THE WONDERFUL BARN – COUNTY KILDARE – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND #DISCOVERIRELAND

The Wonderful Barn

On our way back towards Dublin from the Wicklow area, we chose a path around the city to the west.  We had no destination in mind and didn’t plan on visiting the landmark know as The Wonderful Barn ( See drone footage below for a birds-eye view of the grounds).  This unique structure was quite impressive in person.   There are a few different notions regarding its shape – a dovecote, gamekeepers tower, folly or a more practical explanation, a granary.  There was a center hole in each floor to support this theory.

The Wonderful Barn is a corkscrew-shaped building on the edge of Castletown House Estate, formerly of the Conolly family, in Celbridge, County Kildare, Ireland.

After checking into Ard Cill B&B (we chose this B&B for its close proximity to Dublin Airport), we headed out for one last little adventure.  We headed for the cost along the Irish Sea.  R106 brought us south through Laytown.  A picturesque beach meets you at the edge of the road.

Bremore Castle

A wee bit further down the road you will pass Bremore Castle.  See video below for additional views of this restored castle.

Bremore Castle is a large tower house located north of Balbriggan, County Dublin. Estimated to have been built in the 14th century, the Norman Barnewalls family held it from the time of construction till 1727, the year in which it was sold. However, the first mention of this castle or its location was in reference to William Rosel De Brimor, who held land in England and Ireland in the end of 13th century. Its deterioration began much before the sale, and by 1783, it was termed as “not many years ago inhabited” by Austin Cooper, a prominent antiquarian of that time. Presently, this grand structure has been reduced to ruins, with the remains standing in place since the mid and late 16th century.

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AVOCA – COUNTY WICKLOW – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND #discoverireland

AVOCA

We continued our journey north along the SE coast of Ireland, in County Wicklow.  Our trip was coming to a close and we were making our way back toward Dublin.  We stayed at Ashdene Country Home B&B just a wee bit NE of Avoca.   The breakfast the next morning did not disappoint.  Not 1, not 2 or even 3, but 4 varieties of toast!  It appears that they have closed for good as of the writing of this post.

The area has been associated with its famous copper mines for many years and the valley has been celebrated by Thomas Moore in the famous song The Meeting of the Waters“. The name of the song derives from the meeting of the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers, about two miles from the village of Avoca. The song is said to have been written under a tree, the stump of which remains by the Meetings. Avoca is also famous for its handweaving. – wikipedia

AVOCA

A perfect example of a quaint Irish town.  On main street you’ll find Hendley’s, a general store; Fitzgerald’s, a pub; a pharmacy and Lett’s Family Butchers.  There are a few parks in town as well; the Red Kite Walk is located on the NE side of town (link below).  Its main attraction is the mill.  The tour was fantastic.  The videos below will expand upon the photos below.

Avoca Handweavers

In the parking lot I noticed something I had seen a few times during our travels in Ireland.  The roads are very narrow and if you are not careful, you’ll damage the driver-side mirror.  I saw several taped up or missing.

Avoca

HIKING IN THE AREA

Red Kite Loop

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