Family Mellmann

In the name of (more) “off the beaten path”, today we plan to see two relatively remote ruins.  The first is Athassel Priory outside of Tipperary (yes, that Tipperary).  From the apartment, it was just under two hours. The priory was so off-the-beaten-path that we had to park at the entrance to a private residence (off to the side and out of the way, of course) because there are seldom any shoulders on Irish roads and where we were, it was even single-track part of the time.   Once parked, we had to climb over a stone wall (clearly designed for humans to walk over…steps and all…but designed to keep the cows in.) and walk across a field.  No red carpets here. The largest medieval priory in Ireland, Athassel stretches over a 4-acre site. The priory dates back to the late 12th century when it was founded by the Augustinians.  Hubert de Burgh was prior at Athassel around 1221. The original buildings were altered and renovated over the next 300 years. The priory was ...

  We enjoyed a leisurely start to this day. Jörg and I went to the grocery store for breakfast supplies and had a quiet breakfast at home. After breakfast we spent some time trying to figure out how to get hot water for showers (note to self…never think you’re being clever by trying to set up something complicated…remember to KISS; Keep It Simple Stupid.  We had to call the owner to help. Our last troubleshooting effort of the day was sorting out international electric converters for charging phones and iPads.  We use these things every day for maps, routing to dinner and shopping, and of course photos and keeping you all updated (though tardy I may be).  Once sorted out, we ventured out to see stuff. Patrick navigated us to a castle, Menlo Castle.  Several sources date the original tower house to 1569, and it was recorded as being occupied by a Thomas Colman in 1574.  The castle was home to the Blake family for several centuries until it was destroyed by f...