Athenry

We did touristy things today.  

We woke to yet more rain, but it fairly quickly dried up.  Our landlord and his gardener were back, butchering the roses.

Yesterday evening we discussed what we should do, and decided on a visit to Athenry - about 20km away.  We hadn't realised the significance of this town until we watched a video in the castle - it was the "2nd town" after Dublin.

When we arrived, our first priority was a cuppa - but having walked through the town and arrived at the castle without passing a cafe, we were greeted by a lovely young woman who made us feel really welcome.  We had gone knowing that the castle was one of the Heritage Ireland properties, and planning to get the yearly membership (just €30 each for over 60s), so we organised that, and then she pointed us in the direction of a lovely cafe.  

After a cuppa and cake, we returned to look around the castle, where there was an interesting video which helped us to understand the significance of the town.  Then we had a short wander through a park, after crossing the River Clarin (same river as runs through Clarinbridge) and to the Athenry Priory.  This, unusually for a Dominican priory, had been built inside the town walls.  It is much less "restored" than the castle, and as such it feels more natural.  Though we couldn't get inside - I suspect it is "unsafe" - I  got a few photos through the iron gates - my blip is one.

Then a walk back through the town in rather lovely sunshine.

More admin planned for tomorrow.