Thursday, Day Five:
At some point in every journey comes a dull driving day - that day you just "get through" in order to get to the next adventure spot. That was on today's itinerary, and it began like this. . . leave the Heritage behind, realize 10 km down the road that we have to go back and pull Dave out from under the kingsize feather bed (the spot from which  he had applied for permanent Heritage Resort residency), pee, head out again, realize 20 km down same road that Wes' orange sharpie may have outlined a goat path to Killarney, go back, pee, give it one more try, wake Wes up (yup, he was indeed driving), and finally head west on the M7 . . . after we pee.
So, up until that point the day was unfolding as expected. But, a wonderful surprise awaited us down the motorway -  a village called Adare - a gift wrapped in stone walls, thatched roofs, rose-filled gardens in front of tiny shops, and a fantastic pub. We spent a few magical hours wandering through the village and trying out the local ale (Caledonia Smooth), before heading back out on the road (the right road) toward Killarney.
We have checked into Scott's Hotel in the town Centre.  . . And do not expect to find Dave hiding under the bed. Their room is too small for the kingsize! We are looking forward to life near the coast and the hills while staying in a busy town. Nancy has suggested a boot camp adventure to the national park tomorrow.  . . Yeah, that's going to happen!
As for today's memorable moments, here is the short story:
Pam - posing as an Irish Catholic woman and lighting candles in the church in Adare.
Nancy - Aisling Mahar's Fascinator shop, where we watched a woman being fitted for a piece of art to wear to her daughter's wedding.
Sandy - his smooth ale at Aunt Lena's Pub. He has made it his mission to stay authentic and local in beer selections.  . . This one is currently in first place.
Dave - Aunt Lena's - the whole experience - the kind server, the potato soup, the ale.  . . And I think maybe he stole a peek up Lena's apron in the kitchen!
Wes - coffee (or the reasonable facsimile) that he had brewed up by Ma and Sean in Abbey Something.  . . after we woke him from yet another snooze on the road. Never fear though. Between Nancy and me,     we pretty much have the driving covered from the back seat!
Me - watching the ancient nun chasing the blond protestant heathen down the streets of Adare . . . kidding, but I do think Pam was pushing her spiritual luck!
All in all, a marvelous day. May the roads rise up.  .  .