Today we headed out to take a scenic drive along the east coast south of Belfast. We had lots to see but decided to play it by ear depending on the time. It took about 2 hours to get to the start of the drive. It was a bit disappointing as the hedge rows are so high it was hard to see anything. There were some bright spots. We stopped at a rest area and saw the Mourne Mts. which are volcanic. Some people were fishing off the rocks as well. A rain storm came up off the mountains here. Going into Newcastle was very nice to see. There was a lovely beach area in town. On a nice day it would be crowded.
As it was a Sunday every hamlet we went through was full of church parking so that two way roads were now 1 ½ lanes. In some towns parking was on both sides so it was down to one lane. You drove down the road with the white line in the middle of the car. When we first started out people were going to church. After an hour things got interesting as church got out.
We stopped for lunch at a beautiful sea side area in Kilclief. Luckily there was a picnic table for us to use. We had lunch first before visiting Kilclief Castle which was just across the road. Once we had finished we went for a walk on the beach. There was a lady in swimming. She said it was invigorating. We thought getting out with the wind wouldn't be too nice. The castle was now open for viewing.
Kilclief Castle is not really a castle but a home called a tower house. It was built in 1429. There are quite a number of these all around Ireland. In the eastern part of Ireland, they are much the same as this one. This one was in very good condition. There is a spiral staircase up one side with four floors off of it. Storage on the ground floor, a living floor next, then kitchen floor and finally a sleeping floor. Charles climbed all the way to the top. I only got to the second floor. The stairs were very uneven. It was very interesting to see inside one of these towers.
We decided to head inland after this to make our way back to Monaghan. We stopped to see Castle Ward which again is not really a castle but a Manor house. We were able to do a self tour inside and were able to take pictures. On the ground floor the ceilings in each room were amazing. Each one was different. This was the second house built by the Ward family. Some of the wood work was re-used in this house from the first one. The Manor house was built in the mid 1700's and was lived in until 1973. The grounds have a number of trails for walking, cycling and horseback riding. We did not do any of the trails. We did see the sunken garden which was beautiful. There was a vintage car display going on and we thought of our friend Dave. His wife Joan may not have got him away from the cars.
The trip home was overland. It was a beautiful trip. We could see much of the country side as the hedge rows were not so high. We also saw the back of the Mourne Mts.
We ate supper at a nice Italian restaurant in Monaghan. When we went in there was only a father and son inside by the time we left there were 17 people.
What a great day.
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