Up Tipperary and Kilkenny!

[](https://irishlifeexperience.com/wp content/uploads/2009/07/img_0149_1.jpg)Today the ILE lucked out with beautiful weather for their second tour of the program. The sun was shining for the majority of the day and it only sprinkled a few minutes while we were in Kilkenny. We left for the Rock of Cashel-Carraig Phádraig-also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick's Rock this morning. The Rock of Cashel is a very popular tourist attraction and is a historic site in the heart of County Tipperary. It served as a traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. Much of the fortress is being reconstructed inside, so students were able to walk around, climb on the rocks, and take pictures of the view-which is where the true beauty is-and eat their packed lunches. After spending an hour at the Rock of Cashel, we then made our way to the town of Kilkenny. Kilkenny-Cill Chainnigh-meaning Cell or Church of Canice is an energetic city situated on the banks of the River Nore. Along High Street are many shops and restaurants, so the students had free time and were able to wander and explore the city on their own. We also went on a tour of the impressive Kilkenny Castle. Teacher Dan was able to tell the students about the history of the castle and that is was the seat of the well known Butler family. The castle was sold to the local Castle Restoration Committee in the 20th century for £50. Part of the National Art Gallery is on display in the castle and there are ornamental gardens on the city side of the castle with extensive land and gardens to the front. Jocelyn said, "I liked Kilkenny Castle, because there was so much to see. The art gallery room was my favorite." Jordan also said he liked the art gallery the best. We returned back to Newtown Boarding School tonight for dinner and a few students took Kendall's Advanced Irish Dance Workshop. Cliff and Ty even joined in. They will be performing their routine for the talent show and possibly at a local Irish dance school in Waterford. The winners of the Scavenger Hunt were also announced and the team that won was Cara, Caroline, Jamie, Jordan, and Mary. Congratulations! They won some Irish hats and blinking earrings. A lot of the students are interested in watching Michael Collins tonight and tomorrow it's a normal class day, where the students will be learning more about everything Irish. Many are looking forward to the GAA-Gaelic Athletic Association-Workshop. They will be learning how to play Gaelic football and hurling tomorrow from two amazing Waterford football coaches, so it will be fun. They will scrimmage against each other. My money is on whatever team Conor is on, because he was quite the athlete in ultimate frisbee. Jocelyn also received a wonderful care package from her mother today. Thank you Beverly. She has been sharing her treats with all of the students and staff. Taryn knows which room she is looking forward to going into for bed check tonight. I love Swedish Fish:)! That's all for today.

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