We departed super early this morning for Sligo. I would share the photo of how amused Caleb was with my early morning wake up call but he would kill me.
This was our first real venture across the countryside as we headed for just under a 3 hour drive to the west coast of the island. I really am not sure which is more nerve racking…driving in the city or driving on the narrow roads of the country. Sometimes it becomes a choice of either your life or the car’s. I see now why they force the insurance. We had to stop the car every so often to take in the views.
Sligo surrounds the Garavogue River where it meets Sligo Bay. It’s known for its literary heritage of some of the greats such as W.B.Yeats.
I think Sligo has been my favorite stop so far, although I am sure others coming down the road could trump it. Who knows. It’s a quaint town and people here are so friendly. We met a few people at the start of our day and several hours later, they drove past us on the street, hanging out the windows to greet us again as if we had been long term friends.
First stop today was Parke’s Castle. This plantation castle of the early 17th century was restored on sits along the shores of Lough Gill. Eventually the home of Robert Parke and his family, it was once owned by Sir Brian O’Rourke who subsequently was executed at Tyburn, London in 1591 when it was discovered he provided housing to the enemy. This is a great tour if you have the time and the story is these two families and the scenery are incredible.
Next stop was the Sligo Abbey. The abbey was originally built in 1253 and destroyed in 1414 by a fire and eventually ravaged during the Nine Years War and the Irish Confederate War. The friars moved out in the 18th century. The ruins and their burial plots have almost an eerie presence nestled right in the modern town.
After all the exploring we wandering downtown for a while to find food and back to our castle hotel! Time here is short lived! On to Galway tomorrow for 2 days before we start our trek down the Wild Atlantic Way!
The Roaming Roths 