We hope Your Monday was as good as ours.
Monday, December 4, 2006 Upper Tower Room, Ross Castle, County Cavan.
Last night’s almost-full moon was a beautiful sight from our narrow, arrow-slit windows in the upper tower room. Kevin and I were sooooooo relieved to have finally arrived at Ross Castle after our ordeal. We were mentally and physically spent. We went to dreamland early.
Arose to an Irish breakfast of cereal and hot tea/coffee followed by eggs with bacon (looked like what we call ham), sausage, grilled tomato and potato bread. Every bite delicious!
With directions in hand from our hosts we headed off for a day of adventure towards Athlone (a college town). We weren’t about to wait around for our luggage, but it was a relief knowing that it was being delivered from Dublin.
Driving on the opposite side of the road bears mentioning because the devil is in the details. The room-for-one-car country lanes had very little traffic and were reminiscent of New England. I had no problem on the “dual carriage” (two lane) roads through the countryside, but driving in the city was another story. The roundabouts were just odd to me. Kevin and I were team driving all the time. Kev kept giving me gentle reminders to stay to the left. Don’t know how one could forget, the rental car was plastered all over (on the dash, etc.) with arrows pointing left, as reminders. Only had one driver beep at us and I only bumped one curb. Thanks to all who had given me friendly advice and hints on how to adjust to the “other side” of driving. Will be Kevin’s turn soon, haha.
The weather continues to be overcast and rainy with many large puddles on the road. Apparently, for the last month before our arrival, Ireland has been experiencing some of the worst weather in recent history. Major flooding has been a problem. My horseback riding may even be in jeopardy if the fields do not dry out. This seems minor though compared to some of the horror stories we’ve heard. Anyway, we were not bothered by the rain since we were dressed for it and had no other worries since WE’RE ON HOLIDAY.
Athlone was an even larger city than expected. Located at the mouth of the River Shannon, too. We parked near Dunnes department store/grocery and we bought some needed goodies because we were STILL without our stuff. A 4Euro scarf was all I needed to keep my ears warm in the wet windy weather.
We found an Internet café from where I jotted a quick email to my Mom to let her know we had arrived. There was no working phone at the castle because of the weather. While Kevin downloaded photos I tried to get a quick trim of my bangs at the shop I could see across the street. It had a big OPEN sign on the door and the lights were on, but no one was home. So back across the street, in the rain, I went.
Next we bought an Irish cell phone at Kilroy’s electronic shop.
Also got an adapter for our laptop and a battery charger for the camera. Oh, and an excellent recommendation for some good pub grub. It was almost 2pm and time to refuel.
Rayner’s served a “carvery” menu. We approached the serving station and observed the racks of roast beef and lamb and other entrees and all the fixings. Kevin and I chose the cod, then the potatoes (both roasted AND mashed), stuffing, pureed carrots, steamed cabbage, and water to drink. Our plates were heavily laden with piles of food. And was it delicious? You betcha!
As we walked past Kilroy’s again, we popped in to ask where we could get a coffee and tea to go. The lady actually walked outside in the rain with no coat (saying she was used to it) and escorted us personally to a little street vendor, around the corner and down an alleyway, all the while showing us how and where to walk down to the River Shannon and along the park and then back to our car. She wouldn’t even let us buy her a hot tea. This was NOT UNUSUAL. You must believe me, the people here are extraordinary!
It was a great day for ducks, but as we approached the walkway along the Shannon river park we could see nothing but crashing waves and feel the cold, blustery wind. We were admiring the boats and such when out of nowhere we saw a beautiful white bird swimming towards us. Could it be? No way! Yes, it was. A swan. And it was coming right out of the water, up the boat ramp to say hello. It stretched and flapped then turned around and returned to the river. Meeting this swan was our “reward” for braving the elements, I thought.
Back in the car, we drove around and through Athlone two or three times trying to catch the road to Clonmacnoise. Whew, the signage leaves a lot to be desired. When we finally found our way we learned that the rainy weather was not the reason it was so dark. This time of the year, the days get dark around 4pm. Who knew. Didn’t stop us, though. We returned to the castle at 10pm after picking up Chinese “take away” in Longford.
A cozy night by the fire and up to bed. It is approaching 1am and we have a full day tomorrow. Happy Birthday, my wonderful husband. You are magnificent!
