Our last full day in Ireland...
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| We spent our last three nights here, in Athlone with the great innkeepers, Brian and Mary at Cornamaugh House. It is like being in a wonderful Irish family. The O'Haerrs have been very happy here. |
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| The Royal Canal is a canal originally built for freight and passenger transportation from Dublin to the River Shannon at Cloondara where we stopped to see this beautiful stone carved harbor. Work commenced in 1790 and lasted 27 years before finally reaching the Shannon in 1817. The total length of the main navigation is 90 mi, and the system has 46 locks. What a scenic and functional waterway that we followed for miles. |
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| Roscommon Castle was built in 1269 by orders of Henry VIII. In 1641 the Parliamentarian faction gained it until Confederate Catholics under Preston captured it in 1645. It remained in Irish hands until 1652 when it was partially blown up by Cromwellian "Ironsides" who had all the fortifications dismantled. It was finally burned down in 1690 and thus it gradually fell into decay. Located in a scenic park, right in the middle of town, it was a wonderful way to explore history first hand. Wild. |
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| We ended the day with some amazing "locals" in Sean's Pub having a pint and hearing some great stories. It was the perfect way to end our Irish adventure. We have loved this country. The people are welcoming and warm. The history is incredibly intense and interesting. The food was total comfort and delicious. We are so happy we made the decision to experience the Emerald Isle. |
2 comments:
That castle is beautiful, even though it is eroding. Great lighting.
And that pub is awesome! It looks like you are in someones home, cluttered but full of stories. How cool that the locals didn't mind having their picture taken!
Thanks for sharing.
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The locals appear to be very friendly and so willing to share wonderful stories. I know a few people from Ireland and they are wonderful and fun people. The castle looks interesting.
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