Newcastle West Ireland – An Irish Travel Gem
The freshly painted wooden shutters sigh a mild complaint as the morning sun pushes its way into the centuries old Irish room. Humming from the street below, the traffic signals a new work day in Newcastle West Ireland.
Tucking under the cozy duvet, the ancient castle walls outside shimmer their greeting through our bedroom window. A lone heron stands perfectly still on a glistening rock in the Arra River below as if lining up the local ducks for morning row call.
Back in the room of our rental row house, the stone walls are no match for the high efficiency heater brought to life with the magic wand of remote control. Standing now at the window, I wonder what the Knights of Templar, who once gathered for banquets at Desmond Hall across the street, would think if they could see Newcastle West today.
It is the magical dream of many who travel. To find a location where tacky souvenir shops filled with bobbing head figurines have not pushed out the family run hardware store.
Traveling from Dublin the day prior, we watch the stone-bordered, green fields of County Limerick fly by like a vibrant Irish quilt. Our hope of finding such a treasure in the town of Newcastle West Ireland has come to reality.
Stepping out to greet the day, local artisans are diligently restoring the back buildings of the property. Thought to have been constructed in the 1600’s, the stone structures are transforming to cozy rental apartments under their skilled hands. The Old Bakery Studio includes an original feature wall where hundreds of years ago fresh baking came from the stone oven which remains intact.
“Are you here for a night on your way somewhere?”
The warm Irish greeting floats down from a nearby roof top.
Newcastle West and the friendliest people in the land
The crosswalk lights blink their blessing and we four travel companions meander across the road, the stone bridge and the awaiting town square. The heron stands at attention keeping a watchful eye on his duck companions.
The tantalizing aroma of rich coffee and fresh baking lures us nose first into Marguerite’s Bakery. With scrumptious cakes and pastries jostling for our wide eyed attention, we settle in with warm scones and fresh jam.
In the town square, the statue of famed Irish poet Michael Hartnett thoughtfully watches the stone figure of 14th century Earl on horseback Gerald Fitzgerald frozen in time in front of Desmond Hall.
The banquet hall, which let’s be honest, to a visitor looks like a giant castle in the middle of town, sets a striking scene.
Back dropped by quaint and vibrant buildings, fruits and vegetables in market stalls compete in a colour contest with the autumn leaves.
Walking toward the nearly 100 acre Castle Demesne grounds, the boutique clothing shops of Newcastle West announce their presence. Mentioning no names, the gentleman of our traveling foursome seem less than interested in the Irish fashion scene and more in exploring the walking trails.
Irish singing anyone?
Numbering in the double digits, the pubs in our home away from home overflow with welcoming ways. Several doors down from our accommodation in Newcastle West the purple exterior of Cleary’s Bar and the sound of live music beckons us in.
Sitting near the musicians we are encouraged to take a turn singing.
“That’s what we do in Ireland!”
We quickly agree such shenanigans from our tone deaf foursome may cause breakage of large amounts of glassware. However with the gifts of Irish charm, sips of local ale and clever choices of songs the evening ends at 2 am. Yes the Canadians sang!
After all that’s how it is in Ireland.
The freshly painted wooden shutters sigh a mild complaint as the morning sun pushes its way into the centuries old Irish room. Humming from the street below, the traffic signals a new work day in Newcastle West Ireland. Tucking under the cozy duvet, the ancient castle walls outside shimmer their greeting through our bedroom window.…
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