Bunratty Castle, Durty Nelly's, and Slan Abhaile to the Zedeks

We arrived at Bunratty Village and stayed with the amazingly hospitable Dolores and Gary O'Toole at the Bunratty Castle Mews B & B. We stayed with them two years ago, and the O'Tooles remembered my folly in attempting to play Lahinch Golf Club in gale force conditions. Beautiful accommodations and a bountiful full Irish breakfast. We checked in early afternoon, caught lunch at The Creamery Pub (Mom said the Irish Stew tasted "just like my mother used to make"), and toured the Bunratty Folk Village and Castle. After a brief respite at the Mews, we returned for a pint at Durty Nelly's and then on to the Medieval Banquet at the Castle. Mom sang "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" (I am forbidden from publishing the picture; it may have something to do with the honeyed mead), and we all choked up during the beautiful a capella singing of "Danny Boy" by the several sopranos in the banquet cast. Food was plentiful, as was the kitsch. We all had a rounding good time. It was early the next morning, Tuesday, when we bid a sad slan abhaile (farewell) to the Z's. Mom will most especially miss Stacy, her roomie throughout the trip, for her unflagging kindness and good humor.

The pictures are from the top of Bunratty Castle, looking over the River Shannon as a brief storm was approaching; mom standing in front of her namesake pub; the Castle, the banquet hall and esteemed guests, and the Z's at Shannon Airport ready to depart for home.