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| Our lodging in Adare, the Dunraven Arms. |
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| Street scene, with the pub we visited. |
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| An expansive window looked out on a patio garden. |
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| A beautiful thatched cottage. |
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The visit to Paddy and Margaret’s family dairy farm was an exceptional
delight. Their family photos on the wall added to the homey atmosphere where we
sat around well-appointed tables. Margaret and her neighbours had prepared a
simple and delicious lunch of cold cuts, potato salad and greens, accompanied
by an assortment of breads and fruitcakes. Margaret had taken the time to bake
gluten free scones for Sheila and Anne. Nancy, following on from Jamison’s,
enjoyed the Guinness cake the best, managing to snaffle a fourth portion on the
way out!!!!!!!!! After the sherry trifle, we adjourned to the original farmhouse
where Paddy’s past generations had been born and died. Family photographs and
documents, plus the original Singer hand sewing machine, painted a vivid picture
of the history of Irish farming over the generations. Following tradition, as
the eldest son, he inherited the farm but now his youngest son Patrick, who has
a degree in farm management, is running it. Patrick, William, and Dennis are
family names repeated alternately through the generations. Young Patrick is
currently living in the original farmhouse while his new house is being built
just behind.
Paddy recited a beautiful poem by Mona Tierney
What is it all when all is told?
The
group were transfixed at his moving recitation that so ably demonstrated the
famous Irish oratory skills.
For the text of the poem, see the link below.
http://carolcassara.com/what-is-all-when-all-is-told/
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| Jennifer gets pointers on making sherry trifle. |
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| The group enters the original farm house at Kilflynn. |
Up early to visit the Rock of Cashel on a ‘close’ day,
meaning humid and overcast, with bursts of sun. The rain held off till our
lively guide David had finished the outdoor portion of the tour. The history of
this massive monument is a testament to all of Ireland’s history. It’s a
cathedral but also a fortified castle with views for miles around from atop the
uniquely Irish round tower, making it a great defensive position. It would have
been the home of the King Bishop of the day in the 11th century. A
second floor series of hidden walkways built within the window arches allowed
the resident monks to retrieve all the gold artifacts and relics during attacks,
with the safest place being at the top of the castle keep. Beautifully restored
after having been almost a ruin, the structure allows visitors to imagine what
life for the monks must have been like. The scattered portions of the frescoes that
remain on the ceiling and columns are the oldest existing 12th
century fresco remnants in Ireland.
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| David, our guide, just before the rain started. |
The choir of eight monks held a special seal (see replica below) which allowed
them to access food and accommodation whilst away from the monastery – the
first credit card, but just like today, they suffered from duplication and
replication by rogues of the day. This visit brings home the centuries of religious influence
on the Irish people. Monasteries served as hospitals and places of refuge for the
poor.
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| Celtic crosses in the churchyard. |
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| Note the walkways at the base of the windows. |
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| Replica of the seal of the monks choir seal. |
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