We traveled north today, with two interesting stops.

First was a very quick bathroom stop at the Knock Shrine, the site of a religious apparition in August 1879. I think my parents would both have appreciated it. We didn’t have much time to look around; there appears to be a lot of information on their website.  

After another hour of yet more gorgeous scenery, we stopped in Sligo. A real, not very touristy town. We saw people of walking around, just doing their thing. Again, I grabbed a sandwich and checked out (a very small piece) of the town. There are ruins of an Abbey, which had an admission fee (and I didn’t have a lot of time) so I just took pictures from the outside. I also found the library. It is in a converted church, dating from 1780. The library has been in that building since the early 1940s. I think the librarian was a little puzzled by my visit; I said was popping in because I love libraries. He did share with me an interesting pamphlet on the history of the church.

Our arrival at Lock Eske Castle Hotel was accompanied by HoH playing a beautiful Irish tune. The original castle building dates from the 1474; it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, reopening as a hotel in 2007. There are interesting sculptures and pretty gardens around the grounds.

Weather-wise, it’s been another glorious day. We arrived at the castle around three, and I spent time outside walking and chatting with fellow tour participants.

Our first group dinner was tonight. Fun to get to know more people. The food was very good. I forgot to take a picture of my appetizer; it was a mushroom puffed pastry.

After dinner, several of us listened to a Celtic choir singing in the lobby for a few minutes. Their sound was incredible, bouncing off the castle walls. It was delightful to hear “Take the A Train.” The highlight of the evening was the one hour concert House of Hamill played for us in the downstairs bar.

I’m up way too late, we have an early start tomorrow for our trip to the cliffs at Slieve League.