My nieces are visiting. With ages of 21, 16 and 13, along with my 7-year-old, they present a particular entertainment challenge - how to amuse the girls on days when the weather is not at its best. Yesterday looked like being such a day. After a promising start the dark clouds rolled in, so we abandoned plans for an outing to the beach, opting instead for a trip on the Rose of Innisfree tourboat followed by a wander around Parke's Castle. As it turned out the weather was fine, but I'm so glad we chose the local option for our afternoon's entertainment. It was wonderful.
Our excursion on the Rose was an hour spent drinking in the most beautiful scenery counties Leitrim and Sligo have to offer while being regaled by George McGoldrick's erudite and enjoyable commentary. We were educated and entertained with poetry and song in the idyllic setting of our own Lough Gill. The adults on board were able to partake of the bar facilities, the Guinness being especially popular, with tea and coffee also served. The younger ones were delighted by their turns on the top deck, wearing the Captain's hat and trying to spot the Lough Gill Monster, conjured up by George.
Once we had disembarked from the Rose of Innisfree we walked the few steps to the castle. Here I was amazed that the entry charge was only €8 for the whole family - really excellent value. Once again a pleasant hour was passed in learning a little of our local history. There is a guided tour available, along with an audio-visual presentation, but we chose to meander at our own pace, aided by the guide brochure provided at reception by Siobhan. This really is a tour for all ages, with history, high walls and towers against the beautiful backdrop of Lough Gill.
All in all we spent a very enjoyable couple of hours being entertained, amused and informed on the shores and the waters of one of Ireland's most beautiful lakes, at a cost which did not break the bank. The cherry on top of the cake was the fact that all of this took place less than 10 minutes from home!
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