Another trip to Kilkenny. This time I had more time to spend in the Design Centre opp the castle and thankfully I wandered in the back, beyond the commercial shop and the exhibition spaces (more on this in another post if I get around to it) and nosed around until I found the workshops of some jewellers or silversmiths. I spoke to a man in the silversmiths (had just got exclusive text from politics.ie about the resignation of Bertie Aherne which served as a conversation opener). It turned out he was Desmond Byrne. We spoke about when KK design started out, 1974 I think it was - Des has been there since 78. I ordered a charm bracelet from him as a christening present for my god-daughter. I hope to add to it with charms from various other silversmiths I will come across over the years.
Also had a little wander around the garden of the house.
Then on to Jerpoint glass where we watched the men make square vases. The work is most rhythmic. My friend bought a wedding present.
Drove past the ruine of Jerpoint Abbey on the way to Thomastown for lunch and intended to go back but instead drove to Graiguenamanagh, saw the Abbey there though didn't think the town had much to offer. Great old pub in it with groceries for sale in the front part, didn't go in though; smelt like an old pub!
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