Day 9 Adare, Shannon and Limerick

Got up early had another yummy breakfast. Cinnamon French Toast with Berry Tea. The best tea with cream and sugar. So good. We than drove to the village of Adare. One of our favorites! It looked beautiful outside.

We stopped at the Adare Manor (Click here for images) where famous golfers come to enjoy! We got lucky with a beautiful sunny sky to take some amazing photos. Than it started to rain.

We saw the Desmond Castle.

This castle was erected with an ancient ring-fort, around the early part of the 13th century. It became a strategic fortress during the following turbulent years. It was the property of the Earls of Kildare for nearly 300 years until the rebellion in 1536, when it was forfeited and granted to the Earls of Desmond who gave the castle its present name. Click here for information on touring this wonderful castle.

Situated in the south west of Ireland, Adare is regarded as being Ireland's prettiest and most picturesque village, and is a haven for those wihing to escape and unwind taking in its medieval surroundings. Situated on the river Maigue, a tributary of the river Shannon, Adare is steeped in history dating back to 1200ad. Adare has been the subject of many rebellions, wars and conquests, leaving behind a legacy of historical monuments. In the early 19th century, the Earl of Desmond, laid the plan for the existing streets and townhouses of Adare. These lands and dwellings were rented to tenants, under various agreements, some of which still exist today.

Today, Adare village is an architectural wealth of scenic beauty. The mix of centuries is blended into everyday life as some of the thatched cottages are home to arts and crafts shops. The main street of Adare is punctuated with beautiful stone buildings, medieval monastries and ruins and the picturesque village park.

Adare's streets are lined with original thatched cottages survived for hundreds of years. Some of the cottages are kept by local restaurants and Arts & Crafts shops, but many are still privately owned. Take a stroll though Adare's streets and become transported to a time in Ireland's history.

Located in the heart of County Limerick just 15 minutes south of Limerick City on the N21, and 40 minutes from Shannon airport, Adare is the gateway to the southwest of Ireland, bordering the counties of Kerry, Cork, Clare and Tipperary. Visit some of the links above to find out more information on Adare and its beautiful surroundings.

County Clare:

We than drove into Shannon and found our last B&B down low road to the Bunratty Grove B&B. Super Cute. PINK!!! Beautiful inside, hard wood floors. Another fantastic Irish Host. He also kept saying my name. Got settled and than went to lunch. I ordered more pizza. Drew got the Irish Stew and we shared a sticky toffee pudding. After lunch the guys went to the airport to discuss our car rental problem and the girls went shopping and drove into Limerick to find Hurley sticks and balls.

We each picked up matching bracelets and than made our way into Limerick. Another large city. Michelle drove and did well once again. Kimber and I went into Limerick sports and found original Hurley sticks and balls. I picked up one for Ashton. Hurling is The National Sport of Ireland.

The fastest growing field sport in the world. Check it our here on You Tube. Kind of Crazy. Hurling combines the skills of baseball, hockey, and lacrosse in one high speed, high scoring, high octane sport that will blow you away. It's taking off in North America. Try it!

We all packed and got ready for the evening's entertainment. A midevil dinner at the Bunratty Castle.

Go here to read about the Castle.

We enjoyed a wonderful Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet! A great end to our time in Ireland.

Historical Note

The Castle, last of a series on the same site, was built around 1425. During the 16th and 17th centuries it was an important stronghold of the O’Briens - Kings and later Earls of Thomond (North Munster). The Castle was restored in the early 1960's and is considered the best example of its type.

Bunratty Co. Clare Ireland

• Join the Earl of Thomond in the splendor of the main guard of Bunratty Castle for a dinner experience not to be missed!
• Entertainment is provided by the world renowned Bunratty Castle Entertainers accompanied by harp and violin
• The evening begins with a mead reception in the Great Hall of the castle, then downstairs to enjoy a four course meal with red & white wine
• Then relax and enjoy the entertainment.

The menu and evening's schedule at the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet Each night the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, welcome guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl's Banquet at Bunratty Castle. The entertainment provided by the world renowned entertainers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception, a four course feast, and of course good wine.

Following the Earl of Thomond's tradition of hospitality, the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet is held twice nightly at either 5.30pm (finish 7.45pm approx) or 8.45pm (finish 11pm approx). Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is open daily for visitors to explore and reservations are necessary for dinner entertainments only.

• After a short atmospheric walk through Bunratty Folk Park Guests reach the Castle at the castle gate where a kilted piper plays a tune of welcome.

• Cross the drawbridge and enter the castle to the 'Bite of Friendship' offered to protect you within the walls of the castle.

• In the Upper Great Hall, resplendent with tapestries and furniture of the 16th Century, you will receive a goblet or two of Mead.

• The Butler relays the history of Bunratty and you can enjoy a medieval madrigal by the Castle Singers. It is here that the Earl & Lady are crowned for the evening before descending to the banquet hall where bench seating, candle-light and long oak tables reflect the banqueting style of the medieval era.

• The 4 course meal is a pleasant balance of contrasting Irish meat dishes served during the period and is accompanied with music and song.

• After dinner, we invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the entertainment programme - a selection of Irish medieval and traditional songs and instrumental music by 11 Entertainers.

****Walking through the little village up to the castle reminded us of the movie WILLOW. Small thatched cottages, small shetland ponies, everything was minature. We arrived in the castle and met in the Great Hall for music and drinking. They served juice we didn't know that. We each were given a goblet of alcohol. We made a toast and set the goblets down. After that we went to the dining hall and were served a four course meal in the traditional way. The Earl would first present to the king for his approval than they would serve the meal, the scraps would go to the prisoners. We could not use silverware, just our knives and fingers.

BANQUET MENU

Aperitif – Bunratty Mead ~ Spiced Parsnip Soup ~ Spare Ribs with Honey & Whiskey Sauce ~ Breast of Chicken with Apple & Mead sauce, served with potatoes and seasonal vegetables. ~ Rastin (Fruit of the Forest Mousse on a Biscuit Base) ~ Coffee / Tea

It was all very good. The ribs kind of grossed us out. Dave almost threw up. There was a Rubish bowl for the remains.

After dinner we enjoyed the entertainment

Includes a 35-minute entertainment programme taking the form of a selection of Irish medieval and traditional songs and instrumental music by 11 Entertainers. There is a humorous interlude at which a member of the audience is thrown into the dungeon.

They sang O'Danny Boy! Mom loved singing along. It was so much fun!!

Afterwards we filled up the cars with gas, got some more Candy bars and ice cream.

Went to bed late! Drew stayed up to listen to the priesthood session of conference with his dad! he has never missed. his dad went into the High Counsel Room and plugged in a microphone and held the phone up to it.