it's a relaxing little town of about 10,000 people and a gorgeous castle. right now i'm in the back of a newsstand shop paying 5 cents a minute for "high speed" internet but it's moving pretty slow. i can't complain about the price, though. but i got rather used to my sleek internet cafe digs in dublin.
the bus ride out here was gorgeous. i don't think i've ever seen so many different shades of green. green green green and rolling hills and valleys and tiny streams going through all of it. just lovely. my hostel is hippie funky but i do have my own room, complete with a springy bed. i slept for about 10 hours last night as i was dog tired and am currently fighting a cold. so far i'm winning, knock on wood. i met some girls from virginia and we used the hostel's kitchen to make a simple spaghetti dinner. comfort food and extra cheap to boot. they were nice but had to leave early this morning to catch a ferry from dublin to wales and a train up to edinburgh. long day for them.
it's not rainy but it is a bit chilly-- first time i've been cold since i arrived in ireland. tomorrow i leave for cashel-- i have to take three buses to get there and it takes about 3 hours total-- funny cuz it's only about 60 miles away. the roads here are a real laugh-- super windy and in bad condition but it makes for interesting, scenic bus rides.
i'm due to stay in a dorm in the next hostel in cashel. i'm so done with hostels. the only upside is that i meet people, but i haven't really met many people as it is. yesterday i switched from a hostel to a b&b in kenmare-- more money but worth it to me just to have some privacy and comfort. it is vacation, after all.