This past weekend i had the privilege of attending the wonderful Galway Garden Festival at the beautifully restored Claregalway Castle, on the outskirts of Galway City. I was there on Saturday with my wife, and my lovely grandaughter, Jessica, and we had a most enjoyable time together. There was food, there was music, and there was a wide variety of entertainment,from Medieval armed combat, to circus, to puppets, and street acts. One of the main things for me, as usual, was the variety of locally produced, and prepared, foods available, and i did partake.
The man behind the restoration of this wonderful, and historic castle, is Eamon O'Donoghue, pictured above with one of his many helpers, Crystal, obviously enjoying the lovely day we were blessed to have. This was my first time at this event, and eventhough i knew it was likely to be well attended, i was really surprised at the huge numbers of people who turned out. The parking facilities available were superb and, amazingly, free of charge.This event is hosted annually by Eamon, and is a charitable event with the main beneficiary being CBM, the organization whose aim it is to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities. Other charities also benefit from these events at Claregalway Castle, but i believe that all of us benefit from a visit to this very special place, thanks to the dedication of Eamon O'Donoghue, who has followed through with a life long passion to restore this historic place.
Claregalway Castle is now the home of Medieval Armed Combat, MACI, and i really enjoyed the real life battles that took place here this weekend. In the picture above you can see two sturdy Knights, wielding their great swords, and kitted out in full armour, doing their best to overcome one another. Happily they both survived, but of course there had to be a winner. As i was in a good mood, and quiet happy about things in general, i did not take part in any of this activity.(You really do need to be in the mood, you know what i mean)
I would highly recommend that you mark October in your diary for the the International Medieval Armed Combat Festival, which will be taking place at Claregalway Castle. I certainly will be making my way there.( I might get a little practice in, in the meantime.)
The St Patrick's brass band provided some rousing music for us.
The Juke Box circus, pictured above, entertained us with a variety of comic, and gymnastic performances.
Crystal, my wife Sue, and my grandaughter Jessica, really enjoying the sunshine.
Jessica, with her tray of chips, what some people mistakenly call French Fries. (Call them what you like, they were delicious.
I would recommend that you look out for future events at Claregalway Castle as there are ongoing plans for many more in the days ahead.
To learn more about Claregalway castle, just Google
www.claregalwaycastle.com
And enjoy
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