Kanga And Wombats Adventures

Day 4
Time for a back story. We planned this trip a few months ago, made all the bookings etc based on my extensive reading and knowledge of the Lonely Planet’s guide to 34 Amazing Road Trips in Ireland. Chatting with my old teaching mate Kathleen Molloy, (how more Irish can you get?), on telling her we were staying at Borris, she exclaimed “Borris? Are you f###ing joking? That’s where my cousins live and where I spend most of my time when visiting Ireland”. What a small world. Kath said there wasn’t much in Borris, but we disagree! There’s the River Barrow…

A stunning old 16 arched railway viaduct now turned into a walking track and picnic area..

And most importantly, Joyces Bar, where men are men, and the women can buy their groceries in the shop at the front!

We had such a great day exploring the Borris area and a bit further afield, as far as Kilkenny in the north. First heading south, we crossed the beautiful Barrow River at Graiguenamanagh, which boasts a six-arch stone bridge.

Not far away is the equally charming Inistioge, on the River Nore, which ups the ante with a 10-arch stone bridge.

Our first ancient ruin of the day was Jerpoint Abbey. Quite a small site, but with a wonderfully well-informed guide, we spent about an hour there. Originally founded by Benedictine monks in 1158, the Cisternians made a takeover bid 20 years later. The cloisters are the best preserved part of the Abbey, with intricate stone carvings of monks and figures depicting the 7 deadly sins on the pillars. This little fellow can be seen clutching his rosary beads.

Not far away are the ruins of Kells Priory. Completely different, a much larger site with the freedom to roam wherever you wanted to without the guides or crowds, save some sheep and lots of sheep poop. Very atmospheric set by the river. Kells was under the authority of the Augustinian monks, established in 1193, and had a turbulent history before it’s third “sacking” in the 1540’s.

Our next stop was Kilkenny, very touristy, but not too crowded. We had lunch at a lovely hotel right opposite the castle, and then explored the town.

Wending our way back to Borris, we treated ourselves to a posh dinner at Clashganny House. Google it.