Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Clontarf Castle

Busses and trains and snow -- oh my! We woke up this morning well rested despite the dramatic weather last night (storms and snow and gusting winds and crashing waves) and made our way down to the dining room for breakfast. Debbie (the B&B owner) made us BY FAR the best breakfast we've had this entire trip: French toast with baked plums and cream. Mmmmm. We then packed up and prepared for a long day of travel back down to Dublin. 

We took a bus to Coleraine, and train to Belfast, a second train to Dublin, and a third train out to where we are staying tonight. We did get off the train in Belfast and have lunch at a pub -- the snow was falling in big, wet flakes coating Belfast in a squishy layer of snow. Once we got off our third train, it was a little under a mile trek (still in the snow) to reach our final destination for the night: Clontarf Castle. 

Clontarf Castle gets its name from the battle of Clontarf fought in 1014 between the Irish and the Vikings. The Irish won, but their king was killed. Many view this victory as the battle that granted Ireland freedom from foreign rule. The first castle built in this site was built in 1172, but it was later demolished and rebuilt in 1837 (note: that's just 60 years before my current home was built!!). In 1997, they converted the castle into a hotel -- which is lovely for us, because that means we get to stay tonight in a castle!! 

I don't have too many pictures from today (who wants to see photos of trains and bust stops?) but here is what I have: 

The best French toast EVER. 

Lunch stop in Belfast!! Fish and chips for me and Guinness stew for CJ. 

Well ... I suppose this will do ... (Thanks, Lisa, for the recommendation !) 

Our royal suite. 

Dinner at The Knight's Bar!! 

And now we are settled in for sleep. Tomorrow is our last full day in Ireland -- more adventures to come!! 

Good night. 


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