Rats, Birds, and Bluegrass

Greetings all. We are currently waiting out a rain storm in the library in Cashel. We got here yesterday afternoon and set up our tent (which, btw, with our new tarp over it, stayed quite dry, despite the rain in the wee hours...) and then walked through town. We visited the tourist information and read some history and then walked up the hill to the Rock of Cashel which was quite intriguing. On our way down the hill from the castle, we came upon a black sheep (he was so cute!) who I tried to coax to pose for my camera, but it was a little difficult, because his jealous white sheep brother kept getting in the way, alas. As I was taking their picture, Melissa screamed behind me and grabbed me yelling, "Just go! Just go!" and pushing me down the hill. I looked behind me and there was a large, stiff rat on the ground in the middle of the trail. Then I screamed...and we ran down the hill laughing. Ick! Rodents...though I think I would have been more scared of it if it had been alive and running across the path. Rodents and birds that get trapped inside and can't figure out how to get out (like in airports, and other places...) send me into histerics; or pigeons that fly at your head from towers and turrets on castles, those are frightening as well. One has to try to be somewhat composed in public...

Last night, we decided to experience Guiness again, since Melissa hadn't really had any yet, and ran into a band from Tenessee playing here in town, so we got to listen to bluegrass. It was kind of a unique experience (bluegrass in Ireland) and the locals enjoyed it quite a bit, as did the non-locals (us...I love bluegrass!). Afterwards, we walked back to our campsite, which is located at a lodge right at the foothills of the Rock of Cashel. The stars were brilliant and there weren't a lot of lights, so after we got ready for bed, I got in my sleeping bag and laid down on top of the picnic table by our tent in hopes of seeing some shooting stars. I saw one for sure, and possibly a few others out of the corner of my eye. The stars were so bright though, and really, it was one of the first times we've seen them here.

Today, we got up and decided to stay one more night so have been drinking coffee, reading, and waiting out the rain. It looks as if it might be letting up a bit. This afternoon/evening, we have plans to explore the ruins of an old abbey across from the lodge. Tomorrow we will move on, I believe in the direction of Dublin, but then down to Bray and the next day to Wicklow, or Glendalough, in Co. Wicklow.