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Enjoying A Medieval Tour

Kilkenny aptly lays claim to being Ireland's most Medieval city. Throughout the city you see signs of antiquity.


From the busy city center . . .


. . . to narrow alleyways.


On our last trip we spent half a day touring the spectacular Kilkenny Castle, but we didn't have time to visit Rothe House, so we headed there.


This impressive property, still undergoing restoration, was the home of a wealthy Kilkenny merchant, John Rothe and his wife, Rose Archer, and their 12 children.


The property comprises three houses; the first one faces the street and most likely housed Rothe's bususiness on the ground floor, whle the upper floor were living and entertaining quarters.


Within the last year, the Rothe Family Garden was restored to represent an early 17th century Irish merchant's urban garden.


We decided to have dinner at the lovely old Hibernian Hotel, whicn Maria Dunphy had introduced us to last year. We've discovered that this particularly street corner is a great place for people watching, as there is something going on there at all times.


You see all means of transportation going by.


It is also a busy dog-walking corner . . .


. . . or in this case, a dog-resting corner.


Just a moment later, we witnessed what easily could have turned into a close encounter of the canine kind.


And just across the street, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this head pop out of a Land Rover.


I crossed the street to get a better view . . .


. . . and what I got was a big ruckus from a protective pal, so it was definitely time for me to move on!