Sovereign Hill?

THE ANGLICISATION OF PERFECTLY GOOD IRISH NAMES means some strange -- or cute -- place names. Bunratty Castle. (Where is mole, I hear you ask? Over in North Wales, with badger.)

Today was all about Shannon Heritage, and seeking value for money, as we departed Ennis for some serious tourism and a solid drive south.

Bunratty Castle and folk park has a 13th century castle, purchased by wealthy English codger for £1000 in 1954 and restored, surrounded by a park where 19th century Irish life is recreated (shades of Sovereign Hill).







Far more bed space than a boutique hotel!




Huge Irish elk heads found in the bogs.




And a kitchen with enough game hanging to excite Josh's interest.




Don had to keep ducking when going up or down the stairs, although why he chose to lie down while doing it ....










So much for the 19th century. At a parallel park at Craggaunowen, we went back to the neolithic and iron ages ...





Medieval castle, again rebuilt by wealthy enthusiast and then handed over to the nation...




A Crannóg- a dwelling on a lake.







The wild woods




A Ringfort with Don brushing up on his thatching technique and explaining why the Aboriginal people didn't make thatched cottages.

Not shown: a speculative reconstruction of how a 9th century Irish monk might have visited Newfoundland ...

- Posted before seeking soy