Killarney & Ross Castle

We rented an Airbnb apartment in Killarney.

Of course the wine came too!

Although not blessed with the best weather...

...we wandered through the town to catch a tour bus.

Destination, Ross Castle

This view reminded me of the 'marais' in la Vendée

It's the ancestral home of the O'Donoghue clan, dating back to the 15th century...

...with a lovely view over a wild & windy Lough Leane...

...appreciated by these two!

We couldn't book a tour of the castle but the visitors' room had an interesting model of the tower.

Don't be fooled by the blue skies...

...there was a torrential downpour whilst we had a spot of lunch.

Later, back to business!

 We  loved Killarney and hope to return one day.

Pub night & Ballybunion

The day after the wedding we moved on to an Airbnb in Killarney only to be invited to a pub night with quite a few of the wedding guests. And what a great night we had!

A nice memory of the pub on the menu...

...and I'm onto the real thing now!

A couple of photos of our new friends.

Next day we drove up to Ballybunion, Norma's home town.

The beach was as beautiful as Norma had told us.

Beal Castle...

...mostly in ruins now.

Tom, Bernice & Norma braving the wind...

...at least it dried us off from an earlier soaking!

Muckross House

Dating from the mid-nineteenth century our next visit was to Muckross House.

Whichever way you look...

 

...it's a really impressive building.

The dining room was all set out for a banquet...

...and the library had a book or two to read.

The servants' stairs...

...and it looks like they were kept very busy.

No explanation required

Tine in the kitchen...

...with plenty of cooking space.

Outside, a view across Muckross Lake

Muckross Abbey

A short walk from the wedding venue were the remains of Muckross Abbey.

Our first sight

It was founded in 1448 by Franciscan monks

The roof might have fallen but the walls were in pretty good condition.

The nave...

...looking into the chancel.

There's a large yew tree surrounded by the cloisters.

The old graveyard is the burial place for several Irish poets...

...with a wonderful view over Lough Leane.

Norma & Niall's wedding (2)

I didn't take many photos at the reception as I was too busy enjoying myself!

 

The cutting of the cake... 

 

...and a couple of emotional speeches. 

The first dance...

...now joined by one of the bridesmaids...

...and Tine!

There was some Irish dancing too.

Norma with her old school friends aka the Kerry Girls...

...Michelle, Deidre & Maria. What fantastic people!