Day 6 - Leisurely Drive to Shannon for a Medieval Banquet

BUNRATTY CASTLE

We woke to rain, wind and fog on the bay,  Some pretty wild swells and waves out there this morning.   We had our breakfast (it was a cold one this morning.)  Then we started on our trip up to Shannon.  

Of course we found some more very narrow, high roads until the road pulled away from the coast and the rain and fog.


The trip up today was just about a 150 km, or about 95 miles - which is the longest of the day drives we planed unless we end driving straight from Galway to Dublin and don't head back to Kilkenny, that trip will be longer. 

Todays trip was not bad at all, We finished up the Ring of Kerry (seeing may more Scenic Irish Coast locations) then headed inland for the jump over to Limerick and finally into Shannon where we are staying tonight.

We stopped in a town called Adare for lunch today and walked around to stretch our legs some.  Found a nice little pub called the Arches.  Anita had Fish & Chips and I had Bangers and Mash.  Then we headed on the up road to Shannon and Bunratty Castle.

Bangers and Mash

We got into the hotel and had a little nap for an hour or so and then headed over to Bunratty Castle for a "Medieval Banquet" in the great hall of the castle. 

We had a great time.  There was mead and wine to drink.  (Mead may become may new favorite drink.) Then a 4 course meal that was not only delicious, but filling.  They stuffed you.  

Started out with an Irish vegetable soup.  Then bar-b-cued spare ribs.  Then half a roasted capon.  And final had cheesecake for desert.  The whole way through the meal they had a chorus, fiddle player and a harp player.  They played and sang beautifully.  We got done there about 8.  

I have a few short video clips of them singing.  They are not whole songs, bits and pieces to give you an idea.  The harpist was phenomenal. 


Next to the Bunratty Castle is a Pub called Durty Nellys.  Supposedly it opened in 1620 and used to serve the local guards from Bunratty Castle.  We stopped there after the banquet for pint while we looked the place over.  Another neat pub. (There are lots of them and they are all over.)


Last thing we did tonight before heading back was drive over the a park in Limerick along the Shannon River.  Bathing in the Shannon is supposed to bring you health and luck.  If that is true then mine and Anita's legs from the ankles down will have luck and health because that's all the further we got in.  But we were in.

So we have an early (sober) evening to rest and relax.

Tomorrow we go to a small town called Lisdoovarna which is near the town of Doolin on the coast.  We will be staying there for 3 days.  Have quite a few things to do from there including a ferry ride out to Inishmore (one of the Aran Islands) and a horse and buggy ride around the island, a 2 day Irish folk music festival in Doolin and another boat ride to see the Cliffs of Moher from the water.  So the weekend is going to be fun!

Link for day 6 pictures is here: Day 6 - Up to Shannon / Bunratty

Thanks for following along.

Keep those comments coming.

Anita and Jim

Comments

  1. Capt.CaseyJune 9, 2022 at 6:03 PM

    Somehow those hats don't look like they fit in there. Must be for gay celebrations. I would have really enjoyed the music. If you see the Celtic singers, bring me a CD-Look forward to YOUR trip to the festival. HAPPY WEEKEND ahead for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Capt.CaseyJune 9, 2022 at 6:09 PM

    It took a minute to recognize "DANNY BOY" -beautiful version

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 9, 2022 at 6:41 PM

    Love reading the blog and following along your trip! Love you both.

    ReplyDelete
  4. woodyoutdoorsJune 9, 2022 at 8:04 PM

    The Shannon River looks a bit chilly! Great looking feast, and some beautiful music! Looking forward to reading about your upcoming weekend! Brother Richard

    ReplyDelete

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