Countdown to St. Paddy's Day - Day Two

After a traditional Full Irish Breakfast, including Bangers and Mash (sausages/mashed potatoes/gravy), we were set to head across the country to discover County Mayo.

We picked up our rental minibus from Sixt at the Dublin Airport. It took several frustrating hours to arrange as they were having problems with their reservation system. We made due huddled together in a parking lot with vending machine junk food for lunch. Unfortunately, I can not recommend renting a vehicle through Sixt. But, finally, we were loaded up and ready for our three-hour drive to Turin Castle. We programmed our GPS watch and set out.

Quick tip: If you are flying on Ryannair, the CABIN MAX  bags are one of your very few options for carry-ons.

Since we are staying in a remote area we stopped off in Galway to stock our castle for the week. Although Ireland is listed as a wine producing country by the European Commission, there are not many selections available, especially if you aren't a huge fan of berry wines, like the Móinéir produced by Wicklow Way Wines. We were reminded that the wine industry is quite young here even though Irish monks have been making wines since the 5th century. The climate makes wine growing a challenge - usually cold and damp without abundant sunshine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are most commonly successful here, producing mostly reds and rosés.

We picked up a Lusca Cabernet Merlot and a Lusca White Cuvee No 1 produced by Llewellyns Orchard, and an assortment of meads and  ciders to sample. We also bought wines we haven't seen before from Chile, France and Spain that are popular with the Irish.

We had to stop for a whiskey at Galway's popular Dáil Pub in the Latin Quarter before heading to our place.

We were a bit intimidated by the gargoyles guarding the gate!

Turin Castle, our home away from home for the rest of the week.

We were greeted by our neighbors. It is SHOCKING what you come up with to do while unplugged in Ireland.