This morning we decided to try to find a church we could attend, and found Limerick Baptist Church listed in the phone book. With help for directions from the friendly people at the hostel, we set out with a rather loose objective - if we can find the church, we'll go, if not we'll drive around and visit whatever we find. We found it without much trouble - even arrived a half-hour early. It was a small church, the usual friendly people we expected, and good music - including a kid on drums not much older than Benjamin! The songs were all familiar Green Ridge music, and we felt right at home. We stayed afterwards for "tea and biscuits" and got suggestions from the locals on what we could do for the afternoon.
We decided to drive to Killaloe, which is farther inland up the Shannon River. It is a quaint little town, with a beautiful 800 year old stone bridge across the Shannon (only half of it is visible in the photo). We had lunch there, and walked around and across the bridge to the 400 year old church you see behind the bridge in the photo above. The church yard had many beautiful celtic high crosses, with ivy growing around them. Angela took lots of photos, but says she still has about 600 left on her camera. (that means she's taken about 400 to date!) We got a bit of a shower while there, but mostly it was sunny again.
This evening we participated in a medival banquet at Bunratty Castle, a restored 12th-century castle, where we were the guests of the the Earl Himself. Following a reception with mead (honey wine), we feasted, without forks or spoons, on a pureed vegetable soup, spare ribs, roast chicken, potatoes, veggies, and lots of wine. In case we weren't stuffed yet, there was dessert followed by coffee or tea and live entertainment. It was quite an experience to say the least!
We didn't spend much time or money shopping today (it was Sunday after all!) but we blew the wad on the banquet instead. Both of us really enjoyed it.
We're moving on tomorrow, probably staying in Kilarney and visiting Dingle penninsula and Kerry.
1 comment:
Hi! We're enjoying following your progress. I was able to relate some of your adventures at church yesterday. Thanks for keeping us informed. Angela, will you be buying a medieval dress in Ireland? Rick, having any trouble getting Earl Grey tea? Any mosquitoes? I'm delighted you got to Bunratty Castle. XXOo
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