Galway to Limerick

Just as we got outside of town, we passed a truck selling strawberries along side the road . Next thing I know we are pulling over at the next vendor. Apparently 2 people towards the front wanted strawberries. The vendor was so surprised that a tour bus stopped, he gave us an extra container for free. Soon the bus had a nice aroma. About 5 some of us were dropped off at Bunratty Castle for a medieval dinner in the castle itself. Bunratty Castle is located in County Clare and is part of the Bunratty Folk Park that we will be visiting tomorrow. The Castle is was built in the 15th century and restored in the 1950’s. An actor dressed as a 16th century servant greeted us at the door near the original drawbridge and directed to go up the stairs. The spiral staircase took us up 3 floors to the gathering hall where ladies dressed in long gowns gave us a cup of Mead (reminded me of wine, so I didn’t drink but a couple of sips) and a violinist and Irish harpist were playing in the middle of the room. We listened to some music for a while and then the male servant informed us of what was the venue for the evening, keeping in character the whole time of course . We headed back down 2 flights to the banquet room which was very crowded and very dark. Long tables and benches were covered with stoneware, pottery, and wooden bowls. The only utensil for us to use was a knife. They had wine and more mead available, but I had just the water. The first course was a spicy vegetable soup that we drank directly from the bowl. This was followed by spare ribs (I passed on this and was able to get a nice melon with strawberry syrup drizzled on it). The next course was a good piece of chicken and vegetables. The dessert was some sort of strawberry sugar cake in a bowl (spoon provided for this). It was too sweet so I only had a few bites. In between the servings the waiter and waitresses were also the entertainers, singing Irish songs or playing the Irish harp and violin (the waiter/violinist was the only male besides the servant who greeted us). After eating the performers sang about 4 songs and then showed to the bottom of the castle where one could get coffee or tea. I went outside to roam around a little to see some of the items that we would see the next day. Soon, Dylan appeared and directed us to the bus.