We loaded the car, ate breakfast and headed out of Dublin about 11 miles to Powerscourt. Powerscourt house was built in 1731 on the site of a Norman castle. The gardens at Powerscourt are beautiful. They are set at the foot of Great Sugar Loaf Mountain in the rugged wilderness of the Wicklow Mountains. The winding road to the gardens was sun dappled and magical....like we were on a path to the secret garden. We spent about an hour wandering the grounds. The roses, alyssum and lavender were so fragrant and the colors exquisite. I took several pictures to share with my flower loving friends.
From there we headed southwest to Glendalough, the "valley of the two lakes" and home to one of Ireland's most atmospheric monastic sites. This monastic site was established by St. Kevin in the 6th century!! It just boggles the mind to think how old these ruins are and to walk on such hallowed grounds is humbling. The cemetery was fascinating...many crosses of all design with headstones dating back to 1757. Many were leaning and so weathered the date couldn't be read. To think this holy place is within an hour of bustling Dublin....it's as though 2 worlds exist.
We exited through the remains of the Gatehouse believed to have been built between 900 & 1200! It is the original entrance to Glendalough. Guess what was across the street from the Gatehouse?? ICE CREAM!!! A perfect way to culminate our adventure before heading to Sligo.
The road to Sligo was really nice. Very much like any highway so Roy got a respite from the "charming" roads.
We stopped in Carrick on Shannon for dinner at a little pub we'd just read about in our travel book. The Oarsman. It's a bit unnerving to think Lady Garmin knows just where we want to go!! As we were walking to our car we spotted the now familiar ice cream cone so....you know the rest of that story!! Please refrain from any fat jokes when you next see Roy and I!! So hard to resist so we just go with it!!
Arrived at our B&B; Rowanville Lodge about 8:30. As we were driving in, the sun shining on Benbulben mountain was awesome. After checking in with Matty and his wife Pat and meeting Lucky, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and Bob, the Golden Retriever, Sheep dog mix ( he's adorable!) we took a short walk down a country road to catch a glimpse of Donnegal Bay on our side of the road. The sun was just setting so another perfect ending to our day.
Have I mentioned that Calla Lilies grow in clumps everywhere like our Cannas?! It's such a beautiful sight to be walking along and there they are! Another stunning sight are the swans!! We have Mallard ducks, the Irish have these graceful swans gliding along in their ponds. I've teased they are the official bird!! Just some mindless ramblings before I sign off. 
I think thats enough ice cream for one week mother! Or should I say mum? Love yall
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful sights you have gotten to see! I say enjoy the ice cream as long as you can. I am sure it tastes much creamier on the "other side of the pond". Kent thinks it is very cool that you got to go to the Guinness Brewery. He would have had the WHOLE glass, Mar. It is always good to remember the beautiful land our Lord created. It is so easy to forget in the hustle and bustle. You have helped me remember His awesome creation in such a wonderful way.
ReplyDeleteLove,
George
WIth each garden, I turn traitor on my own and say, "I want that one!" Oh my goodness. Such lush beauty. I can only imagine the fragrance! And I say, ignore Jason's dietary recommendations and proceed with gusto. Life if short and there is a whole lot of ice cream to enjoy! Love, d
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