Parke's Castle

Today's Irish Toast: May the luck of the Irish lead to happiest heights, and the highway you travel be lined with green lights.  

The castle is an example of a plantation castle which has been fully restored.  Originally, this was owned by the O'Rourke clan, but confiscated in 1620 and given to an English by the name of Parke.  Plantation means something different in medieval Ireland...it means a place for people.

The restoration must have occurred after tremendous research and even greater costs as it is quite well done.  Our Guide, Mark, was very knowledgeable as he shared the rich history.

    Isle of Inisfree

After touring the castle we sailed on a boat across Lough Gill, viewing the island of Inisfree which W.B. Yeats wrote about.  Earlier in the day, we had visited Yeats burial site.  We had a surprise treat of afternoon tea and scones.

Tonight, we stay in a real castle built in the late 1600s.  Our bedroom is actually in a newly built section, but parts of the main building date over 300 years.  The rooms are stunning, making all of us feel as if we should formally dress for dinner.

     In the castle entry

             Kilronan Castle built in the 1600s

     Reception area of the castle.

     Actual wall of the early castle.  Cannot be disturbed because the building is a national heritage site. The renovation of the castle to today's standards provided the owners many challenges.