Breakfast in Seacrest, started for Bunratty East (next reserved B&B).

Stopped outside Gort for gas . Filled tank ₤22 & stopped for cute photos of donkey (Fred) & Irish lads. Also Geo & Pat, “Fred,” & lads.

Then to O’Grady’s Bar & Restaurant (not open), photos of Helen, Bob & Helen, Geo & Pat with O’Grady sign in background.

Horse and rider on ridge and round tower on hill (Dromoland Castle area).

Found “Innisfree” B&B (Imelda McCarthy, hostess) after locating Bunratty Castle. Gave 4 vouchers for 2 night’s stay, then looked at rooms (very nice) and unloaded baggage. 

Took off for lunch at “Fibber McGee’s” across road from “Durty Nelly’s” & much cheaper. Had mushroom soup, soda bread, fruit salad with ice cream, and Irish coffee.  

Then to Knappogue Castle on trial run (so we could be more familiar with road when we go to the banquet at 5:45 p.m.). Found way o.k. with help of local who directed us from Sixmilebridge .

At castle, parked and took pictures. Some of castle, others of cow in field, with lovely Irish landscape behind and photogenic fence in front. Another shot of castle from entrance gate & several of black sheep grazing.

Back to B&B, then drove on west to Bunratty Winery, where mead is produced (Irish liqueur made with wine, whiskey, honey, & spices).

Mead will be served at Knappogue Castle banquet. Main course will be smoked Irish salmon, which we are told is a better meal than the one served at Bunratty Castle.

We are not disturbed that the Bunratty banquet was filled up. Seems we have lucked out again. Many times on this trip we have stopped to eat at a seemingly quiet place, only to find a rush of tourists entering after we have been seated & placed our orders. Somebody up there is looking after us.

Discovered at Knappogue we were a day early. Our banquet is for Monday night. Got another photo of black lambs & one of Mount Cashel House on way back.

Back to Fibber McGee’s for dinner— 8 oz. sirloin was excellent.