July 4, 2004: The hedge to the left is in the Guinness book of world records as being the tallest box hedge in the world. It is over a hundred years old.

July 4, 2004: Birr Castle and its telescope

July 4, 2004: The third Earl of Rosse inhabited Birr Castle and began work on a telescope in the 1840s. This is that telescope. After it was built, it remained as the largest telescope in the world for 75 years.

July 4, 2004: The telescope can easily pivot up and down between its supporting walls using a system of counterweights. It also has a small amount of movement from side to side.

July 4, 2004: When in Ireland, don't forget to stop and smell the flowers.

July 4, 2004: A lovely flowering tree and a couple of swans.

July 4, 2004: Under the canopy of the flowering tree

July 4, 2004: Another flower on the grounds of Birr Castle.

July 4, 2004: Another flower on the grounds of Birr Castle.

July 4, 2004: Birr Castle, home of Lord and Lady Rosse.

July 4, 2004: Birr Castle, home of Lord and Lady Rosse.

July 4, 2004: A foot bridge and some very large-leafed plants.

July 4, 2004: A stone bridge

July 4, 2004: Foot bridge under a tree

July 5, 2004: Blarney Castle in the distance

July 5, 2004: After leaving Birr Castle Demesne, we headed south to Blarney and found a B&B to stay for the night. The following morning, we went to Blarney Castle to see (and kiss) the Blarney Stone.

July 5, 2004: Blarney Castle. The Blarney Stone is at the top of the castle, so we had to climb many narrow spiral staircases to get there.

July 5, 2004: Blarney Castle. The Blarney Stone is at the top of the castle, so we had to climb many narrow spiral staircases to get there.

July 5, 2004: Here is Roz pulling herself back up after kissing the Blarney Stone. The camera is pointed down and she is laying on her back. The light behind her is the ground outside the castle (about 100 feet down).

July 5, 2004: View from Blarney Castle