The problem with coming to Ireland so many times is to know where to go once we're here. It's a great place to be, lovely laid back people and remarkable history. There are still some castles however we haven't been too and on Thursday John suggested Cahir so off we went. It was built in 1142 by Conor O'Brien, good onya Conor you did good it's still standing. It is apparently one of the best preserved castles of it's age in Ireland, and there are a lot. The amazing thing is there is a total lack of health and safety, apart from a few signs there are little or no rails on some of the narrow, very refreshing less of a nanny state, watch out yourself where you walk........
1599 and the castle is besieged by Robert Earl of Essex, Queen Elizabeth's alleged paramour, the owner had sided with catholics and Liz wanted the place back so Rob went for it. There is a room containing a model of the castle and the siege, all very interesting this history stuff.
There is a large weir and as we went for lunch we looked over the wall to see it and there was a heron standing on a little island looking for his midday meal. History and wildlife all in one day. Love Ireland!
Dinner was at Clashnevin with Stan and Lily, also caught up with three of the four junior Mounseys, Peter, Bob and Avie plus granddaughter Aila ............ . Good to see them all.
Friday was a chill day, trip to Tesco and a couple of other jobs. In the evening we went over to Tommy and Anne's for a coffee/drink/nibbles and a good chat, again nice to catchup with them.
Saturday Penny and I went to Adare and Bunratty, we have not been to either for a few trips so it was OK. Adare though was full of American tourists, seems to be one of places they congregate although it was funny to hear one lady who came into the cafe and asked if they had Irish Stew and when they said they didn't, well gee wiz the impression she gave was that doesn't every cafe in Ireland serve Irish stew!
On to Bunratty and a quick look around the shop there, couple of purchases then back to Cloughjordan.
We all made dinner, roast pork with veggies followed by apple crumble using apples I picked myself this afternoon .
