Thanks to my daughter, Asia, I am currently in the land of
my ancestors, Ireland! She purchased this trip as a present for my 50th birthday. We are staying 6 nights in 4 castles spread out around
this beautiful country. Rather than be part of a tour and be told where and
when we have to be somewhere we decided to rent a vehicle. This is allowing us the
freedom to choose which places to visit and what routes to take. I admit I was
a bit anxious about driving on the opposite side of the road; but, after about
15 minutes I was driving like a pro. Our first two nights were spent at Fitzpatrick
Castle in Dalkey, roughly 10 miles south of Dublin. While the castle was very
nice it was its location that appealed to me the most. It sits conveniently
next to Killiney Hill Park. There
is a little something for everyone. There’s a large playground for kids which
has the expected equipment but also includes a small zip line. There are fields, hills, woods, a quarry for rock
climbing, a large obelisk, a pyramid, trails of all type, and spectacular views
of the town and Irish Sea. There are numerous castles to visit, a beautiful
shoreline, and the many pubs and restaurants one would expect. We were sad to
leave this wonderful area but were eager to head west.
The spectacular morning view of Killiney and White Rock Beach.
I'm going to miss this view.
Almost to the top.
This was one of my favorite trails.
The pub at Fitzpatrick Castle is in the former dungeon, pretty cool.
Inniscorrig Castle was built in 1847 and has its own private working harbor.
Of course we had to tour the brewery.
Built around 1840, this castle was formerly known as Victoria Castle and Ayesha Castle but is now home to the Irish singer Enya. Enya calls it Manderley Castle but all the locals we met just refer to it as Enya's Castle.
Goat Castle is now the home of Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre and the entrance to the ruins of 10th century St. Begnet's Church and graveyard.
Taking a short break during one exploration of Killiney Hill Park.
We staked claim to this pyramid for Clan Davidson. We hid a small item (it says Davidson on it) somewhere in the pyramid. If you visit the park and find it let us know.
My final hill workout before heading west.
12th century Bulloch Castle overlooks the village harbor.
15th century Archbold Castle stands across the road from Goat Castle.
St. Begnet's Church ruins found on Dalkey Island dates back to the 9th or 10th century. I was happy this came out clear as I placed my camera against the eye piece of a local telescope in Bulloch Harbour.
