Rosscommon to Galway

After a full Irish breakfast we walked to the Rosscommon Castle.  This must have been very impressive in its day. A 13th Century Norman Castle it was built in 1269 by Robert de Ufford,  Justiciar of Ireland.  The castle was laid to siege by the Cannacht King Aodh O'Connor in 1272. Eight years later it was back in English  hands and fly restored. In 1330's the O'Connors had regained possession and held it until 1569 when it fell to the Lord Deputy Henry Sidney. It changed hands a few more times before it was partially blown up by Cromwellian Ironsides in 1652 then  burned down in 1690 and then fell into decay. 

We said goodbye to our accommodation at Gleesons and Rosscommon.  Rosscommon is a typical Irish town with quaint shops and streets.  Love how you find beautiful planter boxes everywhere.  They really make the streets and homes lovely and colourful. Of course in summer back home they would fry in the sun.

Next stop was Dunguaire Castle built in 1520 it was first occupied by Guaire King of Counnaught then his descendants the O'Hynes and then the Msrtynes of Galway in the 17th century.  In 1924 the castle was bought and repaired by Olivet St John a famous surgeon but he never lived there.  In 1954 the castle was acquired by Christobel Lady Amlthill who completed the renovation and lived in the castle.  Opened in 1966 to visitor it now hosts Medieval Banquets. Not really a castle rather a 16th century Tower House. Getting a bit of rain today but nothing heavy.

We then headed to another Castle but it we are a few days early as it is closed until the 17th August but we were able to see the outside. 

We stopped for lunch in Galway at the Huntsman Inn before heading to the hotel. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and recharging the batteries from the last few days sightseeing and driving across the country.

19 degrees
8558 steps and 3 floors
82 Miles = 132 km