Bunratty, Ireland

Our first stop after leaving Dublin was Bunratty.  We had plans to visit the castle and have a medieval dinner that night inside the castle.  We got there earlier than I thought we would.  All the info on the internet says to add lots of extra time for driving, on top of what your GPS says, because of Ireland roads and at any time a herd of sheep could be crossing in your path.  Well, we made great time and got to enjoy lunch and the folk park that was set up around the castle.

Our first, of many, Irish pub/restaurant.

We were surprised to see dolphins in the Ratty river.  Don't think I have ever seen any in such a small body of water.  

I liked this saying....

Some good ole info on Bunratty

These were some of the folk park reconstructions that were around the castle.  Showing typical life in the 19th century.

We all thought he baby crib was cute.

These are pics of inside the castle.

Very old, dusty bed

At the top!

Now we are inside the castle for our dinner.  When we arrived, we were served some bread and a drink called honeymead.  It is an alcohol made from fermented honey and water (the kids got juice).  They told us this is where the word "honeymoon" comes from because every couple that got married would receive a months worth of mead to insure happiness and fertility. :)  It was pretty strong but not bad tasting.

Out before dinner entertainment 

Sitting at our table.  We were told we would only be getting a knife to eat with because that's how they ate in medieval times :)  But they did sneak the kids a fork or spoon if they wanted it.

Irish entertainment!

Gran and E ready to eat that yummy soup....with no spoon of course :)

My kids were in heaven when they saw this massive plate of ribs come out!

Of course Mike found him a buddy to chat with....the whole dinner!  They were actually an American family that live in Bonn, so I guess they had a lot to talk about :)

HAPPY!

Not chocolate this time....rib sauce!!

And then this huge platter of chicken and veggies came out!  Needless to say, we left stuffed!

Of course E got all the attention from the staff.  She even got to don the waitress' headpiece

She reached her arms out to him and then freaked out when he actually took her

We had a great day and a fabulous dinner at Bunratty Castle!  It was such a fun experience that we all enjoyed!

And our first B&B was a hit, E loved the pancakes!