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Cool and overcast of course, but maybe no rain today?
This morning, I got to the bus early enough to select any seat I wanted so I chose center seat back row. I am the master of all that I survey.
Outside the bus was the still beautiful Irish countryside.
I have to admit it’s all starting to look the same.
Well, this is different. We got stuck behind a caravan of farm machinery. Didn’t last long though.
Now we are in a park in the town of Lismore. Lismore. Isn't that the name of a Waterford crystal pattern?
A local guide introduced us to the area and explained this sculpture.
On this side, we have Robert Boyle. Remember Boyle’s law from chemistry class? Well, in 1627 the father of modern chemistry was born in Lismore Castle, which is close by.
See? Robert Boyle.
And on the other side of the sculpture, we have St. Carthage, founder of the city.
It is an interesting combination of subjects for a sculpture. I guess they are just two famous sons of Lismore.
There's also a fountain in the park.
Come on, Road Scholars, let’s go walk through the Lismore Castle Garden.
We aren't first to the gate that leads to the Gardens at Lismore Castle. This nice young lady is ahead of us.
And this other nice young lady is letting us in at the stroke of 11:00 AM.
Looks kinda spooky.
But no, it's just a lovely park.
With trees and benches and all that stuff.
And more trees.
And a path through bamboo.
I do believe that's a castle in the distance.
Commoners cannot visit the castle because it is currently the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. The first castle on the site was built in 1185, and replaced, twice, in the 16th century. It was largely rebuilt in the Gothic style during the mid-nineteenth century for the 6th Duke of Devonshire.
But for the price of a ticket we are welcome to walk through the gardens.
And even have a seat if we like.
I think that's a church over there.
Did you know that Fred Astaire‘s
first dance partner was his sister, Adele Astaire? Well, in 1932,
after a 27-year partnership with her brother, Astaire retired from
the stage to marry Lord Charles Cavendish, the second son of Victor
Cavendish, 9th Duke of Devonshire and the couple moved to the
Cavendish estate of Lismore Castle. Following Cavendish's death in
1944, Astaire remarried and moved back to the United States but she
still spent her summers at Lismore Castle up until the end of her
life. Fred Astaire enjoyed coming here too and they say the locals
treated him just like anybody else, if anybody else was a rich and
famous American entertainer.
You can see the castle.
But you can't go in it.
People live there.
I wonder if they ever come out and walk through the gardens with their paying guests>
Maybe they just look at us from those high windows.
I think I could live there.
Just outside the gardens was a small street fair complete with food, gifts and music.
And off we go in the bus to drive through the lovely Irish countryside. Again.
We've arrived in the town of Waterford where we will tour the Waterford Crystal factory.
But not just yet.
It's lunchtime!
A chunk of chicken on top of a lump of mashed potatoes with a side of potatoes, carrots and beans. Where have I seen this before?
The view was nice, though.
Yeah, nice view. They say that sculpture down there is supposed to look like a Viking long boat, but I’m not so sure.
Now let's so see how they make world famous Waterford Crystal, which is still produced in Ireland even though the factory now turns out only special orders like fancy sports trophies. Everyday Waterford crystal is now produced in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Germany, and Hungary. And it no longer contains lead.
I wonder how much a Waterford Crystal grandfather clock costs? And I wonder who would want one?
We watched an introductory movie.
And learned all about Waterford Crystal.
Then we saw samples of the crystal produced at this factory. Mostly trophies and other commemorative products.
We saw instruments they use.
We saw patterns for special items. Irish Open trophy base. Well that's pretty special.
You probably shouldn't drop one of these trophies.
Here's some video of the artisans at their craft.
And here's how they work with the blown glass.
It's hot. Don't touch.
Eventually it will be something expensive. I'm not sure what.
But I do know there's a lot of it.
Lots and lots.
Not many people working down there, but you know what? Today is Sunday. I'm surprised anybody is working here today.
This guy is intently working on something.
He's cutting designs into crystal.
And this is how the designs are marked before they are cut.
Boy the Road Scholars are learning a lot today.
Just look at the design he's creating.
This guy too. Amazing.
And this is the lovely end product.
Pretty stuff.
There's even a remembrance piece for the World Trade Center in New York. There was also a shop where we could buy all sorts of Waterford Crystal. I bought nothing because I already have all I need. My only souvenir from Ireland was a coffee cup I bought at Starbucks back in Belfast.
If it looks a little soiled that's because I'm drinking from it as I type this. Much more attractive than any Waterford Crystal, don't you think?
And now we're back on the road again. We had to take a detour off the M9 motorway, the Irish version of an interstate, because there had been a horrible accident earlier this morning.
Eventually we arrived at our final hotel of the trip, the Ashling in Dublin. It was a nice place.
But the view from my windows wasn't so great.
Anyway the food was good. Pasta in cream sauce. Now that's a treat!
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