Day 9: Castles and Radios

This morning started with breakfast in the restaurant of the hotel we are staying in. We got on the bus at about 9 am to head out to Cork for a media visit. We went to RedFM, a radio station geared towards younger audiences aged 15-34. It was really interesting because we got to talk to someone from the advertising end as well as the program manager. We also talked to the woman who handles the Irish language end of the station's programs. The regulations and rules they have in Ireland seem more strict than in the US. Because their liscense is for a specific age group, they can't advertise or play any music that is not specified for that group. We also got free pens out of the deal.

After the visit at the radio station, we got back on the bus to go to BLARNEY CASTLE! I've been waiting for this day the entire trip. The grounds the castle is on are beautiful. We stood in line up a very narrow, very steep, very winding stone staircase. After what felt like forever, we finally mae it to the top. The view was amazing! But when I had to lay down and kiss the Blarney Stone upside-down, I was nervous. I am not the least bit afraid of heights, but seeing grass below you while leaning backwards over a castle wall kind of puts things in perspective. It was an awesome experience, though.

We had some time for lunch and to do some shopping at Blarney Woolen Mills. They had all kinds of the Irish knitted sweaters. I was very tempted to get one, but they are bulky and expensive. I was afraid It wouldnt make it home in my suitcase. I did get a few things though for some family and friends back home.

When we got back, we had a group meeting to carch up on some things. But now, we're on our own. I'll probably go with the girls to go get dinner somewhere soon. Then it's time to work on my articles and my web project. Tomorrow we leave for Killarney, but we are driving through the Ring of Kerry to get there. I'm so excited!