Last night’s almost-full moon was a beautiful sight from our narrow, arrow-slit windows in the upper tower room. Kevin and I were sooooooo relieved to have finally arrived at Ross Castle after our ordeal. We were mentally and physically spent. We went to dreamland early.
Arose to an Irish breakfast of cereal and hot tea/coffee followed by eggs with bacon (looked like what we call ham), sausage, grilled tomato and potato bread. Every bite delicious!
With directions in hand from our hosts we headed off for a day of adventure towards Athlone (a college town). We weren’t about to wait around for our luggage, but it was a relief knowing that it was being delivered from Dublin.
Driving on the opposite side of the road bears mentioning because the devil is in the details. The room-for-one-car country lanes had very little traffic and were reminiscent of New England. I had no problem on the “dual carriage” (two lane) roads through the countryside, but driving in the city was another story. The roundabouts were just odd to me. Kevin and I were team driving all the time. Kev kept giving me gentle reminders to stay to the left. Don’t know how one could forget, the rental car was plastered all over (on the dash, etc.) with arrows pointing left, as reminders. Only had one driver beep at us and I only bumped one curb. Thanks to all who had given me friendly advice and hints on how to adjust to the “other side” of driving. Will be Kevin’s turn soon, haha.
The weather continues to be overcast and rainy with many large puddles on the road. Apparently, for the last month before our arrival, Ireland has been experiencing some of the worst weather in recent history. Major flooding has been a problem. My horseback riding may even be in jeopardy if the fields do not dry out. This seems minor though compared to some of the horror stories we’ve heard. Anyway, we were not bothered by the rain since we were dressed for it and had no other worries since WE’RE ON HOLIDAY.
Athlone was an even larger city than expected. Located at the mouth of the River Shannon, too. We parked near Dunnes department store/grocery and we bought some needed goodies because we were STILL without our stuff. A 4Euro scarf was all I needed to keep my ears warm in the wet windy weather.
We found an Internet café from where I jotted a quick email to my Mom to let her know we had arrived. There was no working phone at the castle because of the weather. While Kevin downloaded photos I tried to get a quick trim of my bangs at the shop I could see across the street. It had a big OPEN sign on the door and the lights were on, but no one was home. So back across the street, in the rain, I went.
Next we bought an Irish cell phone at Kilroy’s electronic shop.
Also got an adapter for our laptop and a battery charger for the camera. Oh, and an excellent recommendation for some good pub grub. It was almost 2pm and time to refuel.
Rayner’s served a “carvery” menu. We approached the serving station and observed the racks of roast beef and lamb and other entrees and all the fixings. Kevin and I chose the cod, then the potatoes (both roasted AND mashed), stuffing, pureed carrots, steamed cabbage, and water to drink. Our plates were heavily laden with piles of food. And was it delicious? You betcha!
As we walked past Kilroy’s again, we popped in to ask where we could get a coffee and tea to go. The lady actually walked outside in the rain with no coat (saying she was used to it) and escorted us personally to a little street vendor, around the corner and down an alleyway, all the while showing us how and where to walk down to the River Shannon and along the park and then back to our car. She wouldn’t even let us buy her a hot tea. This was NOT UNUSUAL. You must believe me, the people here are extraordinary!
It was a great day for ducks, but as we approached the walkway along the Shannon river park we could see nothing but crashing waves and feel the cold, blustery wind. We were admiring the boats and such when out of nowhere we saw a beautiful white bird swimming towards us. Could it be? No way! Yes, it was. A swan. And it was coming right out of the water, up the boat ramp to say hello. It stretched and flapped then turned around and returned to the river. Meeting this swan was our “reward” for braving the elements, I thought.
Back in the car, we drove around and through Athlone two or three times trying to catch the road to Clonmacnoise. Whew, the signage leaves a lot to be desired. When we finally found our way we learned that the rainy weather was not the reason it was so dark. This time of the year, the days get dark around 4pm. Who knew. Didn’t stop us, though. We returned to the castle at 10pm after picking up Chinese “take away” in Longford.
A cozy night by the fire and up to bed. It is approaching 1am and we have a full day tomorrow. Happy Birthday, my wonderful husband. You are magnificent!
posted by Project-Ireland at 9:18 AM
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