Our last day.....
We awoke to a brilliant day in Limerick. I opened the curtains and there was sun everywhere glinting off the rooftops. Too bad we're leaving.
We're inching our way north toward Dublin through the Irish midlands to Tullamore. Today is all about whiskey, in this case the triple distilled blended Tullamore Dew dating from 1829.
They're ready for us with displays of the grain, overview of the roasting process, fermenting in giant copper vats and blending.
The water used comes down the grand canal linking Dublin with the Shannon River in Limerick.
Holding a tray with the tiniest, dear little souvenir glasses filled with a wee dram, our guide talks about the casks and how they influence the color of the finished whiskey.
In the U.S., the bourbon casks can only be used for three years. Then they are sold overseas. Sherry casks are also purchased from Spain. These lend a very deep color to the spirit.
Almost the entire bus has a communal cold so the description and feeling of the warmth spreading through your chest was welcome to all.
Lots of pasture to view in the midlands. The land is divided, not by fences, but by hedges. Fashioned from Hawthorne, they bloom a bright white in May.
Our destination is Cabra Castle in Kingscourt north of Dublin. Entering through wrought iron gates, the driveway winds through manicured grounds and a golf course.
Formal gardens dot the landscape with topiary and statues. The weather has turned and and a needle-like rain drives us indoors.
The castle itself is a maze with short hallways, down the stairs to then go up the stairs; it is for the able-bodied. Chandeliers, fireplaces and overstuffed chairs and sofas beckon.
We are staying in an annex that formerly housed the stables. My room is large and cozy with stone walls, a king bed, chintz and heavily decorated curtain swags. The bathroom, however, is thoroughly modern.
Tonight is our farewell dinner. We are saying goodbye to our tour guide Kevin Murphy, droll, low key and full of stories. He can hardly restrain his laughter before the punch lines. He's been a very able guide and well assisted by our driver Bill.
On that note I'll say a little about our group. I had my trepidations about traveling with forty-one others. But our coach is spacious with wi-fi and USB ports to keep that iPhone charged. The seats recline and the windows are configured to allow maximum views.
The people have been a nice mix, considerate, prompt, with no prima donnas. I've enjoyed visiting with the group drawn from all over the United States. The Sun City bunch has been fun from the start. Unfortunately, a cold has rampantly circulated throughout our ranks but that's hard to avoid when we are cooped up so much of the time. We enjoyed our celebratory dinner but the luggage needs to be outside our door at 4:15 AM for the one hour drive into Dublin.
We awoke to a brilliant day in Limerick. I opened the curtains and there was sun everywhere glinting off the rooftops. Too bad we're leaving.
We're inching our way north toward Dublin through the Irish midlands to Tullamore. Today is all about whiskey, in this case the triple distilled blended Tullamore Dew dating from 1829.
They're ready for us with displays of the grain, overview of the roasting process, fermenting in giant copper vats and blending.
The water used comes down the grand canal linking Dublin with the Shannon River in Limerick.
Holding a tray with the tiniest, dear little souvenir glasses filled with a wee dram, our guide talks about the casks and how they influence the color of the finished whiskey.
In the U.S., the bourbon casks can only be used for three years. Then they are sold overseas. Sherry casks are also purchased from Spain. These lend a very deep color to the spirit.
Almost the entire bus has a communal cold so the description and feeling of the warmth spreading through your chest was welcome to all.
Lots of pasture to view in the midlands. The land is divided, not by fences, but by hedges. Fashioned from Hawthorne, they bloom a bright white in May.
Our destination is Cabra Castle in Kingscourt north of Dublin. Entering through wrought iron gates, the driveway winds through manicured grounds and a golf course.
Formal gardens dot the landscape with topiary and statues. The weather has turned and and a needle-like rain drives us indoors.
The castle itself is a maze with short hallways, down the stairs to then go up the stairs; it is for the able-bodied. Chandeliers, fireplaces and overstuffed chairs and sofas beckon.
We are staying in an annex that formerly housed the stables. My room is large and cozy with stone walls, a king bed, chintz and heavily decorated curtain swags. The bathroom, however, is thoroughly modern.
Tonight is our farewell dinner. We are saying goodbye to our tour guide Kevin Murphy, droll, low key and full of stories. He can hardly restrain his laughter before the punch lines. He's been a very able guide and well assisted by our driver Bill.
On that note I'll say a little about our group. I had my trepidations about traveling with forty-one others. But our coach is spacious with wi-fi and USB ports to keep that iPhone charged. The seats recline and the windows are configured to allow maximum views.
The people have been a nice mix, considerate, prompt, with no prima donnas. I've enjoyed visiting with the group drawn from all over the United States. The Sun City bunch has been fun from the start. Unfortunately, a cold has rampantly circulated throughout our ranks but that's hard to avoid when we are cooped up so much of the time. We enjoyed our celebratory dinner but the luggage needs to be outside our door at 4:15 AM for the one hour drive into Dublin.
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| Deanne and Dave |
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| Andrew and Kris |
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| Katy, Joan, Gil and Pam |
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| Patrick, Karen and Chuck |
After a very long day we are home close to midnight having enjoyed our Irish adventure but glad to be back deep in the heart of Texas.
We never saw a leprechaun but we will miss all the little people.
Susan, this is the second time I am reading the entire blog and am so envious of your amazing "gift of eloquence" and your ability to take pictures that match your writing. Simply beautiful. I am so lucky to have met you on this trip and that you shared your travel blog with me. Kris M.
ReplyDeleteKris: Without question I so enjoyed traveling with you and learning about your interesting life. I hope our paths cross again soon. Susan
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan, for such a great commentary on your Ireland trip. You do a wonderful job with your narrative and pictures -- almost like being there.
ReplyDeleteJim