Steve enjoys the fare at the Banquet. The McCraw Family entering the Castle for the Banquet.

Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet - Each night the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, welcome guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl's Banquet at Bunratty Castle. The entertainment provided by the world renowned entertainers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception, a four course feast, and of course good wine.

We say farewell to our driver, Matt, having safely driven the group throughout the trip.

On the left, the group is ready to tour King John’s Castle, a 13th century Castle on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick City.
Faye is standing in front of St. Cronans 10th Century Church which is refurbished for use as a Heritage Centre.

The home of the famous Irish writer, William Butlet Yeats
Yeats was often homesick for Ireland, of which his poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” was one of the results,

"I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core."

Although Mary wasn't able to join the McCraw Family on their Ireland tour she met Steve, Sharon, Tom and Marion on line when she was talking to Gerry. Faye had already met Mary but got to say hello too.

No trip to Ireland would be complete without traditional Irish music and one the the greatest pubs for this is Tig Coili in Galway.

Corcomroe Abbey is a well-preserved abbey picturesquely sited among the grey hills of the Burren. It is best known for its lonely situation, lying close to another interesting monastic settlement, a group of three small early Christian Churches which nestle in the pass of Oughtmana and which are dedicated to St. Colman.

When the group stopped at the Cliffs of Moher, Faye was asking their driver, Matt some questions.

In the Churchyard

Gerry says good-bye to Vicky & Kevin. Everyone was sorry they had to leave the group early.

Faye addresses the family on the serious subject of DNA.

Tom & Marion, then Ramona pose with a statue of Charlie Chaplin.
The statue is an homage to Charlie Chaplin who spent many vacations in Waterville with his large family.

Ring of Kerry

Today was spent on the Ring of Kerry - famous throughout the world for its natural beauty where one can admire breathtaking vistas of mountains, cliffs and beaches on Ireland’s most popular drive.
The entire group stop for a photo-op.
Janet, Sharon & Lou Nell enjoy the scene during a stop.

The bridge at Lake Leenane in Killarney made a beautiful setting.
Also, the Lake of Killarney.

Ross Castle contains 16th and 17th century oak furnishings and is surrounded by a fortified bawn. This Castle and outer defences were built by the O'Donoghue Ross Chieftains during the 15th century.

Tom, Marion and Lou Nell enjoy Muckross House Gardens
Gerry gets in on the act

On to the Old Jameson Distillery tour in Middleton. Janet, Lou Nell, Ray, Steve, Sharon, (Marion hidden) and Tom look on as Kevin and Janet earned the taster's award.

The Titanic Trail Walking Tour was given by local historian, Michael Martin, and he explained how important Cobh was in the history of the Titanic. This was Titanic's last port of call before she set sail on that fateful night.

The photo on the left is Sherrill and one of the local residents. Barry has found a local to chat with.

The Family enjoyed a taste of Ceili dancing and Faye and Daughter Janet joined in the fun.

The day ended with another great meal and music in Blarney.

Blarney - Big Soccer Win prompted a parade complete with pipers

Sleady Castle was the ancestral home of The McCraw Family. This is near the village of Cppoquin, Co.Waterford The family were in this area from the 13th century.

The photos taken at the front door are of Mountain Castle entrance. It was originally built by the McCraw family in the 16th century.

The McCraw Family also toured Malahide Castle their first day in Ireland.
The first dinner at their beautiful accommodation in Portmarnock.
A grand start to the McCraw Family Tour.

The family visited Clontarf Castle and were given a tour and history by Graham. The tapestry behind the group shows the enactment of The Battle of Clontarf that took place on 23 April 1014 between the forces of Brian Boru and the forces led by the King of Leinster,

The McCraw Family Group in Newark awaiting their departure.

The McGraw Family arrives in Dublin.


Faye & Janet enjoying their first GOOD pint at Clontarf Castle.