Cork and Kerry A.R.I.: Mallow Spring Break

This year we spent our Spring break in Co Louth the smallest County in Ireland.We went from 9th to the 12th of May and stayed at the Ballymascanlan House Hotel outside Dundalk.It is a fabulous hotel with Golf course Tennis Court and Leisure Centre, lovely gardens and walks.The weather was very kind to us too. We travelled with McGinley Coaches and Charlie was our driver again this year, and looked after us very well. Definately Charlie is me darling!
On the first day out we visited Downpatrick cathedral and the cemetary where St Patrick is buried. Also buried here are St Bridget and St Colomba (also known as St Colmcille).It was predicted that 3 saints would be buried here.
We visited lots of different places on our travels with little stories from Charlie to keep us entertained including Newcastle, Greenore , Omeath, Kilkeel,Newry, Dundalk, Portadown. On the second day out we went first to Armagh Cathedral where we had a conducted tour.There were some really fabulous stained glass windows here.There were several references to St Malachy and when I asked I was told he was the Patron saint of Armagh. Beside the chuch is the residence of the Primate of all Ireland Archbishop Eamonn Walshe.We then went to Carlingford Lough and to Carlingford village. A dotey little village with lovely coffee shops with delicious cakes and a vintage market packed with stuff. I could have spent all day there! We then went to St Bridgets birth place in Faughart. There is a lovely Oratory there and a grotto in the woods. It was so peaceful there just the tinkling water.
As we were driving along country roads Charlie was telling us that this was bandid country in the time of the Troubles and often the back roads were closed to prevent smuggling! We also visited Spelga Dam a mass of water with the Mourne mountains in the background.
We called to Newbridge for lunch one day and visited the clothes museum and Durrow another day .On the last day on our way home we visited Drogheda and St Marys church were is exhibited the head of St Oliver. He died for his Faith and was interred in Newgate Prison and hung at Tyburn. Then he was hung drawn and quartered as an example I presume.

We had a really enjoyable time , the hotel was lovely and the staff fantastic.Thanks to Mary G for organising it.
Now for the photos.