Malahaide

We actually had hoped to do some souvenir shopping first thing in the morning and with that expectation, headed to a mall close to the nearby airport. However, our hopes were dashed for any unique and local goods as the place was a regular, high-end shopping centre with none of the shops we had hoped for.

We did have a break at Starbucks though and the terrific trio took advantage of the time for a quick card game. 

After that small disappointment, we set out for the Malahaide Castle grounds where our B&B hostess told us there was an amazing playground ...with an obstacle course through the woods, great climbing structures AND a zipline(!) the girls were in their glory. The adults were delighted to sit in the sun and just breathe.

Then we headed across the grounds for lunch in the castle and a tour - so cool to visit castles that are still standing and furnished! The castle was lived in until 1975 when the last remaining heir sold the castle to the Irish State. No pictures inside, unfortunately (not permitted) - but the tour was fascinating - to be able to view and walk through the bedrooms and great halls and dining rooms still set as though the Baron might walk through the door at any moment.

We headed home to start packing up (sad) and then went into town for our final dinner together. We lucked into a small place on the main street, enjoying some delicious pub food.



Cassidy enjoying some of her big sister's chicken wings.



Bryanna and her dessert - apple fruit crumble - she still remembers it months later!



The brownie!



Happy family - though not looking forward to saying goodbye to each other and to Ireland.

So very happy to have spent these two weeks together and looking forward to the next big adventure!