Another bloody castle?!

Today after a big (included) breakfast, I walked past the huge tour bus loading up the tourists and it was sunny and I felt so grateful to be able to walk on my own, this sunny cool morning. 

I set out for Clifden Castle but came across a sign to a monument to the founder of Clifden, John D'Arcy. It was a bit of a hike (with 5 minutes spent on the way upto pick up fireworks litter--and I didn't get it all) but the view was wonderful. And I had it to myself (for about 10 minutes)! 




I walked back down to the Sky Road and set out for the impressive gate I had glimpsed from the tour bus and wondered about.

It was a 15 minute walk to get to the castle and there was one cow in the way but the Castle in ruins and the 200 acres of the demesne (all the land retained and managed by a lord of the manor under the feudal system for his own use, occupation, or support) had a controversial and violent history. 
I may have visited one of the few tourist sites without a gift shop or any infrastructure! This sign was it!
 





Next is a seaweed bath I booked (in place of massage having no availability at the hotel)!


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