Second Look: Ready? Days Seven, Eight and Nine of the Emerald Isle---

Can't believe it---Day Seven:

Goodbye to our hosts at the Cillcearn House Bed and Breakfast in Killarney, Tom and Maurisse Kearney!

County Cork is a pretty site for a lark---and a climb to the top of the Blarney Castle to kiss the "Stone of Eloquence." I did, and I hope I live up to the expectations. Thought it would be a big 'ol rock, and it's a stone the size of a cement block---all gray and shiny from all the smoochin'. Had to lie on my back to do it, too.

Went shoppin' at the Blarney Woolen Mills, and I won't bore you with all I bought. Had good-priced Irish goods, and I donated to the cause. Then on to the tiny Italian-looking hillside harbor town of Cobh, the last port of the Titanic before it met its demise. Many immigrants sailed from here during the famine of 1845, probably including my great great grandparents Edmund and Johanna Leamy and their seven children.

The Titanic passengers waited in line by this building before boarding a ferry that took them out to the ship having no idea what was in store for them.

Last stop for the day: Waterford Crystal. This is the first piece made and stamped with the name.

Stayed at Dooley's Hotel in Waterford, and looked for Leamy Street. Found it, thanks to a broguey cabbie who wondered why in the world we'd want to go there. Also, found Leamy House, which is an apartment building on the street. The cabbie dropped us off, and then came back to check on us and that we'd found the street sign.

Day Eight: Kilkenny Castle and National Stud Farm

Kilkenny Castle is the home of the House of Ormond---don't know if it's any relation to my great great grandmother whose maiden name was Ormond. Probably not, as these people were very very rich. The house looked like Downton Abbey. The Stud Farm pimps their studs to owners of mares for a huge fee, like $85,000 if he gets her pregnant and she produces a foal.

The Stud Farm had a Japanese Garden where we Zenned out.

Off to Dunboyne Castle Hotel to spend our last night with music and song by Bob, a young Irish teen who like to sing Sinatra. We wanted to hear Irish tunes. He was a wee bit miffed.

Day Nine - Bye to Ireland

Airport and parting shot. Next time, I will rent a cottage in Cashmore in County Waterford where my great grandparents lived before leaving for America.