Exceptional Castles

Ashford Castle, Cong
 

Ashford Castle



Rhododendron

This renovated Victorian castle has been made into a hotel.  The lavish grounds include gardens with blooming rhododendron bushes and fountains.  President Ronald Reagan stayed here in 1984.

Dungaire Castle, Kinvarra


Dungaire Castle

This castle takes its name from Guaire, King of Connaught, whose ancient fort occupied the site in 662 AD.  King Guaire's descendants built the castle in 1520.  After WWII the property was purchased by Christobel Lady Ampthill.  She was known all over Europe as an exceptional horseback rider and "judge of horseflesh." She renovated the castle so it is in excellent condition.

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is one of the most admired and photographed buildings in Ireland.  It was built over a 5 year period from 1863 to 1868 by English business tycoon, Mitchell Henry.  Henry and his bride had first seen the property on their honeymoon and Henry later purchased the 9000 acre site to build a dream castle for his wife.  During World War I, refugee nuns from Belgium took it over; it is now an exclusive girl's boarding school.

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey - Matthew & Nicole

Kylemore Abbey - Flowers

Sights in Scotland

Scott's Monument: Commemorates the life of Sir Walter Scott (1771 - 1832), one of the most important figures in Scottish literature.  It was completed in 1840.  Nicole and Matthew climbed 287 steps to the top.

Scott's Monument

Edinburgh Castle:  A mighty fortress built on top of an extinct volcano. Edinburgh castle is an assemblage of buildings dating from the 12th to 20th century.  Scottish treasures known as the "Honours of Scotland" may be seen on the tour: The Stone of Destiny, The Royal Sword & The Royal Crown Jewels.

Edinburgh Castle

Royal Yacht Britannia:  Docked in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Royal yacht is celebrating its 60th Birthday.  We toured all five decks of this floating royal palace.

Royal Yacht Britannia

St. Andrews Cathedral:  Golf enthusiasts will enjoy this city, the birthplace of golf.  (Mary, Queen of Scots, was berated in 1568 for rushing out to play golf immediately after her husband was murdered.)

St. Andrews Cathedral

Pictured here is St. Andrews Cathedral, one the largest cathedral in Scotland, but later pillaged for its stones which were used to build the town.

Scottish Man Playing Bagpipes

Loch Ness

First sighted by St. Columba in the 6th century, the Loch Ness Monster has attracted attention to this lake in Northern Scotland.

The lake itself is huge: 22.5 miles long, 1.5 miles wide and 754 feet deep.  It holds 263,000,000,000 cubic feet of water.  Due to the large amount of water, the lock never freezes.  When water near the top begins to freeze it is replaced with warm water from below.  This unusual "thermocline" may be ideal for a pre-historic plesiosaur or giant eel to live in.  Nicole is certain she spotted "Nessie" swimming in the loch, but Matt was unable to confirm the sighting with the camera.

Meanwhile, we explored Urquhart Castle, which has an uncertain history.  Most likely, it was the site of an extensive Scottish fort, and then later a royal castle belonging to William the Lion.  It was captured by the English in 1296.

Over the years it changed hands several times, controlled by either Scottish clans or English Kings.
 

Loch Ness

Loch Ness - "Nessie"

Loch Ness - Urquhart Castle



Moville, Ireland

Moville (or "Bun an Phobail" - original Gaelic name) is located right on the ocean.  We walk on the beach almost every day.......We have found clams, crabs and one very bright orange starfish with 14 legs.  Matt is becoming an expert rock skipper.  Nicole loves collecting shells.  Here are our latest beach pictures.  Enjoy!

Moville - Downtown

Moville - Beach

 

Moville - Beach



Moville - Beach

Moville - Nicole & Matthew



Moville - Nicole

Monasterboice

This ruined monastery and graveyard showcases a high cross illustrated from top to bottom with Bible stories.  The 18 foot tall Cross of Murdock (923 A.D.) was used as a teaching tool in the spread of Christianity.  The round tower was used by the monks to hide valuables during Viking raids.

Monasterboice - Round Tower

Monasterboice - The Cross of Murdock

Monasterboice - Matthew & Nicole on the Round Tower

Dublin

Dublin Castle:  The city of Dublin, formerly Duvlin, was the site of the first Viking fortress in Ireland.  Today there is a castle at the site.

Dublin Castle - Matthew & Nicole

Killmainhaim Gaol (Jail):  This jail started out as the Dublin County Jail for petty thieves, but was later used by the British as a political prison.  The leaders of the 1916 uprising for Irish independence were held and executed here.

KillmainHaim Gaol - '1916 Uprising Prisoner Cells'

Killmainhaim Gaol - Nicole & Matthew

Ha’ Penny Bridge:  The pedestrian only Ha’ Penny Bridge leads from Temple Bar over the River Liffey.  It is named for the half pence toll people used to pay to cross it.

River Liffey & Ha' Penny Bridge

Book of Kells in Old Trinity College Library:  Irish monks hand wrote this 680 page copy of the four Gospels on calfskin.  The calligraphy and decorative artwork are simply outstanding considering this was done in 806 A.D. during the Dark Ages.  The library is stacked to the ceiling with old books.

Trinity College - Long Library

Our Visit to Trim Castle

This past weekend we visited Trim Castle, one of the largest Norman castles in Ireland.  It was built by Hugh de Lacy in 1172,  The castle stands in the city of Trim, which is north of Dublin (the capital of Ireland).  The massive 70 ft. high central keep has 20 sides overlooking the River Boyne. 

This castle hosted King Henry V of England in 1399.

Braveheart, starring Mel Gibson, was filmed at Trim Castle in 1994.

Trim Castle - Nicole & Matthew

Trim Castle - Jennifer

Trim Castle

Trim Castle - View from the top