After checking out from our Cork hotel we had breakfast at McDonalds and then drove on to Blarney to visit Blarney Castle. We arrived at 9.30am managing to beat the tour bus crowds. Climbed to the top of the tower (lots of steps !) and took in the views of the town and surrounding countryside before kissing the Blarney Stone.

A man at the top holds you as you lean out to kiss the stone whileanother man takes a picture which you have the option to buy. Looked around the grounds of the castle before paying for our photos which they then ship back to your home wherever that might be. It cost us €7.50 each which we decided was worth it.

Back into the car and this time heading in the direction of Cahir and a visit to Cahir Castle. We went on the brief guided tour before wandering around ourselves and taking some photos and video. The castle has the last operational medieval portcullis gate in the Republic of Ireland and it sound was used in the movie Braveheart.

Decided to have lunch in Cahir at a small cafe call Crock of Gold. Food was reasonably priced but the collection of smokers who sat around us forced an early exit!

Drove on to Cashel and the impressive Rock of Cashel. Parked in a car park about 5 minutes walk from the Rock after being sucked in by signs directing us to the first car park in town. We walked up to the Rock (very steep hill!!)and did a self-guided tour of the abbey ruins and graveyards. The location was brilliant and gave magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Walked back to the car park and put in 50c of our expected €2 fee only to see the gate open and we left!

Drove on to Roscrea for some pictures and a postcard. Couldn't find a car park in the town so quickly ran into Roscrea Castle to get a postcard. The lady inside insisted the we go to the top of the castle and seemed upset when we kept insisting we didn't have time. Finally we quickly ran to the top and back down, bought 2 postcards then said goodbye and continued on our way to Waterford.

We arrived at our B&B in Waterford, St.Albans Guesthouse, at 6pm. Checked in and then went down the road from the B&B for dinner before returning the the B&B for a well earned rest after a long day !