Henry Winkler

Henry Winkler was waiting near us in JFK as we waited to do to Detroit.

Arrived in NY

We arrived in JFK Airport in NY at 1:20 and we plan to go on to DTW Airport at 6:50. We are glad to be home!

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Saying Goodbyes

Talking to Lynn and Skip during a moment of relaxation at the castle. Saying goodbye to Kim and Patrick.

Other Pictures from Cabra Castle

There are many rooms to discover in this large castle. What a hoot!

Our Room at Cabra Castle

Marie and Ann have a huge room at Cabra Castle. It has 3 queen size beds. A whole family could sleep here. I wonder if Tom and Glen could fly up for the evening! It is quite a change going from super modern last night to this castle. Actually last night was the only modern hotel. The other hotels have been delightfully reminiscent of past years.

Oscar

Oscar is a resident at Cabra Castle. He is an 8 yr old Irish Wolfhound. He loves to go for walks and he took a walk with us. Watch out Tom, I'm thinking a dog of our own could be nice.

Cabra Castle

We stay tonight in Cabra Castle Hotel. The first castle was destroyed and the present castle was built in 1808 and owned by the Pratts. It was turned into a hotel in 1760 with 22 bedrooms. In 1991 the hotel was expanded to 107 rooms incorporating the courtyard buildings. This is a pretty cool building and a beautiful property that includes a golf course.

Tullamore Dew Whiskey

"Give every man his dew." Barley, water, and malted barley are the main 3 ingredients of Tullamore Dew whiskey. We are visiting their showroom. It takes 9 days to 3 weeks for the malting process. The barley is grown in Ireland. A grist is made of the malted barley and it is heated with liquid drained off which is distilled to get the correct proof - 40% That distillation takes place 3 times always getting rid of the head and the tail (beginning and end of liquid). The barley left over is fed to animals. The distilled liquid is put in an oak barrel for at least 3 years of aging but many are aged 10 or 12 years.

We tasted 3 different whiskers: the original ( fruity), malted barley (spicy), and the reserve (combination of the others but more buttery or oily). We all liked the reserve best - it was much smoother.

Happy 90th Birthday Dad

This picture of my Dad is from home, taken a few days before I left for this trip to Ireland. Fred, Pat, and I would like to wish you the best day ever Dad and we wish you many more happy healthy days. You have inspired us to work hard and look for the best in people. You always said you can get more bees with honey than vinegar! Happy Birthday!

Flourless Chocolate Cake

We ate at the Absolute Hotel in Limerick tonight. The entire meal was delicious, but the desert was outstanding. We talked to the chef and asked if by any chance we could have the recipe. She shared the recipe with us. We had fun converting the grams to ounces and Celsius to Fahrenheit. We'd like to share it with you.

Flourless Chocolate Torte
makes 2 cakes
24 oz Dark Chocolate
16 oz Butter
24 oz Castor sugar (pulse in blender or coffee grinder until super fine but not powdery)
10 eggs

1. Melt the dark chocolate and butter in a double boiler.
2. Whisk eggs and sugar together for 10 minutes.
3. Fold chocolate and butter mix into the egg and sugar mixture.
4. Pour into lined 9 or 10 inch cake tins and bake in jelly roll pan of hot water at 325 degrees for 55 minutes.

Potatoes

It seems most meals served in Ireland contain potatoes. We saw a lot of mashed potatoes, but there were also huge chips that we call French fries. By the way, their potato chips are called crisps!

On the Way to Galway 3

And a final set of spectacular scenes on the way to Galway. The beautiful sunny day added to the scenery.

On the Way to Galway 2

More spectacular scenes on the way to Galway.

On the Way to Galway 1

On the way to Galway we caught spectacular views. The mountains are full of limestone. And it is a usual scene to see a pasture of cattle or sheep.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher were a fantastic view. We had a rare sunny day when the wind was low, at least that is what we were told. It seemed very windy to us. But there were days when our guide said people couldn't go out to see the cliffs because it was blowing so hard they would be blown over.

Golf Course

These are pictures of a golf course in Lahinch. Notice the extremely rough roughs.

Waterfall in Lahinch

The gentle waterfall near Lahinch was beautiful on a very rare sunny morning.

Limerick

We are spending 2 evenings in Limerick. Limerick was home to many who fought for Ireland's Independence. The picture below is the Treaty Stone 1865. The castle is King John's Castle. Limerick is the home of Frank McCourt author of 'Angela's Ashes' and 'Teacher Man'. I asked if we could see the childhood home of McCourt and our guide and bus driver said the area was much too rough. Oh well!