Pages

Monday, November 18, 2013

Kate's Birthday & Malahide Castle

Kate turned 5 years old a few days after we arrived in Ireland.  And what better way to celebrate her birthday than with a trip to a real castle??!!!

We found a castle just north of Dublin and surprised her with the news of where we were going to take her that birthday morning.  This castle was owned by the same family for 800 years, before it was sold and the county (?) now owns it.  This family was (important in Irish history) but never royalty, but to our Kate's eyes, it definitely had princesses living in it at one time! 

The upstairs living quarters was closed due to remodeling and should open up again after Christmas some time.  But we were able to see the first level.  Also on the grounds was an old abbey and graveyard, along with an extensive garden.  And on that particular Saturday, someone had brought a falcon/owl exhibit to show off in the walled garden. 



 
Starting off her birthday morning with #5 pancakes!
 
 
 
Malahide Castle ("This is the greatest birthday ever!!")



 
Jimmy was pretty excited to see that one of the owners of the castle had the name Boswell

 
part of the lineage of Malahide castle

 
the after dinner sitting room for the ladies

 
the dining hall


 
Malahide Abbey

 
inside the visitor's center - We think this had all the different names once found at Malahide castle
 
 

 

 
the falcon/owl exhibit in the walled garden

 
Jack & Kate

 
Luke

 
We went into the town for lunch afterwards and a passerby recommended Duffy's pub because it's kid friendly.  So here's Jimmy in his first Irish pub with his first glass of Guinness.  He's loving the Irish experience :)

 
Back home that night, we made chocolate cupcakes.  


 
..and opened birthday presents :)

No comments:

Post a Comment