Monday, November 4, 2019–Day 2 in Ireland

11/4/2019 4:15 on the bus

Dear Family and Friends,

Today is our second day in Ireland and I met and talked with the 8th Marquess Conyngham, Henry Moncharles and his wife, as we visited his ancestral home…Slane Castle.

Slane Castle is also the home of a two year old brewery (Slane Irish Whiskey) and one of the biggest rock concert venues in Ireland. Just last week Metallica was at the castle before more than 40,000 fans! The band U2 took up residence at the castle in 1984 to write and record their album, “The Unforgettable Fire”. We could take only limited photos of the interior of the castle so check out the YouTube video recording that shows many photos of the interior. In 1991 a fire caused extensive damage and gutted the eastern section. The restorers used the photos from the video to help in reconstruction.

The tour included a lesson on the history and process of making Irish Whiskey. A lot of skill and science goes into the process including lots of time resting in barrels.

Photo from second story of Stables converted to a Brewery

Map of the grounds showing all the additions to help make this an organic brewery.

Whiskey identified by smell plus the tasting room!

Lunch was in restaurant in the basement of the castle. They also have converted part of the stables into a second restaurant using the stalls for dining attached to the gift shop.

Our song of the day is “the wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish. ” Why, well the Weather today was very Irish…rain, rain, and more rain with short peaks of sunshine . I am so glad I decided to bring my Gore-Tex rain coat and my new waterproof boots.

Keith getting gasoline in the rain!

We are now on a trip across Ireland on our way to Kilkenny for the next two nights. We have a Scythian concert tonight in Kilkenny. More later…

Written Almost midnight day 2:

Just got back from a three hour concert, Scythian’s first on this trip at Kilkenny. Shane Hennessy from just down the road performed a set before the concert. He was amazing! Can’t wait for you to hear his music.

Ellen with Natalie and Shawn Kosnik from Silva, NC after the concert

Music that makes you tap your feet and dance all night. What a wonderful time! I’m so glad that Lori and Eric suggested that I go on this trip!

Lots more to share tomorrow. Thanks for taking this journey with me.

Ellen