The Morgans Go European

May 10, 2018 Limerick & The Medieval Feast at Bunratty Castle

We went into Limerick today to scope it out. It felt like Grand Rapids as far as size and activity. The older part of the city is on an island with the River Shannon and River Abbey surrounding it. We went into St. Mary's Cathedral and walked through town on this, our first trip to Limerick.

I have a garden plaque at home with this verse.

St. Mary's Cathedral was founded in 1168.

Another view of the front.

The Lady Chapel. The altar is made of limestone and weighs more than 3 tons. It is the original altar and was removed by Cromwell's troops around 1649-50 and reinstated in the 1960's.

The Leper's Squint. This slit like window was used in Medieval times when lepers were not allowed into churches but were able to see and hear Mass and receive Holy Communion through such narrow openings.

The Misericords. see description above

Bishop John Jebb

Stain glass window from 1961. The most modern piece in the church.

View from the back of church.

A cemetery outside. Who doesn't love a Celtic Cross?

The whole cathedral.

My pub! Katie Dalys!

Katie Dalys

Typical street in Limerick.

Limerick

After Limerick, we went to a Medieval dinner at Bunratty Castle. What a hoot! We LOVED this!

Going into the castle for dinner.

Being greeted by Chris, the MC of the night.

Harp and violin music before dinner.

People gathering in the Hall before dinner.

Upon entry, you were given either fruit juice or honey mead. The mead hit you hard on an empty stomach!

Juice and mead.

A large tapestry in the Hall.

Actors explaining how the evening will unfold.

Every feast has a king and queen.

The dining room.

The actors and musicians were also our servers. They were excellent singers with beautiful harmonies! Who wouldn't want that job?!

A little sing along before dinner: https://youtu.be/01BDU5WUBe8

Simon, Paul and Grace. We were given one eating utensil. A dagger! (knife) That's why Grace is drinking her soup from a bowl.

We had four courses. A thick soup, ribs, roasted chicken with root veggies, and cheesecake for dessert. Before every courses, Chris would select someone to taste the food to see if it was suitable for the rest of us. He chose Rod for tasting the rib course.