And so the adventure winds down…March 25

We woke for our second morning in Kinsale, having slept ill for different reasons. Cindy was dwelling on things we needed to do to prepare for departure, while I displayed questionable judgment in consuming a quantity of delectable jelly beans from the local candy shop, Aunty Nellies Sweet Shop. That much sugar, after nine o’clock at night, did not sit well with my tum.

But the morning was pleasant, cloudy but not yet rainy, though it threatened. We walked about, and happened to see Mary O’Neill, from the Tap Tavern on our walk. She was so very nice, and a lovely old lady. Cindy also spotted Mike, our server from the Bulman, and she remarked on how we were already feeling like locals. We visited the local farmers market, made a few purchases, and finally – after joking about staying yet another day – packed up and headed off. Philip saw us off, and a more pleasant host would be hard to find. We would recommend the Old Presbytery to anyone fortunate enough to be visiting Kinsale.

It began to rain but driving was fine. I found my way to the appropriate roadways and highways, thanks to Cindy’s navigation. While the Garmin was helpful sometimes, we ignored it when we thought best. We reached Cashel by midday. Getting into town, we found once more it was by far more challenging to navigate the final quarter kilometer of a leg than the whole rest of it. We went round and round some streets in Cashel, with the ruins looming overhead, yet the Garmin and our senses couldn’t find the way up. Finally, we did, after patently dismissing our electronic guide.

After a steep climb up a road, we were at the Rock of Cashel. Despite the rain and biting wind, it was a remarkable ruin, and was undergoing extensive renovation. While I had painted it from a photo, I had no idea it was essentially nestled next to the village on one side. The views inside were just as remarkable.

But the cold had the best of me, and we headed off for Leixlip. The way there was wet but uneventful, save for the gradually increasing density of traffic, as we were entering the western end of the Dublin metro area. Reaching the downtown of Leixlip (the name derives from the Old Norse term for salmon leap), we located the Court Yard Hotel. We found the place to be very satisfactory.

Cindy upgraded us to the Executive Suite for a small price, and the amenities are excellent. After we settled in, we explored a walking path behind the hotel, which lies along a river. We saw a ruined tower of small stature across the bank, and through the trees, a large castle. This turned out to be the current residence of Desmond Guiness, of the Guiness family. The hotel man at the desk, a very nice German fellow, told us it was not unusual for Desmond to invite people in for a personal tour, if we poked around the front gate in the morning. Alas, we will not be able to avail ourselves of Desmond’s courtesy.

We enjoyed our last dinner in Ireland in the hotel’s restaurant, grateful that we have been so fortunate. I am personally grateful for all of Cindy’s meticulous planning, while she is glad I was willing and at least marginally capable of driving the whole way. (To be honest, I’m wondering if I’ll have any hiccups in adjusting back to American driving!) After dinner, we spent a great deal of time laying out all of the things we needed to pack, dividing them between our suitcases, and making final preparations for our trip home. In the morning, we will drive to the airport, turn in our faithful little Skoda, and fly out of Dublin at 11:30 a.m., bound for Boston.

After the preparations were done, we enjoyed a relaxing soak in the jacuzzi on the balcony, after which Cindy nodded off, and I finished our last entry in our grand adventure. So here I am, caught up to the present moment, at last. At dinner, Cindy asked me what my favorite part of the trip was. I told her that was impossible to say, given the scope of all the wonderful things we had seen and done.

But now, I realize it isn’t that difficult. I know what my favorite part was.

It’s the same as the answer I gave her when she asked me a question long ago, during her exhaustive planning. She wanted to know what I wanted to do on our vacation. I told her I wanted only two things – to be in Ireland, and to be with her. That was my favorite part of the trip.