The quaint little village of Blarney in County Cork...

After arriving at our hotel earlier than expected with our group... we had plenty of time to explore the small village of Blarney before our tour of Blarney Castle the next day. And explore we did... Tami and I walked the streets of Blarney from one end to the other.

The streets and buildings had a charm and the weather and light were perfect! The only way it could have been better for me is if I had my paints and easel and could paint "en plein aire". I didn't have the paints but I did have the camera... and plenty of scenes to choose from. The small painting below is referenced from a photo I took of Tami below it.
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"Just down the hill a bit..." ... 8x6" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 11-2008.

Tami in Blarney....

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As we walked the town we found a great little "Fish and Chips To Go" place and got some chips... which are similar to our "steak fries"... and onion rings. The "chips" we are used to here in the states are called "crisps" in Ireland. We gathered our "chips and onion rings" and headed for a small park in the center of town where all the locals gathered to play or watch soccer (football). We had a great/relaxing afternoon...

enjoying our food, the park, and each others company...

resting up for the next day and our "Quest to Kiss the Blarney Stone" and gain the gift of gab...

Here we are at the Blarney Castle on the beginning leg of our quest...

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more to come...

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"Off to Kiss the Blarney Stone"... Our Quest for the Gift of Gab!