A morning of pack up, and for me a somewhat sad leaving of the dairy. The owner Richard is simply a wonderful guy. The challenges of the intense nature of dairying are met with a cheerful man who just gets in and gets things done. He is so obviously proud of the products that his milk goes into, and his care for the animals is brilliant. He was so keen to show me how the place worked, to have a giggle about the cows when they first see grass after the sheds (they dance around). They make 650 bales of silage a year and the community around there looks after each other. The issue of plastic and waste management was super apparent...I wonder when biodegradable will make a full impact. It's so great to meet people who just clearly love their job, live well and simply, and just are uncomplicated good people.

It's also been noticeable how many people working at places like distilleries and hospitality are genuinely well-suited to their work. They have pride in their community, the products/places they work and it's just really different to home. Especially in the men, who seem to be not hampered by the need to not offend, but in doing so carry the masculine confidence/presence, without a hint of toxic or negative stuff. I think it is hard to be a man in Canberra these days, as this style of bloke is not that common at home. Politically correctness or something...dunno...more thinking needed here.

During recent days in the car, we've been enjoying a true-crime podcast by the same guy from the Australian who did the "teachers pet" series, called Bronwyn. Initially we struggled with the frequency of the use of the name "Bronwyn" but we've calmed down now. It's an interesting one about a lady who went missing in May 1993 from Lennox Head. Sounds like her husband did it, but a range of things meant that with no body ever found, she's still simply "missing". Fun. Wonder what will happen!

Anyway, first stop today was Blarney Castle. Happily, this was a great touristy spot. We were delighted to find only a few other tourists in the castle and beautiful gardens, and indeed we were able to climb the steep spiral stairs to the top of the castle keep without anyone else there. The stone was too scary for me to lie backwards to try and kiss (and I'm a bit bummed about it to be honest) but Bronnie did do it...so now she will have the gift of the gab. The castle grounds were terrific too, with a poisonous plant garden, tree fern garden, site of druid stone settlement including a sacrifice altar, a witches stone/cauldron and a magical staircase that I walked backwards with my eyes closed through a stone passageway. Apparently my wish for succeeding at this will come true within 12 months.

Next stop was the Midleton Whisky distillery. It is the site where 7 whiskies are made!!! Included are the Jameson ones (familiar), Red Breast (my fave Irish whisky), Powers, Yellow Spot, Midleton rare plus some others (forgotten). We weren't sure about a tour or a private tasting, so we elected to head to the fantastic looking bar and chat to the barman. To our delight, Joe, was brilliant. I reckon we had a better "faux tour" with Joe than any tour could have possibly provided. He talked us through all sorts of whiskies to try and in the end, we enjoyed three...on each occasion, Joe poured us a double whilst checking that his boss wasn't watching...yum, yum yum. I can only describe the Irish Whisky as drinking whisky. Unlike the Scottish stuff, where the flavour and just the tiniest amount is enough, the triple distilled stuff here is super smooth. It slides down very easily...and Bronnie likes it more than Scotch. Me, I like both. We were super lucky to get a good try of the Red Breast 18 year old (about $400/bottle)...delightful. I will be trying to find some of this when we get home, although with the ongoing saga with our box and customs, I won't be trying to send any more home.

Onwards we headed the last 2 hours to New Ross, passing through nice cattle, sheep and some evidence of field preparation for a crop. Maybe some of the field beets that the dairy cows love. It's notable that in the rural areas, sheep are most common, then cattle and there really hasn't been much evidence of other enterprises. Very little vegetables although i think we're finally seeing some potato fields. Our place is great with an open fireplace...a converted shed!