Ireland is renowned for its spectacular castles. While many smaller ones are found along the Irish countryside, I longed to visit one of unsurpassed grandeur. The day’s tour would therefore include a visit to Kilkenny Castle, as well as Wicklow Gap and Gendalough monastic site. Castles, nature, and history were on the agenda. Prior to my tour bus departing, I devoured the chocolate nut torte that I had purchased a couple of evenings prior for this day’s breakfast.

When we arrived at Kilkenny Castle, I was indeed awestruck at its monumental dimensions and its elegant interior.

Strolling around Kilkenny town brought me through main streets that possessed striking colorful buildings and some cobbestone roads.

Our walking tour took us to the town hall, courthouse, a famous local brewery, historic buildings, and restaurants.

The next stop on our itinerary was the Black Abbey. This Catholic monastery was built in the year 1225 by the Dominicans, between the English settlement and the indigenous Irish town. Throughout the 17th and 18th century, control of the Abbey fluctuated between Catholics and Protestants. During the mid-1600s, the Abbey played a role in attempting to save the king and the Catholic church. It was here that the Irish Catholic Confederation government was in residence. Around the late 1700s, the Abbey was restored to the Dominican order.

On Abbey Street across from the Abbey, the old city walls and the Black Freren Gate still stand from the Norman period of the early 13th century.

St. Canice’s Cathedral also dates from that time period. The church is named after the saint for whom the city was named. The adjacent tower was built as a watchtower and a shelter from enemies.

Boscho’s Cafe(Boschos Cafe), a vegan-friendly restaurant in town, was the spot where I ate my lunch. For my meal, I opted for a cup of carrot and parsnip soup and a jaffles(toasties) sandwich. The sandwich was actually a turnover filled with avocado, roasted red peppers, and beans. My lunch was tasty and very reasonably priced.

Next on our itinerary was a stop at the Wicklow Gap. This scenic pass roadway offers gorgeous views through the Wicklow Mountains.

Finally we arrive at the Glendalough Monastic site. A 6th century monastic settlement was founded here by Saint Kevin. A round tower, St. Kevin’s Church, and other medieval church ruins are located upon the grounds. A Market Cross and the towering St. Kevin’s Cross reside within the settlement. Glendalough was a superior school of learning for Christians, despite Viking attacks and the eventual destruction of the monastery by the Normans in 1214. English powers destroyed the settlement in 1398.

The Wickow Mountains State Park is also home to extensive trails blessed with tranquil lakes, dense forests, and glorious waterfalls. Visitors are free to roam about the breath-taking landscape.

Upon the tour completion, we arrived back in Dublin in time for dinner. I decided to dine at Govinda’s Restaurant (Govinda’s Restaurant). This budget-friendly, vegetarian/vegan restaurant offers an evening Indian buffet where guests may choose which items to include on their meal tray.My entree included a veggie curry, tofu in tomato sauce, chickpeas with sesame seeds, and basmati rice.

Pear juice was my beverage selection.

For dessert, I selected a carrot cake. My meal and dessert were delicious and filling.

It was time to get some sleep for the evening. I had truly enjoyed the day’s itinerary of the impressive Kilkenny Castle, the gorgeous Wicklow Gap and Mountains, and the historic Glendalough Monastic Site. Vegan meal options were quite satisfying, as well. I waited with eager anticipation for the following day’s tour of the Celtic Heritage region.