Toy soldiers and castles...
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We began our day in the village of Macroom at their Tuesday morning market. While small, we found some amazing feta hummus we loved and vegetables that were intriguing.
The Norman Gate (1200s) and towers are filled with history. This castle was the retirement home of the father of William Penn (founder of Pennsylvania). The last owner was Olive White who became Lady Ardilaun on her marriage in 1869 to Baron Ardilaun, better known as Arthur Guinness of the brewing Guinnesses! |
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| The Prince August Toy Soldier factory was the next stop. One of the only places in the world to see Tin Soldiers being cast the same way that they have been since the 17th century, we were enthralled with the entire process. We learned a great deal and really enjoyed our tour. |
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| Our final destination was the town of Killarney, another delightful village with beautiful shops and cheery pubs. Known for its natural beauty, it has been a favorite tourist destination since the 17th century. Coffee and apple pie were the special of the day and a taste of home. |
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| This is one of many jaunting cars which carry visitors around the scenic highlights. |
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| The Killarney National Park covers 25,000 acress and encompasses three lakes (loughs). We spent our time on Lough Leane at Ross Castle, a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish chieftain in the Middle Ages. Built in the 15th century, its setting, right on the lake, was peaceful and the perfect place to end our day! |
Spending a week in the South West Region has us experiencing a land of extremes- rich rolling fields, brooding isolated mountains, wild seascapes and craggy shorelines. It is a subtle mix of many ingredients, of international influences, of landscape and weather, of history and optimism. The people are kind, proud and welcoming.
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6 comments:
I remember the ice cream in Ireland being the best I had ever tasted. This has nothing to do with your latest entry, it just came to mind.
oh how quaint! that food looks delicious! i'm loving the simplicity Ireland seems to have, i really miss that about Europe. i'm still not used to the commercialism that america has haha i left my heart in Europe! Killarney just looks so cute, want to visit sometime! xoxo xandra
Wonderful pictures and we are so lucky to have you sharing them all!
We are headed out of town to NC (nothing too exciting) for a wedding so I will catch up on Monday! Have a wonderful weekend!
I must be hungry, although the castles and everything else look amazing, all I keep thinking about is feta hummus and that gorgeous apple pie!
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That apple pie really brought back memories of the pies the Irish nuns at Panguma Hospital in Sierra Leone used to serve us when we would occasionally have lunch with them! Blander than our American version with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Don't know if my posts are showing up on your blog site. I'll copy this & send it in an email, too. Keep up the wonderful stories and pix!! You are tempting us to travel to Ireland.
Is that stone cottage with red doors/windows a good example of a 'grandma house'? Very cozy looking! B&B
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