Sunday's Drive
Once again, a lay-about, sleep-in sort of morning, but we were virtuous enough to get up and make the noon Mass at St. Mary's church across the street. A nice young Irish priest (40ish), a good sermon, and out the door in 35 minutes flat. And that, despite a large contingent receiving communion. What takes us so long at St. Helen's? Heck, we don't even get the good sermon part. Oh well, a higher purpose no doubt.
After church we headed out past the county seat of Castlebar to visit the Museum of Country Life. It's part of the National Museum of Ireland system and is an excellent way to learn about the reality of everyday life for rural residents of Ireland from the period of the Great Famine (an Gorta Mór - the Great Hunger) to the period after WWII. It contrasts the romanticized version of Irish life as depicted by Hollywood (The Quiet Man) with the reality of poverty and harsh living conditions. The Duffys introduced us to this terrific museum last year.
We also drove over to nearby Turlough Church to admire the derelict church and round tower. Then back to Westport for dinner at The Helm restaurant on Westport Quay - a great place to eat. Rack of lamb for Paul, pork chops for me, salmon for Candee, and steak for Pat - all "locally sourced." Delicious! Another place we visited with Padraic and Marion last year.
Sad day for County Cork as they lost to Kerry in the Munster provincial finals in Gaelic football. We know Candee's cousin Mary and her family must be sad and disappointed. The good news is that our home county here - mighty County Mayo will play for the Connaught title on July 17th. Maigh Eo Abú! Up Mayo!
After church we headed out past the county seat of Castlebar to visit the Museum of Country Life. It's part of the National Museum of Ireland system and is an excellent way to learn about the reality of everyday life for rural residents of Ireland from the period of the Great Famine (an Gorta Mór - the Great Hunger) to the period after WWII. It contrasts the romanticized version of Irish life as depicted by Hollywood (The Quiet Man) with the reality of poverty and harsh living conditions. The Duffys introduced us to this terrific museum last year.
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| Strange little plants in the garden at the museum |
We also drove over to nearby Turlough Church to admire the derelict church and round tower. Then back to Westport for dinner at The Helm restaurant on Westport Quay - a great place to eat. Rack of lamb for Paul, pork chops for me, salmon for Candee, and steak for Pat - all "locally sourced." Delicious! Another place we visited with Padraic and Marion last year.
Sad day for County Cork as they lost to Kerry in the Munster provincial finals in Gaelic football. We know Candee's cousin Mary and her family must be sad and disappointed. The good news is that our home county here - mighty County Mayo will play for the Connaught title on July 17th. Maigh Eo Abú! Up Mayo!