Commentary By Rick Rodriguez
I had 24 hours to drive across Ireland and get back to Dublin for my next tee time Thursday morning! So, after the day's round at Naas Golf Club on Tuesday and one incredible moment (Naas Golf Club is located at Kerdiffstown, Naas, County Kildare just outside of Dublin), I grabbed a rental car and hopped on the highway headed toward Ireland's West Coast and the town of Nenagh. I had not planned on heading to Nenagh and didn't know what I'd find once I got there but what the heck I was in Ireland, and not for long! Opportunity was facing adventure! So, with little delay I headed out of Dublin and toward my destination. Immediately, I noticed that Ireland'sHighways have much more room to negotiate a vehicle opposed to their country roads. Their country roads, at least the one's I traveled on are so narrow that gleaning countryside glances while driving is only recommended for the totally skilled. This is especially more difficult for right side drivers from the USA. And, while I am no rookie to driving a vehicle from the right side it clearly takes some warm up to get in a comfort zone.
I drove non-stop until I reached the town of Nenagh. Located about 155Km from Dublin in County North 
Tipperaryand off the N7, Nenagh caught my eye because of the medieval Nenagh Castle. I could see it along the N and it was situated near a large church that also drew my attention. So, I stopped in on a terrific summer day and walked about the place for a bit and then the clouds formed and the brief sunshine turned to a dreary nebulous experience. " Nenagh Castle was built 1216 and was the main castle of the Butler Family before they moved to Gowran, County Kilkenny in the 14th century. The family later purchased Kilkenny Castle which was to be the main seat of their power for the next 500 years. The town was one of the ancient manors of the Butlers who received the grant of a fair from Henry VIII of England. They also founded the medieval priory of St John, just outside the town at Tyone. A small settlement grew up around the castle, but it never seems to have been of any great importance other than as a local market throughout the medieval period. An important Franciscan friary was founded in the town in 1252 in the reign of Henry III of England, which became the head of the Irish custody of West Ireland and was one of the richest religious houses in Ireland. The Abbey was in use for six hundred years; Fr. Patrick Harty, who died in 1817, was its last inhabitant. Nonetheless, the brief stop was one of many I would make en route to my final destination." Nenagh is a cool town. I was slightly out of my element but it didn't stop me from fashioning my video camera in search of something out of the ordinary!
After leaving Nenagh, I drove to Limerick and drove aimlessly around town looking for accommodations for the evening. I had planned on finding a hotel for the night but saw nothing that drew my interest. Limerick appeared very industrial to me and I just couldn't find what seemed like a friendly spot. Perhaps, the local time (10:00PM) had something to do with it and it was still light out. So, again, I made another decision to head to Waterford (famous for crystal) and figured that might be more representative of what I might be looking for that evening. It was, however, 2 hours and 127km drive to Waterford, so I made a mad dash onto the N24, and headed East. Driving through the night on unfamiliar roads is always an interesting experience. In route, I stopped for coffee at a gas station and I am not quite sure who was more startling me or the attendant. With a quizzical look he gave me a cup of joe and I was off as fast as I had arrived.
I found accommodations for the evening at Tower Hotel once I arrived in Waterford, The hotel is situated adjacent to Reginald's Tower (picture left). Waterford was founded by Viking raiders who established a settlement at Waterford in 853. Waterfordand all the other longphorts were vacated in 902, the Vikings having been driven out by the native Irish. The Vikings re-established themselves in Ireland at Waterford in 914 and built what would be Ireland's first city. A list of the city's rulers from this date to the mayors of the present day can be found in Rulers of Waterford. Among the most prominent kings of Waterford was Ivar of Waterford.
Finally, relaxing, and in for the night. I replayed the day's events beginning with that incredible moment at Naas Golf Club (I made a 2 on a Par 4) and the Eagle on the 9th hole to the Nenagh Castle and Waterford via Limerick, and finally the 300k's I drove that day and night. Opportunity had met adventure. And as usual adventure turned out the winner!
After a night's rest, I toured Reginald's Tower, had breakfast and headed north toward Wicklow Mountain and back to Dublin. Not before, however, I scampered off for a riverside jaunt in Wexford that had me wondering if I might encounter some medieval leprechauns deep in the lush riverside hills. It was one of those hikes reserved for the memory book and my video camera. It was a fast 24 hours of driving Ireland but it was a spectacular experience!
