Well, really writing about a castle is an excuse for me to witter on about Phoenix Park, Papal Nuncios, undersecretaries and so on. Writing is fun.

Hidden in plain sight, in fact. Ashtown Castle is next.

A castle not too far from me this time. Carrickfergus Castle, one-time capital of Ulster.

By discovering that they are actually scenes from an 18th century novel. More common than you’d think – in an era before literacy was common, written word became spoken word became folk tale. Fun to find, though.

Didn’t even get to the pirates. I suspect this may wind up quite long.

But not pirate ghosts. Carrickfergus Castle next.

Finally, nothing but genuine 100% true facts. Blarney Castle – The Truth Behind The Myth

Lots of facts. Total facts. Nothing but writing down the truth going on today yes indeed. See for yourself tomorrow.

Turns out there are a lot of tall tales surrounding the stone that lets you tell tall tales. So yeah – Blarney Castle is next.

New castle, Luttrellstown! Fun ride from the Normans to the Celtic Tiger.