Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

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Favorite thing: Forty years before our visit (short in the total timespan of the life of the castle), Arthur Butler, 6th Marquess and 24th Earl of Ormonde, sold his abandoned and deteriorating castle to the Castle Restoration Committee for £50. At that time, he said, "The people of Kilkenny, as well as myself and my family, feel a great pride in the Castle, and [we feel that]... it should not be allowed to fall into ruins. There are already too many ruins in Ireland."

He purchased the land in front of the castle "in order that it should never be built on and the castle would be seen in all its dignity and splendour".

Fondest memory: My grandson was very impressed by the castles in Ireland - so much so that he was disappointed when he saw Buckingham Palace.

Favorite thing: When staying in Kilkenny, be sure to walk to the bridge over the small tiver in the center of the town to see the castle illuminated at night. It is beautiful. Kilkenny Castle dates back about 800 years and was inhabited by the Butler family from 1391 until 1935. The castle can be visited in the dayime. Especially nice to see during the 40 minute tour is the "Long Gallery" with its beautiful ceiling with portraits of the Butler Family. The castle also houses the so-called "Butler Gallery, 1 of the most important art galleries in Ireland outside of Dublin.