Galway

Galway was a quick getaway with just Adam and Brent and Amanda and me.

 Stopped on the way for the train going by.  Galway has a population of 75,000. You arrive in the seaport of Galway and work your way to the center of the city.

 Christmas decorations made out of bread at the bakery.

 The town is all festive for Christmas.

 The nativity scene is inside and going around.

 A good fish and chips pub.

 Lunch was in this pub.  Mussels are their specialities.

 The kids couldn't resist this store. They are known as Hansel and Gretal.....

 Want to buy Yankee candles anyone?

Amanda is in charge of  setting up the whiskey tasting test between Jameson and Bushmill.

For those that are wondering......Bushmills won.

Cheerio :-)

Rock of Cashel

Off  on our daily trip.  We can't go too far but we can do some day trips.

So today we head to the Rock of Cashel. I have also added my trip with Ellen Shaughnessy.

My friend Ellen Shaughnessy.

Above: Adam and Brent are standing in front of the original St Patrick's Cross that was here from the 12th century. One side has the crucified Christ in a full length robe and on the other side is a figure of a bishop or abbot. The cross is missing the arm of the cross on the left. The middle of the base of this stone is hollow so that the stone could be transported without its massive weight.

The pressence of this building goes back as a fortress to the 4th or 5th century. In 1101 the Rock of Cashel was given to the Church.

The building are set up like a cross.

 Here you see part of the inside of the church.  These windows which are filled in on the top now would have been covered from top to bottom  with the stretched animal skins to cut down some of the cold. The transluscent skins would still let some light in.

The round tower which is the oldest surviving building on the Rock and dates back to 1101. This tower is 28m high.

  This is the Hall of the Vicar's Choral dating back to the 15th century. This was the living area for the 8 members and their director.  

 The shield of the Choral choir.

 The eating area for the choir on the left and the main room above.  The tapestry is beautiful and as the guide states there are four mistakes woven in to show that we as mortals make mistakes.

 Sleeping quarters above the balcony.

 My friend Ellen Shaughbessy came to visit and we took a trip to the Rock.

 Inside Cormac's Chapel one of the earliest and finest churches in Ireland.built in Romanesque style.  Here you see the mold that has come through the sand stone. They are drying out this church for four years and then will try to put a protective covering over it to preserve it for the future.There are patches of artwork that was found under the whitewash. These are  some of the earliest examples of Irish medieval art to have survived.

 An Abby near by.
There is so much more history to this fascinating place. Go and Google "Rock of Cashel "and you will see...

A quick stop in town to warm ourselves and play a game of Uno before heading back home.
Cheerio :-)

Next Day Adventure- King John's Castle- Limerick

The family is still trying to get their bodies on the same time as here so our mornings are slow moving.  We are trying to decide what to do today..

 The computer cafe is open!

It is off to Limerick and King John's castle with a little shopping.

King John's castle. This picture was taken in 2011 and I wish I had taken one this year.  There is such a big change and millions of Euros put into the displays and restoration of the buildings. This picture doesn't do it justice.

 Rogers and Eamon.  The castle has lots of " hands on" things for the kids to do.

 Our saviors!!

 The kids building an arch. Of course Grampa keeps piping in.. shhhh Grampa...let them do it!

 Cannon practice. Rogers' cannon worked much better.  (I was on Eamon's cannon and I can shot)-just saying....

 By now you know everyone..

 Our next group of knights getting ready to defend us maidens!!!!

 Let's try this.

 or this.     Not too big!

 Warming up while some us were still out shopping!

Back home for a little wrestling

or some games..
We had another great day.
 We are working on getting Eamon's tooth out. He wouldn't let Nahnie pull it!! Mybe tomorrow it will fall out.
Cheerio ;-)

Family has arrived for Thanksgiving-Kilkenny

They had a few hours of sleep and then we then they are off exploring.

 Our first adventure was off to Kilkenny.  Some of us went through the castle while others
stayed back at the Pub where we had lunch and watched the rest of the Rugby match:
 Ireland vs NewZealand.  It was an exciting game with Ireland's commanding lead to the last few seconds at which we lost. :-(

  Adam, Amanda, Brent and David in courtyard of Kilkenny Castle.

 Lunch at Kyseler's Inn established 1324. It has an interesting history.

 Watching the game

 Kevin with his Guiness moustache.

 Christmas celebration at the edge of the castle. My grandson,Eamon, in the front and Brent making funny faces!

We had a great day.  It's so much fun having our family here with us.
Cheerio :-)