ABC. ( another bloody castle). Ulster American Folk Park

 This is Sunday and we are in Letterkenny, Republic of Ireland.  It is overcast and possibly drizzly, but we think not as cold as we have been.  Think this may be a hat day for me.

We have a slight delay in starting our day as our coach has a dead battery.  It is Sunday, so takes longer to rally someone to jump start us.

The Ulster American Folk Park is an open-air museum encompassing over 30 buildings which portray life in Ireland in the 18th and 19th centuries.  The exhibits and the people portraying this life become a unique way to bridge two continents and the tremendous relationship between many Irish immigrants and the New World they sought.  Americans with Irish roots are fascinated with the living history of grandparents and great grandparents life before America. The buildings are both Irish and also New World.  You travel through the small village and the stores, then board a ship similar to one the immigrants would have traveled to America.  When you exited the ship, you were in Baltimore.  The remaining buildings were illustrative of early Pennsylvania log homes and outbuildings.  If you ever plan a visit, plan for a minimum of half a day to fully enjoy the experience.

 

     This was the blacksmith shop

       

Close up of one of the many stone fences.

    

This statue illustrated and represented the thousands of Irish who immigrated to the New World.

    These girls were part of a great reenactment story that took place in the small village.

       Fabric shop, along with all the accessories

         The Pennsylvania log home.

Glenveagh Castle and National Park is the second largest national park in Ireland.  The name means  " glen of the birches."  The park consists of mainly informal gardens with exotic and delicate plants from all over the world.  The park originated  with John Adair who evicted 244 tenants so they would not spoil his view of the landscape.  He built the castle as a hunting lodge.  The park is home to the largest herd of red deer in Ireland as well as the formerly extinct golden eagle reintroduced in 2000.

Glenveagh Castle was built in 1861 and is open for tours.   We toured nearly all the rooms, most in pristine condition.  The views from the castle windows to the lough were spectacular.  The grounds were reminiscent of a miniature Biltmore.

    

     

Sharing an Irish Blessing:  May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.