Stud Farm near Kilkenny

Our road trip around Ireland began today with a visit to a stud farm. The guide pointed out places along the way that were interesting. For example, the huge battle for the movie Braveheart was filmed in Ireland rather than Scotland. Mel Gibson wanted to find 1000 idle men to be in the battle scene and so he wrote to the Irish army and they allowed their soldiers to dress up and be in the film. Seventy five were sent to the hospital! The picture beside this is of a horse at the stud farm. He earns 45,000 euro for having his way with the females.. Wow. It use to be more, but the economy has plunged here as well as in the United States.

The stud farm was also home to a beautiful Japaneese garden. This combination of signs really cracked me up. In case you can't read the sign with the three, it says, "Tunnel of Ignornance" What a combination.

The gardens were beautiful. The red bridge reminded me of the bridge my brother made for mom. This one crosses a stream in Ireland and Kenny's crosses a ditch in Tesuque. Both are in beautiful places. I wish this picture showed how pretty Anna was standing on the bridge.

This statue was really cool. I wish that I could find something like him to put in our yard in Thermopolis. I thought of my husband, Dave, when I saw this bonsi. These trees are really cool and Dave and I have admired them for many years.

I'll post more tomorrow. I still haven't talked about the pub visits, shopping (sorry Dave) and the castle!!