Day 10 ~ Kilkenny

This morning we were bussed outside of the city to learn about Hurling, an ancient game invented by the Celts 3,000 years ago. Administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), this game has no professional players but is a game the Irish take very seriously. It is a team sport where 30 players (15 on each team) play on a large 160 yard X 100 yard field nonstop for 70 minutes. The objective of the game is for players to use a wooden stick called a hurley to hit a small ball between the opponents' goalposts either over the crossbar or under the crossbar into a net guarded by a goalkeeper. No protective padding is worn by players. As of 2010, a plastic protective helmet with a faceguard is mandatory for all players. Below our program director, Rory, is doing what he loves best, Hurling.

Kilkenny has received many championship Hurling titles over the years. They are also know for their quality handmade hurleys made from ash trees. We were given a demonstration of hurley making using a bandsaw and finished with hand tools.

When we returned to town, we explored Kilkenny on a walking tour. Our first stop was the Hurling monument.

We made our way to Kytelers Inn, the original home of Dame Alice Kyteler. Dame Alice was the first recorded person condemned for witchcraft in Ireland. She fled the country, but her servant, Petronilla de Meath, was flogged and burned at the stake on November 3, 1324.

Following our lunch at the Kilkenny Design Center, we went across the street for a tour of the Kilkenny Castle. The original Anglo-Norman stone Castle was built by William Marshal during the first decade of the 13^th century to control a crossing point on the River Nore and the junction of several roads. It later became the principal Irish residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years (1391-1967). In 1967, the family presented the castle to the people of Kilkenny in return for a token payment of £50. The Office of Public Works has restored the castle and furnished it beautifully. Below is the view of the expansive interior courtyard. The area in the center of the castle is the residence .  The area on the right contains the art galleries

This photo was taken from the rose garden on the opposite side of the castle

As we explored the interior of the castle, we climbed from the Medieval foundation level up four levels to the bedrooms.  Below is the beautiful dinning room.

The Picture Gallery takes up an entire floor on right wing of the castle.

We decided we just wanted pub food for dinner tonight so we walked down the street to a pub called The Field.  Two fellows were singing; and when we walked in, one of the singers asked where we were from.  When I said California, he said, “Oh, Modesto?”  I was floored, to say the least.  He then gave me his Brandy that some customer had given him.  For over an hour, we were entertained and sang along.  What a fun evening!

Tonight we pack up once again as we move on to Cork tomorrow.