Ireland

Dublin to Galway

9.4.12 - 9.4.12 62 °F

After a good breakfast and checking out, we headed west towards our next destination - Galway. Our first stop was the Kilbeggan Distillery - the oldest pot distillery in Ireland - no longer functioning as a full borne distillery, but producing boutique whiskeys under the same name. It was fascinating to see the old brewing machinery.

After a nice lunch in their tea room, we headed to the Castle at Althone. When we got there, the castle was closed for significant renovation, so we went across the street to the Church of St. Paul and St. Peter and then found the oldest pub in Ireland - Sean's Pub - in the Guinness Book of Records - continuously serving since 900 AD.

From Athlone, we headed to Clonmacnoise. Why you ask? When I was confirmed as a Catholic, I purchased a Celtic Cross that was a reproduction of a 10th Century stone from there. I wanted to find that stone. It turned out to be a wonderful visit to some ruins from the 10th Century. What a surprise!