Thanks, Michele. We are pretty sure we want a night in a castle so what about Markree Castle in Co. Sligo? Their website looks good, but then most people (and castles) put their best foot forward on a website.

I guess that's good news about the Rope Bridge!  Two of us will brave it with one shouting encouragement from the shore. I'll pass that news along to my sisters.

Enniskillen will be a good choice over Sligo. I was just looking at larger towns last night. If memory serves me, we stayed in Enniskillen last time after visiting Belleek.

All over Texas and Oklahoma the Jones girls will be bumping into things and running off the road due to lack of sleep! Like the little boy in the commercial,"We're too excited to sleep!"

Thanks, Bit! No, Athlone was just in a convenient spot on the way south. We will definitely look into Roscommon.

 I'm at work (shhh!) so don't have my atlas but will definitely look into Castle Leslie.

 

Dude,

You are right. I got my loughs mixed up. The ferry goes across Lough Folye. I should have been looking at my larger map rather than the one I need a magnifying glass for! Thanks for keeping me on my toes.

As for staying in Enniskillen, I was thinking that you could go down through Omagh and stop at the Ulster American Folk Park. Donegal or Ballyshannon would work as well as Sligo. Sometimes in Ireland it is impossible to avoid backtracking.

I have not visited Markree Castle. I have heard mixed feedback on it.

Michele

Michele,

Cornamagh House was one of those pleasant surprises found when I just couldn't drive another mile. The first B&B I stopped at was not taking lodgers at the time and called ahead to Cornamagh. They assured me that I would be pleased. Pleased is an understatement. I wish that I had been able to stay longer than one night! Mary had a hot cuppa waiting and a warm scone. Brian took my bag upstairs. The attention to detail in every area of the house is what I keep going back to time and again. From the moment I walked in the door, I could tell this was a well run B&B. The furnishings are period and the artwork was, if not originals, excellent reproductions. The bedrooms are of average size, not so small that you feel like you are in a broom closet and not so big that you feel you need rollerskates. The bed was extremely comfortable. I love sheets that feel crisp and cool without the pilling that some sheets get after numerous washings. I loved the quilt on my bed, it reminded me of being at my Gran's. The shower was great, plenty of hot water, room to turn around and to wash my hair without being a contortionist. Breakfast was absolutely delicious and they served REAL coffee!

They do have cats in the garden, which can be a drawback for some people. However, that just added to my sense of home. The gardens were nice when I went in July but I bet that they are spectacular in the blooming season. I enjoyed my walk with the horses, as that is my usual routine after dinner at home.

I haven't had the pleasure of staying at Glasson Stone yet. Have you been in Glasson Village when the roses are in full bloom? Glasson Village was and Inspiration for the Poet Goldsmith. If you get a chance and are familiar with the area, read The Deserted Village. You will find yourself transported to Glasson.

I want to have one month to explore all the B&Bs of County Roscommon and the bordering towns. I keep hoping for those winning 5 and a powerball! I look forward to your impression of Cornamagh.

Hugs,

Bit

Dude,

There is another thread about castle hotels. On it I mentioned that I have visited Kinnitty Castle. I was unable to see the bedrooms because it was totally booked and a wedding was going on. The castle itself is very baronial and ancient in aspect. All the public areas were more castle-like than a lot of the more polished castle hotels. Another forum member has stayed there several times and really liked it.

Michele

Dude,

I am liking your most recent itinerary. BTW, the title of the post is Castle Hotels.

Michele