Over to Wexford and Johnstown Castle

A gorgeous day on Monday. Can't waste a sunny day!! We looked over the map of Wexford and tried to choose between seeing Hook Lighthouse, Tintern Abbey, Wexford Town and Johnstown Castle. We decided on the latter two and I am glad we didn't try to rush through and see more. It was so beautiful wandering around Johnstown Castle for a few hours with Mitzi and then taking a quick walk around Wexford Town. That is what is so special about living here--it's not like we have to rush around, we fully expect we will be back.

Taking the Passage East car ferry across the River Suir

Johnstown Castle--our favorite place so far! We actually liked it better than Powerscourt although both are beautiful.

It was a perfect day for walking around the grounds. It was also so nice to be able to bring Mitzi along. Dogs must stay on the leash of course but she was very happy to sniff along the walkways.

Peacock walked past a very intrigued Mitzi looking at her as if to say "Bring it on dog!"

We had lunch at The Peacock Cafe and then I went through the Agricultural Museum/Famine Exhibition while Richard wandered around outside. The Famine Museum was heart rending for me and brought to mind what refugees must be suffering even in modern times.

This is my heritage. My ancestors survived the Famine, not sure how. I wish there were records but then even my great grandmother couldn't read or write. My great grandparents were born after the Great Famine, around 1857. So it would have been the generation before that scrabbled to survive and keep their land. Someday, hopefully, I will come across records from the area that they lived in that might help me to understand what they went through.

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