Yarn Bombing in Mountmellick

Just back from a spin over the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

Coming into Mountmellick I saw the Yarn Bombers had been out and about doing great work.

It really brightens the place up so well done and Kudos to the Yarn Bombers.............

Some sightseeing and very little Cycling

More sightseeing this past week or so than actual cycling. Mostly my cycling has been consigned to indoor sessions on Zwift.

Out and about though this last few days I've visited Castletown House in Celbridge Kildare, Maynooth Castle in Kildare, Portumna Castle (fortified House) in Galway, Lackeen and Redwood Castle's in beautiful Lorrha in Tipperary and Oughterard in Kildare which is the resting place of the founder of Guinness, Arthur Guinness himself.

This is just a quick post to throw up a few photographs but I'd highly recommend a visit to the tiny Hamlet of Lorrha in Tipperary to visit its Castles, Holy Well's and Abbey, Priory and Friary.

Lorrha is a hidden gem nestled in the lush Irish Countryside, a very picturesque and quiet place to visit.

 

Castletown House in Kildare is also well worth taking the time to visit. The guided Tour is fantastic and the restoration of the House has been very faithful to the era. They have even got a beautiful Charles Clay Musical Clock.

 

Maynooth Castle while not spectacular is worth visiting while combining a visit to Saint Patrick's College and Saint Mary's Church beside it.

 

I'm off out for a long overdue cycle now....... keep the wheels turning.

Banagher, Offaly

Not enough cycling this last few weeks, just an occasional spin.

One cycle took me by historic Banagher in Offaly located on the banks of the River Shannon.

Cromwell's Castle is an old fortification right on the edge of the Shannon and there's an old Martello Tower there too.

Unfortunately the Martello Tower is located on private property in someone's garden.

There towers were built to withstand direct cannon fire with massively thick walls and are usually to be found on seafront locations. There's a few along the River Shannon which I presume underscores British fears of a French fleet sailing up the Shannon.

Hopefully this week see's more Bike time.......

Saint Manchan's Shrine

A few spins this week and one long spin took me out past Boher in Offaly.

I took the opportunity to drop in to the Church and see Saint Manchan's Shrine again.

The Harry Clark windows in the Church are beautiful.

Keep the wheels turning.