I Kissed a Stone and I Liked It

We woke up a little late, but caught the train to Dublin just in time. For some reason, they make you go to Dublin before you can go to Cork, even though it's the opposite direction. Anyway, I spent four long hours on the train trying to write papers and journaling so I could tell you guys what was going on. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, lots of sheep in green pastures. We arrived in Cork at around one, and immediately got on a bus to Blarney. I was a little sad we couldn't explore Cork, it was a beautiful mix of old architecture and newer buildings and it would've been great to check it out.

Before we knew it we were in Blarney and walking towards the castle. There were lots of parents with kids there, and couples taking a stroll, which was understandable because it was so warm and nice out that I didn't even need my coat.

Yeah, I could live here

Blue skies and brown stone

We didn't waste any time and immediately started to climb through the castle to get to the stone. Each of the rooms was labeled, and the castle even had a kitchen next to the murder hole, which was also above the chapel. (Irish priorities, am I right?). The stairs were a very tight squeeze at times, and I got stuck more than once with my large back pack.

Me, Maggie and Jill at the top of the castle

When we reached the stone, we were the only people up there, so it was pretty exciting. Maggie went first, then me, and I was a little nervous. But, the two men were very encouraging and I ended up kissing that stone!

We took the time to explore the grounds and found a sign that said "Poison Garden". I thought it was just a joke, but no, lo and behold it was an entire garden full of different poisonous plants! It was so incredibly funny to walk through and find dangerous drugs just next to my feet.

Me and Mary Jane (Sorry, Mom!)

There were lots of cool ruins on the ground as well, and another garden that had a waterfall and lots of bridges to walk on. In that garden, there was a staircase called "The Wishing Steps". If a person walked up and down the steps with their eyes closed and focused on a wish and nothing else, it was said to come true, for a witch was cursed to grant each wish if a person completed the task. We each took our turns, and I really hope my wish comes true because it was a good one.

Checking out an old tower

Luckily there was a rail on the wishing steps

I really loved traveling with Jill and Maggie, and when I visit London, we hope to go places together again. It was nice to have people to talk to who understand life at SMC and ND, and what we're currently missing with the death of Father Hesburgh and March Madness.

Jill, me and Maggie in front of the castle 

Wonderful day to travel

On our way back to the train station, we stopped by Blarney Chocolate Factory, because we had seen such great reviews. Inside, they had chocolate in the actual shape of rugby and basketballs, and walls of different types of expensive chocolate. We each got a candy bar for the train and enjoyed the smell while we waited for our bus.

SO YUMMY

We didn't reach home until eleven, but we're still very excited for tomorrow. The girls will leave for Dublin before me in the morning, and after class I'll meet them at The Boar's Head for lunch, then Guinness Factory! I'll also be taking them to Brady's again, since it's the special on Wednesdays. Can't wait to share pictures with you all!