Thursday, May 19, 2016
Before our tour of Kilkenny Castle, we were able to visit a street market and some of the shops along the road.
During this walk, we stopped at a crepe stand that was owned and run by a Frenchman. He had owned his own restaurant in South France. While talking with him and the other customers, it was hard not to notice the lyrical similarities of the French and Irish accents. Both speak quickly, but the French seemed more clipped and quicker than the Irish. This is not, of course, to say that the Irish aren’t quick speakers!
It really was a fun discussion/chat about food and life in different areas of the world.
Experiencing Kilkenny Castle was just as eclectic as the building itself.
The architecture of Kilkenny Castle, an eclectic mix of medieval and Victorian styles, has been described as beautiful by some. There are others who see it as a hideous hodgepodge.
I thought the castle was quite grand and rather enjoyed the transition from ancient times in the medieval lower levels to the more modern Victorian bedrooms on the upper floors.
It is truly remarkable that this property remained in the Butler family for so long. It must have been a drawn-out decision to sell the house to the people of Kilkenny. My own family does not have even an iota of the history of the Butler family, but even the mere thought of letting a family home go is a difficult one.
Some of the most memorable things that I heard on this tour are as follows:
Many a good match was made at a wake.
This was in reference to the social events that wakes were. A time to celebrate the lives of loved ones now gone.
Save face. / Don’t lose face. / Mind your beeswax.
Were all sayings that were meant as a warning. These all referred to the wax that people used to wear beneath their makeup. This wax could melt if too close to the fire, so the use of pole screens came into being.
I like this.
My professor wrote in response.
A good journal, Michelle – full of observations that will help you remember your trip for years to come.
Professor Doug Branch
There were times I thought a little more attention, specifically to language, might have been good, but I did enjoy reading this.
And I certainly enjoyed your company on this trip!
Journal grade: 190/200
Meandering Michelle 
Sounds like such a lovely trip! I’ve always wanted to visit Europe., Ireland being one of the top countries on my list. My husband and I watched a documentary recently about Irish homes such as these! However, my memory fails me as to if this is the very place in particular that they were discussing. Europe is so beautiful and fascinating. Had all this COVID19 mess not occurred, my husband and I would have been on a plane today to Germany! He would have been playing violin for his best friend’s wedding. Alas…
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Oh, you’re going to love Ireland when you finally make it for a visit. You will love the history and the architecture and the culture and the people, it’s all just beyond wonderful!
In fact, I should probably discourage you from going, as you might not return! Truly, though, it is a beautiful country and was such an amazing place to visit. I hope to return some day.
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