With another “Irish breakfast” under our belts , we loaded our bags into the car and we set off for Limerick. We stopped in Limerick for coffee and asked around what was a must see. We decided on King Johns castle and after finding a parking spot-not easy-we bought our tickets for the guided tour. This trip has been a real brush up on Irish history and it is energizing listening to these young guides who mince no words when telling Ireland’s story and its abuse from the colonizing British. Their national pride is understandable when you listen to the countless stories of bravery and resilience with the Irish fighting for independence. Amazing parallel to British colonialism in North America. Irish people were punished for speaking their language, for playing their national sport, hurling and their music was banned with all Irish harps confiscated and destroyed. There is incredible pride when they talk about gaining their independence in December of 1922…spurred by the Easter Rebellion of 1916. Over 1000 Irish rebels occupied the post office in Dublin and after Britain declared Marshall Law, 450 people were dead and over 2,000 people injured. Tragically, the 15 leaders of the movement who signed and published the proclamation of independence were arrested and executed.

This castle/museum gave an incredible timeline of British influence in Irish history as well as a recreation of a castle community village of the 12 Th century. We also climbed the winding stone staircase up about 4 stories to the top of the castle where we could see the city from the vantage point of former soldier guards.

Well, our driver was chomping at the bit to move on and get to Killarney by Christmas and we booked the least expensive BandB we could find….as we drove into town. We found a place right beside the train station called -go figure- The Railroad Lodge. We had a double bed and a set of bunk beds with a bathroom €70. And they had a reincarnation of our former pet, George. So weird, a golden retriever who looked so much like George.

Across the street was the train station and a brand new outlet mall. Sheila and I escaped and Sheila bought a new carryon suitcase to take home her Irish gifts bought for her kids.

I had a plan for my Aran sweater purchase and it was not until 2 days later that it would be no problem as I had somehow missed the bag when we were loading up the car and left it behind!