After leaving Balinasloe (see Part II), we headed southwest. Our first stop was at Thor Balleylee, an old Norman castle which was the home of renowned Irish poet, W.B. Yates.
After we climbed the tower that gave us a magnificent view of the countryside, we had our first in-between stop for Irish tea and brown bread.
Our trip continued through the city of Limerick and along the River Shannon, Ireland's longest waterway, noted for its trout fishing. We ended the day in the town of Tralee for our first experience in a B & B. Margaret Ryle, mother of nine, gave us a good night's lodging and a FULL IRISH BREAKFAST. That evening, we had fish (plaice) for dinner, at the Grand Hotel.
From Tralee, we headed to the seashore at Dingle Bay, by driving over a mountainous pass, the highest in Ireland. Heading away from Dingle we came across a public school. The children were playing in the yard so we walked up to the fence for conversation - with lots of rosey-cheeked youngsters, who spoke freely with us in their delightful Irish brogue. We learned from the nearby teacher that they were studying American geography, so when we arrived home I sent him some books and maps - courtesy of the AAA travel department.
More, later.
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