Ballynahinch

Heading North, Dr. C. and I were going to stay at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel.  My great-grandfather Patrick Geary was in charge of the fisheries here in the late 1800's through the beginning of the 1900's.  The Castle was owned by the Berridge Family at that time, and legend has it that they treated their staff well.
We were fortunate enough to take a tour of the property with Noel, one of the groundskeepers.  It was about a 3 mile walk, and around every corner was a new and more beautiful view.

The Owenmore River is a favorite spot for fly fishermen, and when you come to Ballynahinch you can indulge your passion.  Unfortunately, I didn't inherit great granddad's gift of fishing.

This is a Connemara pony; bred to be a working animal, they are now used for riding and equestrian pursuits.  You can take a pony trek on the Twelve Bens mountains.

This beautiful bird would stand in the middle of the river waiting for its dinner to swim by.  This was the view from our room.

And, then there was a rainbow.  We were hoping to find some leprechauns, but no luck.  Ballynahinch was magical.  The food in the Owenmore restaurant was exceptional, actually the best we've had in Ireland, and the food in the pub was excellent as well.  The staff from the front desk to the wait staff in the restaurants were so accommodating, and well trained.

We left after 3 days, which weren't nearly enough but there is more of Ireland to see, and we needed to get south to see the Dingle Peninsula.

Heading North

 On our way North from Ballymaloe, we decided to stop half way at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.  I know that some guide books will steer you away from here, but a friend told us it was worth a visit, and we are glad that we did.  Set up like Williamsburg, Jamestown or Sturbridge Village (on a much smaller scale) the castle is still intact, and furnished with period pieces.  Surrounding the castle are various homes, that were typical of houses on or near the estate.

A small chapel off the main dining hall

Each house was a bit different, with some just being one room, and others with a second floor bedroom

Dr. C. at the Blacksmith's forge

A typical main street is also set up with shops and a pub

I've been looking for leprechauns this entire trip, and I finally found a fairy village

there is a beautiful walled garden here, too

The chapel is no longer in use

The water mill

 After tea and scones at the tea room, it was on the road again, heading North to Ballynahinch Castle where we will stay for 3 nights so we can catch our breath and enjoy the wild west here in Ireland.  This is where my grandmother's Geary side of the family came from, and my great grandfather was in charge of the fisheries here at Ballynahinch.  It is famed for its fly fishing.  This is the view of the Owenmore River from our room.

Best sign of the day