On to the Bunratty Castle and location of Ballykiss what?

Before leaving Connemara we attempted several photos of the grandparents and grandchildren. Hmm… The first and last attempt:

Leaving Connemara

The remaining got a bit silly!

You can’t be in Ireland without seeing a castle. There are loads; and of course you can find them in various conditions-some are no more than ruins where the viewer must use old photographs or drawings and the knowledge of someone else to describe and a paint a picture of what the castle once was, while others have been maintained over the years or restored to their splendor and architectural grandeur. With only small amounts of  planning or efforts you can tour one or even attend a Medieval Banquet.  We heard positive things from both Irish friends and the King clan about the t experience and thought we’d save it for the McDonald Hurd Family visit.

Bunratty Castle

We had a fantastic time being entertained as one of many  “Earl of Thomond’s guests” starting with a sampling of honey Mead; a history lesson about the castle, listening to period music  and delightful singing as well as feasting  on a four course meal with our hands of course! (Hats off, by the way to Seamus, the Juilliard trained violinist and our server for the night!)

Harp music, and our man, Seamus who grace us with his musical talent!

Emmie and one of the Bunratty singers after the banquet.

In the courtyard.

Emmie & the boys found a hill. In fairness each of them (minus Grace) took a turn.

We wish we had more photographs! Perhaps family has a few to share.

Fortunately we had time to check-in to our B & B before the start of the banquet. Not only was it to nice to be able to freshen up after the drive from Connemara, but it’s always fun to explore and poke around a new place.  Erica and Brian also recommended the historic New Park House B & B.  We certainly got a kick out of seeing their names in the registration book.

The New Park House

On the back deck- Pat, Scott, Marti, and Griff!

Chicks entertained the kids as well as the dogs.

New chicks!

The next morning in semi shifts we enjoyed breakfast and left for the location of Ballykissangel. Griff and Pat are big fans of the late 90’s BBC show set in Avoca, County Wicklow.

Pat, Emmie and Spencer at breakfast at the New Park House.

In front of Fitzgerald’s Pub

Pat & Griff on location o f Ballykissangel

Family Weekend in Connemarra

Only a few days in Dublin with the visiting McDonalds’ when it’s time to take to the open road, or the wee roads, to Connemara!

With ten of us in tow, we need to rent two cars. Fortunately, I practiced the weekend prior driving to Arklow. Yes, I had not driven in Ireland up until then, only in Spain when we were on holiday. Griff was a fantastic and a very calm co-pilot.

First though, we stop in Galway for lunch and a wander! No pictures for the moment!

A lovely drive up toward a Loch near Connemara to find yet another terrific Airbnb accommodation !

One end of the loch.  Look what was waiting….

Emmie named the swan Rebecca! Its wing is injured, so we imagined she was a permanent resident.

We loved the house and wished we could have spent more time there!

Creative juices were flowing as the kids wrote acrostic poetry about each other over dinner. Quite entertaining!

The restaurant owner’s dog worked hard to get our attention and play with him. So cute!

A Grandma sandwich after dinner.

~ Next Day – Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle- Incredible gardens! Griff, Pat, Emmie and Christine are first to arrive and explore.

Emmie checks out a turret, one of which line the perimeter of the garden. A fun play area; too bad we don’t have one in our backyard at home.

A perfect tree for play & posing!

Griff and Pat with the vibrant rhododendron plants which was quite plentiful around the grounds!

Emmie finds a friend!

On site was the School of falconry. What a sight to spy a falcon fly from on tree to another. They had a bell attached to one of their talons, so we could also hear them coming.

We read about the private Hawk Walks they offered.

Falcon spotting

Naturally we had to show Spenser, Tristyn and Grace the amazing climbing tree!

All four cousins on the tree – indulging their parents and grandparents for a photo.

Ashford Castle Garden.

Kyle Moore Abby was  one of the inspirations for our trip to Connemara. We had a nice lunch and then took in the views of the Abby and former school.

Christine & Marti

Griff & Scott

Pat & Marti- Mother & daughter

We also had the chance to spend time in Connemara National Park. We learned about the various types of bogs and the Parks and areas’ commitment to preserving them.

Foggy boggy Connemara

Various Irish words for bogs

A good stroll

Cousines-Emmie & Spencer – Foggy hill hike!

More driving and found a beach to explore.

We pulled over to look around this beach.

Beautiful rocks

One more together

Mussels

Found a fantastic place for dinner!

Belfast & Giant’s Causeway- Meghan, Tanner & the McCormacks

A weekend in Belfast & Giant’s Causeway 

First Stop the W5–   Time for some science play and discovery!  A little later the McCormack Clan arrived for a weekend of adventure.

A tug of war challenge

Blocks at the W5 Discovery Center (Belfast)

William Simpson exhibit at the W5

The Titanic Experience

A fantastic exhibition describing the Titanic story from multiple perspectives. Learned quite a bit!

The view of the Titanic Experience from the W5

Hours later….

Located hotel & found food- the young ones enjoyed a fun pizza place while Sharon, Vincent, Scott and Christine managed an adult dinner!

~Next Day

On to the Giant’s Causeway….

A GPS wrong direction led us down a road and a chance meeting with an old college friend which proved the world can seem quite small.

“Scott, pull over that’s Lydia Wise?! Who would have thought on a  wee road in Ireland!

Breathtaking!

Gorse more than dots the landscape

Columns of basalt

Delicate flowers share their color

Found Finn McCool’s Boot

Scott, Emmie & Tanner

The shapes of the rocks made it seem like we were on another planet!

Love!

Happy explorers!

The honeycomb pattern of the basalt columns catches your attention!

Thrilled Meghan and Tanner decided to visit!

One last shot…

For time’s sake the group chose to split up: Scott, Vincent, Tanner, & Mikey dropped us at Dunluce Castlte and returned to meet us after a tour and tasting for some, at the Old Bushmills Distillery.

Dunluce Castle

We learned that The McQuillan Clan were the Lords of the area from the late 13th century until they were displaced by the MacDonalds!   Interesting history…

Results of climbing!

Meghan looking for a shot!

Meghan, Lisa, & Grace- Amazing young women!

Emmie and Katie exploring the ruins of Dunluce Castle

Closer view!

Views from the castle

Quite picturesque

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Unfortunately for some, despite arriving with enough time to see the Carrick- a- Rede Rope bridge; it was not enough time to be able to cross it!  Darn- Ah, well! A lovely walk though.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Fisherman used the bridge to access the island of Carrickarede for great fishing!

Emmie might have been the most disappointed that the bridge was closed! Still smiling though.

A fantastic weekend!