Kilkenny

This past friday on our excursion we went to the Kilkenny Castle, Smithwicks Brewery, and the Cathedral Church of St. Canice. The castle was beautiful overlooking the river and apparently the Butler family was the last family known to occupy the castle. Once they hit bankruptcy they fled and the castle was abandoned for thirty some odd years and left deteriorating. Many renovations were made with flooring, ceilings and interior decor. The pictures and paintings were all the originals and to me it was surprising to learn that the dog held such importance of symbolism in the pictures. For example, a larger dog would show strength, while when a woman had a dog in the portrait with her it usually symbolized fidelity. On our way to Smithwicks Brewery, I had the chance to experience an Irish funeral in process. I learned that the people will follow on foot behind the hearse without the use of motor vehicles, and the wake most often takes place in the homes of the families so they can celebrate around the body and cherish the life.
The brewery tour was wonderful, I truly enjoyed that there was a chapel on site, as well as my free pint of beer at the end:) The cathedral of St. Canice was also absolutely gorgeous with all of the history behind.