Apple juice, porridge with nuts, raisins and honeycomb, coffee, hazelnut yogurt and a assortment of breads, cheeses and meat

A little taste of the drive.

Me at the entrance of the working mill.

As we have been driving and stopping and getting back in the car, we laugh at one another because at least one of us will accidentally try to get in on the wrong side of the car. It is something I never really get used to. Even when I drive around Ireland for two weeks I would sometimes get in the passenger seat trying to drive. We made one stop before Ballybeg and that was at a place called Avoca. Avoca is a fine weavery. Is that a word? I don't think so. It is actually a mill but that sounds so plain. They are famous for making exquisite scarves, blankets and more. They have lambswool and cashmere. My brother is a Avoca blanket junkie and had to stop at this particular spot because this is where they actually weave the fabric.  

We did a little shopping...well, my brother did a lot of shopping...but I got darling sheep salt and pepper shakers to go with my barnyard animal theme kitchen and I bought a tie for the BF. After shopping we walked the grounds which are just beautiful. The spring flowers are all in bloom. It was a very peaceful place. Then we went into the mill itself to watch them working. You can do a free self guided tour which takes you right up close and personal with the looms. 

We piled back into the car with our new goodies and made our way to Ballybeg House, our home for the next couple days. Mom's handy phone got us to the grounds easily and Dad did great driving on the wrong side of those tiny, tiny roads. I always remember when I was the driver and thinking how damn narrow the roads are. Not only are they narrow but they have stone walls or thick hedges lining the sides so that you need to squeeze between that and oncoming traffic. We only hit a few bushes and I think that is a good day.

We were the first of the 13 person group to arrive. We all knew we were showing up in the late afternoon so an afternoon tea was arranged ahead of time. It was held in a side room lined with windows so we could look out onto the lovely grounds. It was pretty. They let us walk around for a while while we waited for the other guests to arrive. We got to snoop around the main house which had three or four bedrooms, a full kitchen and pantry, two sun rooms (for lack of a better word since it is Ireland so how much sun could there be?), a lounge and a library.

Myself and my immediate family are to stay in the Dairy of the grounds. The parents of the bride and of the groom are staying in the house along with the maid of honor. The two groomsmen are staying in what are being called the "Pods" which are funny little hut-like things down the road a little bit. I am so happy we got the Dairy because it was comfortable, quiet and easy to get to. The bride and groom stayed in a whole house of their own called the Grouse Lodge. That was a ways away from the rest of the grounds. 

We took some time to peek about in the chapel area and bar where the reception will be. It all looks just beautiful. My cousin, the bride, actually wants it to rain on her wedding day. She feels it is a more Irish thing to happen. I think it will be lovely rain or no rain because the grounds are so green, peaceful and just pleasant to be at. 

After some rest we all went to the nearest pub where the parents of the groom bought us all dinner and plenty of libations. They also organized a band to play. It was a good first night.