We had toyed with the idea of staying in Cork for a few days and using it as a base to check out surrounding sites. For some reason, I hadn’t gotten around to booking a place and when we started to get closer after yet, many more round about misadventures and an extended journey, I started looking online. I got a rude awakening – no room at the inns. What the ? Unfortunately, our driver was coming undone and the car filled with blame and anger – more threats to return the car the next day. As Harlei’s highlight for the trip was to be kissing the Blarney Stone, we finally accepted defeat and drove to Blarney hoping to find a room there. What the ? We called every BandB listed in line and no room anywhere. Sheila and I, already dealing with a dragon driver, couldn’t stop laughing…hysterical with stress. Looked like a night in our overcrowded little VW Polo.

When we saw the door open to the hotel above the pub, we whipped up there and literally begged for help. A kind bartender manager took pity on us and called at least 10 bed and breakfasts for us and voila- he found one about 2 blocks away. The Pine Forest BandB was not listed with the online .coms and happened to have a family room that was perfect! The lucky leprechauns were on duty that night for sure!

The big day

This shot is taken looking at the view you have looking down lying on your back to kiss the stone (not the actual portal but one beside it)

After the castle climb, we went on a beautiful forest walk down to a lake-about an hour, before making our way back to the parking lot.

Next stop Cohb- pronounced Cove.