We woke up and left Galway heading toward Limerick. About a half an hour outside of Limerick is Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. This is basically an Irish Colonial Williamsburg - historic buildings, animals, and people in period dress. Does it get any better than that? I especially loved the thatched roof houses.
I had to take a picture of this dog statuette mantle. Something I would definitely want at my own house.
There were chickens and roosters just walking around cage-free.
And a pen with...what else? Irish Wolfhounds, of course.
Zach just had to pet one.
Another thatched roof cottage with Zach striking a casual pose.
When I posted this picture from inside the above cottage it reminded me of something and I realized it was Van Gogh's Bedroom at Arles. It's to do with the red blanket and the chair.
Bunratty Castle is amazingly well preserved inside and out.
We walked in and for some reason walked right to the dungeon. My first taste of claustrophobia in Ireland. There was no way I was going down there. Zach was kind enough to take a picture for me and as you can see below, I didn't miss much.
Medieval armor and stained glass windows.
This is called a "muder hole." Apparently used in medieval times to pour hot oil on invaders. Sounds like fun.
The Great Hall. They do medieval banquets here a la Medieval Times!
From there we went up a tiny windy staircase to the top of the castle where we could look out onto the countryside. Even on a gray day it was green and beautiful.
Then it was back down the tiny, windy staircase and more claustrophobia.
Zach wouldn't sit on the thrones with me so I decided I would be king. Actually, I probably would've wanted to sit in the big throne either way.
This was the only castle we went to in Ireland which had medieval decor. It gave me a touch of what it would've been like to live in a castle and what I decided is that it would've been awful.
I did love this mermaid/elk chandelier though.
The view from another tower.
After the castle it was back out into the folk park.
Another gate picture.
Zach in front of yet another thatched roof cottage and me sitting next to one.
Zach awkwardly standing in the foreground while I took a picture of this woman in period dress making apple pie.
And one more gate.
There were so many animals in the folk park. Starting with the pigs in the "Piggery" and ending the the miniature horses. I loved them all and they were all my favorites.
I was very excited for this mill because we all know how I love a water feature!
All the scenery was very beautiful, but I loved this tree covered path the most. It reminded me of Anne of Green Gables.
There was a large church on the property. You may like my artistic photo of Zach through the doors.
A lovely example of a walled garden, complete with a butterfly.
I loved this stable door with a lucky horseshoe.
The next stop was Hazelbrook House, the family home of famous Irish ice cream makers.
The only types of weather in Ireland
And of course I had to get ice cream.
After a short break it was back on the path where we met this adorable deer family and some billy goats.
The old timey town had a working post office. We bought a couple of postcards and sent them off to our parents. Also there were many examples of cute Irish windows.
TRAVELERS!
We stopped for some food and some shopping.
...then a quick stop at the "Doctor's Office" and the "School House" and it was time to go.
We hopped into the Nissan Micra and drove the rest of the way to Limerick, which I learned from some internet research the night before is also known as "Stab City." Awesome.
But then we went to King John's Castle and this happened, so it was well worth a trip to Stab City.
Zach finally found an arcade game in Ireland.
After we made our way through the exhibit we saw this sign and loved it and Sally Forth To The Castle was exactly where we were going.
King John's Castle was the opposite of Bunratty. We referred to it as "untouched." It was built in 1210 and it is one of the best preserved castles from the Viking era.
Zach along the castle wall.
The castle is on the River Shannon and there is a picturesque view three old churches and cathedrals.
St. Mary's Cathedral and St. John's Cathedral.
St. Munchin's Church.
We were only staying one night in Limerick, but we loved the hotel. It actually welcomed me by name on the TV in the room.
Then it was time for dinner at The Locke Bar & Oyster House. My meal was so pretty I had to take a picture of it. Zach made fun of me and called me one of "those" people.
More live music. We were so spoiled to hear so many great musicians.
An ambitious day, but I wouldn't change anything about it. And bonus, neither one of us got stabbed. That night I could barely sleep because the next day it was time for the most exciting leg of the trip - County Kerry!
"May you get all your wishes, but one so you always have something to strive for." - Irish Saying
