Irish National Stud, Rock of Cashel #Ireland #goaheadtours
As Cathal says “The best thing about Dublin is the road to Cork.” Well he’s from outside of Cork so…
Our first stop was a visit to Irish National Stud.
From their website:
The farm at Tully was purchased from the Fay family in 1900 by Colonel William Hall Walker. Hall Walker became the most successful breeder of the age, enjoying his finest hour when King Edward VII led MINORU, born and raised at Tully, into Epsom's winner's enclosure following a famous victory in the 1909 Derby.
 |
| Jennifer and Colonel Hall Walker |
In 1915 the farm and all its stock was gifted to the Crown and became The National Stud under the leadership of Sir Henry Greer. The success continued with the farm producing the winners of all five Classics. In 1942 SUN CHARIOT, born and bred at Tully, earned herself an indelible place in racing history when landing the fillies' Triple Crown - the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St. Leger – for King George VI.
Almost seven decades later, in May 2011, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II came to the Irish National Stud to see for herself where the winners of five Classics for her family were produced.
We got to meet Big Bad Bob their top stallion and a few other very expensive animals. The site also hosts a Japanese Gardens that was quite lovely and peaceful.
Back on the bus for the 1.5 hour drive to the Rock Of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel (Irish: Carraig Phádraig), also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick's Rock, is a historic site located at Cashel, County Tipperary.
The round tower stands 90 feet dating from 1100. Unfortunately Cormac’s chapel was being restored so we could only see parts of the exterior. We had a lot of fog so seeing the Planes of Tipperary, the “Golden Vale”, were difficult.
We stopped for a quick tour around Cork hitting the English Market Cork and an alleyway pub. I tried a ½ pint of Steeple Hemp Red-quite good. Jay had the Beamish stout.
We checked into the Blarney Woolen Mills Hotel and had dinner at Christy’s. Jay ordered the fish and chips and I had the lamb. Both were excellent. Got a good night sleep as this hotel was very quiet.
More images from
Irish National Stud: http://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Ireland-2014/Irish-National-Stud/
Rock of Cashel http://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Ireland-2014/Rock-of-Cashel/
Cork http://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Ireland-2014/Cork-City/
Next up: Blarney Castle and Cobh
Traditions of Ireland
Go Ahead Tours
November 16-26, 2014
Copyright © Nancy Nutile-McMenemy
www.photosbynanci.com
Ireland Gallery: http://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Ireland-2014
Almost seven decades later, in May 2011, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II came to the Irish National Stud to see for herself where the winners of five Classics for her family were produced.
 |
| Big Bad Bob having a selfie with Kelsy |
Back on the bus for the 1.5 hour drive to the Rock Of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel (Irish: Carraig Phádraig), also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick's Rock, is a historic site located at Cashel, County Tipperary.
We stopped for a quick tour around Cork hitting the English Market Cork and an alleyway pub. I tried a ½ pint of Steeple Hemp Red-quite good. Jay had the Beamish stout.
More images from
Irish National Stud: http://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Ireland-2014/Irish-National-Stud/
Rock of Cashel http://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Ireland-2014/Rock-of-Cashel/
Cork http://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Ireland-2014/Cork-City/
Next up: Blarney Castle and Cobh
Traditions of Ireland
Go Ahead Tours
November 16-26, 2014
Copyright © Nancy Nutile-McMenemy
www.photosbynanci.com
Ireland Gallery: http://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Ireland-2014