06/19 Limerick was a bustling little city with lot’s of cafes/pubs/restaurants, a big shopping mall and crowds of people (pop. 90,757). The 2nd outdoor store I went into had Coleman fuel for my stove so I’m all set with that. I should asked to see if they had any stove parts since I just used my only spare fuel tube O-ring but I forgot. The MSR DragonFly stove has been doing quite well after 3 years. I’ve only had to replace the rubber pump cup and now the O-ring. I replaced the fuel line filter a couple times but could have just removed it instead.
The siteseeing opportunities in Limerick were good although the weather (rain) made for some terrible pictures. I stopped in to visit the small but well-stocked Limerick Museum and learned a bit about the history of the city. It was also free which was a pleasant surprise.
Nothing but farms from Limerick until Cork. Had a great chat with an older fellow while having a road-side bite to eat. For lunch a while later I found a bench at what I thought was just a little park. Turns out it was a memorial for a train derailment that took place in the area (Buttevant Rail Disaster, Aug. 1980). 18 people died.
Perfect weather until about 3pm and then rain came. Lot’s of climbing over the 65 mile ride (3008 feet). Not sure what changed but stupid dogs seem to be more common south of Limerick. Riding by every other house either involved a short chase or just loud, annoying barking. I only had to stop and throw one rock; the rest all hung out in their driveway. Stayed at Blarney Caravan Park for 9 euro. Pretty standard deal. If the shower had hot water it would have been just about perfect.
The next morning it was off to 566 year old Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone. Yes, I kissed it. I even bought the picture they take of you for the bargain price of 10 euro. I tried to get the girl behind me to take one so I wouldn’t have to pay but she took it before I was even laying down. Since I can’t lug around an 8×10 photograph I took a picture of the picture and threw it away.
When the big moment arrived it happened so fast I barely had time to look at what I was even kissing. Not the first time this has happened but usually I’d had a few drinks first. Now, according to legend, I should possess the gift of the gap (great eloquence or skill at flattery). The whole thing was quite touristy but would I do it again? Sure. Would I use less tongue? Probably not. 
The castle was actually pretty cool and I would have spent more time walking around but it was raining and there’s really not that much open since it’s mostly ruins.
It stayed raining all day so I cut the ride short and stopped after 32 miles. With the rain still coming down I’m looking forward to a nice hot shower when I get to the CG. I stop and grab some dinner (milk, cookies, gummy candies, bananas, bread, apple squares, sausages and beans) and head to the campground, Blackwater Valley CG in Fermoy. The guy isn’t there so I have to wait for him to show up (10 minutes). I pay the 10 euro plus another 1.50 euro for a shower. Of course there’s no hot water for 90 minutes until he turns it on and it heats up. Argh.
Made it a bit further the next day. 44 miles which got me to Cashel where I’ll be spending 2 days. The famous Rock of Cashel is here so I’ll post some pictures of that tomorrow. Easy day riding. Nice weather until 2pm and then the rain started but I’d just arrived at a hostel so I didn’t care.
My love of the Garmin 62stc just keeps growing. This morning I noticed condensation under the front screen. This made it very difficult to read until the sun had a chance to dry it out. Worst purchase ever.
Seriously?!
Cahir Castle
A rare "wild" looking area
Good one
Dinner (or part of it)
Looking across the river at Fermoy
Me giving the stone a kiss!
Blarney Castle
Waiting to kiss the stone at Blarney Castle
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