Day 4: September 16, 2007 Sunday

Arrival at Bunratty Castle

Finally, at about 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning we arrived at Shannon Airport. Wonderful, now we are ready to begin our journey. At the incoming baggage area we waited for our luggage to arrive. We waited, waited, and waited some more. No bags.

We found out that because of a lack of space Atlanta shipped our bags by way of JFK airport out of New York. There we were still— in our grubby clothes. All the passengers from our plane were in the same situation.

Brenda rented a car and we proceeded to the Dunn Department Store to purchase a few things. We got the necessary items and proceeded to a hotel. Brenda and I freshened up, rested, ate, and then started our tour.

That afternoon we set off for Bunrutty Castle and Folk Park. The scenery enroute and throughout Ireland is awesome. There really are five shades of green. Driving is an experience. Roads are narrow, rocky and there are turnabouts every few minutes. A turnabout takes the place of traffic lights at intersections. You enter a circle, watch for incoming traffic and look for your exit; it could be 1, 2, or 3. It’s like being in a spin. No sooner do you leave one, you’re already approaching another.

At the castle and park we viewed many buildings, a gate house, thatched cottages, & shoppes. The castle itself is huge, all stone, and standing on land consisting of about 14 acres. The steps leading up to it are circular and narrow; one slip and down you would go. The castle has:

1. Basement— storeroom or stable
2. Main guard— vaulted hall, minstrel’s gallery (an inside balcony used by musicians), main room, and common guard now used for banquets.
3. Captain’s quarters— for the captain of the guard.
4. Great hall— originally banquet hall & audience chamber of the Earl. Judgments were rendered here. The walls are exceedingly high and hung with ancient tapestries. Cupboards were hand-carved in 1570 and are beautiful. Standard or flag with 16th century coat-of-arms.
5. Earl’s kitchen— food prepared here, there are large turtle shells hung on the walls and used as bowls or lids.
6. Earl’s bedroom
7. North Solar— private apartment for the Earl’s family.
8. Private chapel
9. Earl’s pantry
10. Public chapel
11. Priest’s room
12. Robing room
13. Upper bedroom
14. South Solar— guest apartments

We took in every nook and cranny. It was an incredible climb, but worth every single minute. There are numerous castles throughout the country. Some are restored, but many are in ruins.

What a history this country has! I wish I had my camcorder, but Brenda had a digital camera and she took many pictures, and a few hundred at my plea and request. What patience she had.
Today was special, because I felt like we finally arrived and our journey was beginning.

Brenda and I went back to the hotel and had dinner at a nearby restaurant. It was delicious. I had steak and a bushel of various vegetables. The bread was incredible.

The end of a wonderful day.