Looking for an Irish Stud

Today we traveled to the midlands of Kildare  about 1 1/2 hours outside of Dublin.   Our destination:  Irish National Stud and the Japanese Gardens...what an odd combination.  The Irish National Stud contains the finest Irish bloodstock thoroughbreds.  The weather cooperated enough for see the entire outside exhibit.  We saw two week old foals,  a stallion valued at $450,000 Euros, the pristine chambers in which the horses rest at night, and the facilities used to artificially inseminate the mares.  We watched a movie showing the live birth of a baby horse.  We were amazed how similar the process appeared to as that of humans.

Then we moved on to the Japanese Gardens which were made to symbolize the journey through life.   As we entered there were two paths to choose from.  The one that was accessible was ironically called the "Easy Path" vs the rugged one which was entitled "The Path of Life".   My mother enjoyed standing by the "Chair of Old Age" and wondered were she could sit down.  Just as the rain started up, we went inside the cafe to enjoy a midday snack. 

On the ride back, we were entertained by the sitcom Father Ed.   It was definitely similar to British humor and Kelly especially enjoyed the hairy nudity.  Back in Dublin, we walked Grafton street to do a little shopping and people watching.  Mom enjoyed window shopping on the side streets.  Street vendors were selling beautiful fresh flowers. 

We are off in a few minutes for a dinner show, Irish Nights.   We are hoping to see some traditional Irish dancing and hear the sounds of Irish folk music.  We will report back tomorrow.