Flying Solo in Kilkenny

Tuesday September 22 I went to Kilkenny and spent the day exploring while Mary was in meetings. My first stop was the Kilkenny castle which was absolutely amazing. They offer a self tour which I did and it was such a strange feeling to be in a place that was once only inhabited by royalty. It’s funny how time can change a place from one of superiority for its inhabitants to one of common ground for visitors. I wanted to be on my own as much as possible while on the tour so I lingered in rooms longer than I had planned at certain points just letting others pass me by. The dining room had to be my favorite as it had to big windows with doors opening out onto a balcony that overlooked the backyard which contained a fountain. I took quite a bit of time just standing by the roped off windows staring out wondering what it must of felt like to have that be an ordinary everyday site. It was hard not to imagine what it must have been like to live there and wear large uncomfortable dresses.
Once I left the castle I set out to explore the park surrounding it. I walked along the river trying to take as many artsy pictures as possible. If nothing else I’ve learned how to take pictures. I then headed into town and shopped along High Street, where I found my first bookshop before noon and I hadn’t even been in Kilkenny for two hours. I ended up in at least six bookshops that I can remember from yesterday, and I proudly walked out of all of them without dropping a single note. I did return to the first shop however for lunch as there was a café up above it. After finishing my tuna wrap I pulled out my guidebook to look at the map of Kilkenny in it. I ended up wandering around to see what I could find. I actually happened upon a large sundial in the middle of a park by the river and from there I could see Black Abbey and St. Canice’s Cathedral. I sat for a while and pondered how I would get over to them and I ended up crossing a bridge and using the height of the churches for landmarks I happened upon Black Abbey. I took many pictures from the outside, but I didn’t go in as there were a couple of women blocking the doorway and I just didn’t feel right trying to get past them. St. Canice’s Cathedral was another story. As I walked up the road toward it, my breath was taken away, even more so when I stood right beside it and looked up to see the clouds flying past, I had a sensation of vertigo. I went inside and just sat for a while looking at the amazing architecture. All I could think of was how amazing it would be to get married in such a beautiful church. I then made my way back toward the castle where I sat in the park for about an hour reading before heading to the café above the Kilkenny Design Centre to wait for Mary to get off work. I was quite happy with my day in Kilkenny, it's a great town to explore and enjoy.