An absolutely gorgeous day in Ireland
The last time we visited Ireland we were treated to what I considered typical British Isle weather, cool and rainy days. On this trip our first few minutes in Ireland were just perfect - sunny, clear and just a wee bit cool.
The area surrounding Bunratty Castle is totally dedicated to tourists. As you leave the big parking lot where all the buses park you have to walk by a complex of shops hawking all manner of Irish goods. James assured us we'd have plenty of time to come back and browse after going through the castle. On our short walk to the castle we passed by this fisherman preparing to head downriver.
Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than se... ... read more 
