Thursday Morning, June 1^st found us in Midleton, home to one of Ireland’s premium whiskeys, each bottle numbered and signed by the master distiller.  It’s also the home of The Jameson Experience, a museum located in the 150-year-old distillery.  We were guided through the history and making of Irish whiskey, including tastings.  

Yes, I tasted, even though I don’t drink whiskey.  The taste on the left was a double distilled Scotch whiskey, the middle was Jameson Irish whiskey which is triple distilled, and the taste on the right is an American single distilled whiskey.  I’m not going out to buy whiskey, but I have to say the Jameson was much smoother than the other two!

On the way to our hotel, we explored another abbey, the Jerpoint Abbey, a 12^th century monastery and national monument.  The docent there was amazing and really brought the ancient abbey to life.

In the afternoon, we shopped in Killarney.  We had a special task in Killarney, but the American Legion Post No. 2 in Kilarney was closed until 5:30 pm.  We returned to meet the restaurant owner who has tried to support this small Legion post which now consists of only 3 veterans.  The post originally consisted of WW1 vets, but Ireland was neutral in WW2, so the remaining vets are from the Vietnam era. Jay presented the post with a Cambria Post 432 license plate to place with the hundreds of others from around the world hanging in the restaurant.  

Friday morning June 2 was our last day on the tour.  In the morning we had a walking tour of medieval Kilkenny.  We checked out the Cathedral, the Black Abbey, and the Norman Castle.

Then in the afternoon, we enjoyed a falconry experience.  We all handled this tiny little owl, who was SO cute.  (Yes, he’s full grown.  I’ve forgotten what type of owl he is.)  

Then we each had a personal experience with a Harris hawk, calling him to our glove, giving him a treat then sending him back to a tree. The final experience was watching the trainer work a hunting falcon with his lure.  AMAZING!  So amazing that I forgot to take photos!  Plus he was unbelievably fast – I probably couldn’t have focused even if I had been prepared to shoot!

We all met for our farewell dinner and compared photos.  Then early to bed so we could depart for the airport at 5 am the next morning.

Now, here’s a test to see how much you’ve paid attention to the photos in our blog:  What was missing in all the photos?

THERE WAS NO RAIN!  All our pre-trip reading explained we should expect rain often – why do you think Ireland is so green?  So we packed umbrellas, raincoats, hats and thermal underwear — and never unpacked them.  Two and a half weeks without rain!  The locals were as amazed as we were, and they still had one more week expected before the rains resume.

So, farewell until we meet again, Ireland – and we will!  We’re convinced that this would be a perfect island to bring Model As to, so stay tuned for a possible car trip next year.  

In the meantime, Jay’s Model A trip to the Canadian Arctic Ocean begins in just a few days…