Had a quick walk around Cork before checking out of our hotel. Made a phone call to Gretta to see if she was going to be home - had tried calling her last night, but she was not home - fortunately, she answered this morning so we arranged to visit her at 12.30. That just gave us enough time to have a walk around Cork and head over to her place.

Gretta was very pleased to see us - as we were pleased to see her. I called Dad to let him know we were in Cork and he immediately called Gretta knowing that we would be there.....so I got to speak to Dad for awhile and caught up with the news back home.....something about an upcoming party????

Anyway, we showed Gretta Dad's video message that we recorded before we left, and handed Gretta the present that Dad wanted us to give her - it was priceless seeing the expression on Gretta's face, when we played the short video message on Nadeen's computer of Dad holding Gretta's present and sending her his birthday wishes and here we were, handing over the present to Gretta!!! Modern technology, you have to love it.

Anyway, Gretta was keen for a chat so we proceeded to stay for a couple of hours and enjoyed a cup of coffee and some cakes and biscuits with her - unfortunately John, her brother was not home, so we missed seeing him, however, we caught up on all of the news in the 2 hours we were there. Gretta asked about all of the family and she was disappointed that time was against us and we couldn't stay longer - however, we did promise that next time, we will stay longer and go out one night for dinner and some music!!!

After leaving Cork we headed to Blarney - and yes, we both kissed the Blarney stone - well for 10 euro each, you would want to.....anyway, at least we can tell everyone that we have kissed the Blarney stone - quite an experience actually having to lie down, lean backwards and kiss this funny looking piece of rock......mmmm....interesting.

After Blarney, we headed for Killarney and just as we checked into our hotel, I had a terrible thought....it had been sometime since I booked our accommodation in Tralee to go to the Listowel races and you wouldn't believe it - I got my days mixed up - funny about that, when you are on holidays, you have no idea of what day it is - anyway, we called the hotel in Tralee and managed to change the booking to tomorrow night instead, so as we can stay the night here in Killarney.

We are staying at the Ross Hotel, again, very centrally located, and a very nice hotel.

Driving in Ireland has been an experience to say the least. Up until today, we have been averaging about 300 kilometres a day - and about 300 roundabouts a day......for anyone who has driven over here, you will know what I mean!

Cork was a classic with its narrow winding streets - I was actually happy to get out of there without any incidents. Today on the drive to Killarney, we got caught behind a couple of trucks/tractors etc, so the trip took longer than expected, but at least it gave us the time to enjoy some of the sceneary.

Went out to the Danny Mann hotel in Killarney tonight and listened to a band called the Irish Weavers. They played all of the tradtional Irish numbers and it was great to sit back and relax and listen to all of the classics - including Galway Bay and Danny Boy!

It was an older sort of crowd, but it suited us as we could sit down and relax - Nadeen referred to the band as an adult Wiggles band - lots of audience participation and singing!!! It was a great night and after listening to the mandatory National Anthem play, we moved on and tried out a couple of other bars, but no more music to be had - well certainly no more Irish - it will have to wait until we hit Tralee/Listowel tomorrow.

For those of you who know your Irish music - all I can say is if you listen to Seven Drunken Nights - you will understand what sort of week we have had over here!!!!

Slainte