Shades of Ireland

Thursday, April 23:

We had an 8:30 departure this morning. Since we were continuing our journey, bags had to be out by 7:30. The travelers did quite well getting to the coach on time. Our morning journey took us cross country to an area where Irish whiskey is made. The amazing thing about traveling in Ireland - no matter where you go around the bend you will find a small town with brightly colored buildings connected together. In the line up you will find multiple choices of pubs to choose from. Perhaps that is why the Irish we have met always seem happy!

Traveling to the ancient towns of Tullamore and Kilbeggan. We visited The Kilbeggan Distillery. We got to hear about the process of whiskey making and at the end of the tour taste the final product. The Kilbeggan Distillery is the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland dating back to 1757. During our tour we saw the old mash tuns, fermenters, and waterwheel still in their original positions.

Following the tour and tasting, we had lunch in the cafeteria. I brought my lunch (apple, pear, leftover bacon from breakfast, and a peanut bar). Others had soup or sandwiches. During the meal, we were entertained by Irish music over the speakers. Some folks were given Irish instruments to play along.

After lunch, we continued our journey across Ireland. During the ride, Phil shared information about Ireland. The 6 million population is divided between the Republic of Ireland (85%) and Northern Ireland (15%). Ireland is 87% Roman Catholic. Ireland is about the size of the state of Virginia. In 2009, Ireland experienced the downturn in the economy. They are on the upswing today. The people of Ireland are friendly, hospitable, and always willing to share a "crack" (laugh or joke). In Ireland the family is important and loved.

Phil shared with us that he was child #7 in a family of 9. His mom was 1 of 12 brothers and sisters. They will be celebrating his Mom's 90th birthday in August.

In Ireland, when someone dies, the family gathers to celebrate his or her life. This includes visitation in the home (with alcohol), a service at the church, and followed by a wake (with alcohol). Many choose to be cremated due to the limited space in the cemeteries today.

The potato is important in Ireland. Phil's dad said, "if you don't have a potato on your plate, you don't have a meal." Black pudding is served as part of an Irish breakfast (I will let you look that up.).

We drove through the city of Birr which is considered the "center of Ireland". There is a stone signifying this fact in the city center. A workhouse was located in Birr. In the workhouse a family who was not able to make ends meet would live. They were put to work and many were worked to death.

Phil shared with the group a number of names of personalities from Ireland. Among them the name of Aiden Quinn. Some movies filmed in Ireland: "The Quiet Man" (starring John Wayne) and "Ryan's Daughter".

We made our way to Limerick. There we had a photo stop to see The Treaty Stone - where a treaty was signed between Protestants and Catholics. The stone was a horse mount (used to step on to get on a horse). The treaty stone sits along the shore of the River Shannon. On the opposite shore is King John's Castle. Limerick is the third most populous city in the state, and the fourth most populous city on the island of Ireland.

After our photo stop, we "popped" back on the coach and made our way to our hotel in Ennis. We arrived around 4:15 p.m. Our departure for dinner was at 5 p.m. Some felt a time crunch since the hope was the luggage would make it to the room to allow a moment to freshen up.

Our dinner was at The Bunratty Castle, which sits on the ground of ancient battlefields and medieval fortresses once inhabited by generations of clansmen. We allowed our imagination to take us to a world filled with lords and ladies, knights and damsels as we experienced a true medieval banquet hosted in a real castle! The 15th century magically came to life the moment we entered the castle.

At the reception, we sipped honey-rich mead and admired the ornate tapestries and royal furnishings before sitting down to a sumptuous four-course meal and wine suitable for toasting the royal court.

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

Spirits run high with delightful song and dance performances reminiscent of this unique period. While partaking of the meal, the Butler seeks the Lord's approval for all dishes brought before him. However, a scoundrel is revealed who must be brought before the Earl who decides his fate! "To the dungeon!" "Off with his head!"