you have to do is go to YouTube and type in “Irish Rovers Killarney” and you too can share so I’m not the only one humming it. Funny, I never really understood why my dad had such a love for these guys but I’ve learned a lot during this trip and now I think Im starting get it. More on that later.

Speaking of musical ties to the land we are roaming around – As a matter of fact is IS a long way to Tipperary – a town and county to the southwest of us – and we are about to hop on the bus and see just how long it truly is. Not sure where the musical tie is there? it’s a famous WW1 British anthem that can also be found on YouTube.

But I digress.

We met in the lobby after another wonderful breakfast at the Exchange. Our guides confirmed the head and luggage count , we boarded the bus and were on our way.

When you travel abroad, you get a chance to experience things we take for granted in the US, simple things like what side to drive on, or what direction to look at when you cross the street. Watching street signs and other warnings becomes a game as you travel a cross a country on a bus and this time was no exception.

Today’s tongue in cheek snippet is in honor of Star Wars weekend as I didn’t realize there was any part of the planet where TIE fighters were actually prohibited. Or is it no more then 5 on any given day? Things that make you go – hmmmmmm

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A spot of tea anyone?

A great way to start the day is with a jolt of caffeine, or tea.. or really good hot chocolate.

About an hour and a half outside of the city of Dublin the bus pulled up to a nice little roadside hotel and we were lead to a café that served some yummy drinks and traditional scones. I couldn’t decide between the call of chocolate and the need for caffeine so I went for the best of both worlds – a mocha!

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The Rock of Cashel

After another hour on the bus, listening to Jennae and Francesc weave tales of Irish lore, we began to climb up the side of a hill and turned a corner to get our first view of the Rock of Cashel.

Warning, the picture and most others just does not do it the true justice it deserves.

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The legendary origin of the site goes back to 432 AD. It’s reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St Patrick and has been a center of royal and religious power.

When we first entered the main museum and visitors center we met a local expert who provided a tour of the interior of the vicars choral which featured beautiful tapestry and furnishings. From there she took us on a walking tour of the ruins and grounds.

The current buildings on the site date back to 12th and 13th centuries and its hard to explain but there is something truly magical there. You can really feel the energy and connect to the history as you explore the buildings and the surrounding grounds.

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The grounds are covered on three sides with graves with many marked with high crosses that look out over the valley below. These markers are exposed to the elements and are very hard to read.

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The beautiful scenery made the perfect backdrop to document the trip. Our guides were busy snapping pics of each couple including one of us.

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Built in 1127 by King Cormac, Cormac’s Chapel is one of the oldest and best preserved structures. It is Romanesque in design and you can still see shapes and forms on the walls that at one time would have filled the chapel in color.

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The entrance has a strange form at the top of the door which looks more like a hippopotamus then anything. Al thought hippos aren’t exactly running wild in Ireland.

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One of the most famous items on the site is St. Patrick’s Cross. A concrete replica stands outside to mark the site where the Kings of Cashel and Munster were inaugurated. It is said that the cross has healing powers, particularly dental ailments, and if you are able to reach around the cross and touch your fingers, you will benefit from its powers. With encouragement from the guides the guys HAD to give it a try. But as I always say.. Adventures are always better with friends!

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The 12th century original is housed in the main visitor building and you can walk right up and have your picture taken next to the legend.

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Missed an entry? Here’s the link to the entire Emerald Isle Blog to date!

MouseFanTravel President Beci Mahnken is a veteran of 4 Adventures By Disney trips, more then 50 cruises including 18 with Disney and countless Walt Disney World and Disneyland adventures. Read her blog on the London and Paris Adventure by Disney. Here is her blog on the Backstage Magic Adventure!

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One Reply to “Adventures by Disney – Emerald Isle – Part 3”

  1. Beci,
    Great blogs!
    By the way, Bing Crosby does a great version of “Chrismas in Killarney” on his “Merry Christmas” CD. Check it out!