Castles

hi
As everyone probably knows, there's a castle on about every street corner and in every piece of land in this country. Between last Tuesday and yesterday I saw 3 of the more well maintained ones. Last Tuesday and Wednesday, I went on the bus to Donegal Town in Cty. Donegal. Gorgeous scenery all along the way. But all of the time I spent in Donegal Town, the rain poured down. So I did more poking around in the shops than I did walking around the town. There is a castle there, fairly well maintained and unfortunately not open to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday, the days I was there.
Then on this past Monday, I went on the train down to Kilkenny, one of the prettiest places I have ever seen. West Kerry has spectacular scenery, Donegal was wild, Galway County very pretty. But Kilkenny was gently beautiful. It was snowing that day so everything was under a tiny blanket of snow. It all blew away by lunchtime. There's a castle there that I was able to take the tour in.
On Tuesday I went out to Dalkey and Dun Laoghaire just to walk around and look at things. I think if I were going to live in greater Dublin (and if I were a millionaire) Dun Laoghaire would be the place I would choose. It's an absolutely gorgeous sea side town. The James Joyce Museum is there in Sandycove in the Martello tower at the beginning of Ulysses. Was it open? Nope - closed from October to March, rats.
In Dalkey, another adorable town, where I guess a couple of the members of U2 live, there is a castle open for viewing. I did get into see that one. It was really tiny and featured a garderobe. I'm so glad I didn't live back then, yuck! Right across the street from that castle was another one of the same vintage, or so it looked. That one is kind of in ruins, but it made me wonder about getting along with your neighbors went when everybody was up on the battlements.
So, then yesterday, Wednesday, I went to Malahide, another beautiful Dublin sea side town. The castle there is supposed to be wonderful. I had found out it too is closed between October and March, but figured I'd take a walk through the demesne to look at the outside of it. Well, after walking and walking through the most beautiful parkland, I came upon some workmen felling trees. Couldn't get through. So, I'm having mixed luck here with my sightseeing!
Oh well, can't complain too much. Tomorrow is LONDON - can't imagine my good fortune. Saturday is Bath, Sunday and Monday the Cornwall Coast. Not too bad, I think.
Today was the last day of the computer classes I've been helping out with. Everyone has been so nice. The class gave the tutors cards and gifts. My new friend Jenny who had crocheted me a scarf a few weeks ago, gave me a crocheted hat to go with it. It's just so sweet and has been such a wonderful experience.
Having trouble getting photos to upload. Computer's been sluggish, so no photos, sorry.
talk soon
Lynn