We have done a lot of driving in the past two days, or should I say Tom has done a lot of driving. We went to a castle and a folk village called Bunratty. Rick Steves recommended against spending time there but I thought it was worthwhile. It's a bit touristy, but then again, I'm a tourist. The castle was pretty amazing -- lots of stairs going up very narrow spiral staircases. I'm feeling it in my quads today!
The picture above left is the castle and to the right of that is their walled garden. We're having a little difficulty with the camera, but it has been cloudy and overcast, so most of the lighting is accurate. The picture on the bottom is Portumna castle. There wasn't much to see inside but it was interesting nonetheless. But the grounds were impressive -- must cost them quite a bit for the upkeep. They had a big "kitchen garden," something most households had years ago in order to grow needed fruits and vegetables and be self sustaining. Today, this garden grows organic produce and they sell it at a weekly farmers market.
We haven't had the best of luck in picking good restaurants in the past few days. I know Ireland doesn't have the best reputation for gourmet cuisine, but I wasn't ready for the limited choice of food we've been finding. I think it will be better when we get to Dublin, but that's a couple of weeks away. So what we've been doing since we're in the house is eating lunch on the road and cooking our own dinner. It's fun to go to the grocery store, of which there are many, including some large supermarkets. There are similarties to our stores but a lot of differences too. The Irish are really big on pork products and the grocery stores have large sections devoted to ham (bacon), pork chops, and other related meats. Lots and lots of beef too. But they also have beautiful produce departments, bakeries and just about everything else, including lots of candy choices. I don't think they use nitrates in their processed meats -- at least I hope that's the reason they look so anemic.
I'm sure some readers might not find this discussion of grocery stores interesting, but it is one of our favorite things to do when we travel to other countries. It really teaches you a lot about the similarities and differences in our cultures. Here's another example: we are so concerned with hygiene and security and here they leave their fresh baked goods, unwrapped, sitting on shelves available to everyone.
I think tomorrow is going to be more relaxed and will not include as much driving. If the weather cooperates, we are going to take a walk in a nearby park and figure out what to do with the next few days.
I hope everyone had a better day today than all of those crazy days last week. We have a tiny little t.v. in this house (with no remote control) so we're not watching quite as much news and I like that. I hear what I need to hear and the rest will wait.
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