The allure of a Medieval Banquet in a 15th Century Irish castle motivated us to spend the whole evening at the castle.
In the Great Hall, a harpist and fiddler filled the room with soothing tunes as the guests drank Mead, an ancient honey-alcohol recipe, and enjoyed a “bite of friendship,” bread dipped in salt.
Hailey before tasting the mead.
Hailey after tasting the mead:) Let's just say she didn't drink anymore.
The atmosphere for superb for mingling. The singers performed on stage before we
climbed the ancient, spiral staircase to the Upper Great Hall.
BUT before we move on... Connor (who complained of a stomach ache earlier) was walking toward our table (at the furthest end of the hall) and emptied his stomach contents on himself, Matt and two guests sitting at the end of the table. He literally placed his hands over his mouth and it shot north and south. Matt picked him up and ran to the nearest bathroom - the ladies room. I've never seen a ladies bathroom empty so fast. We had to strip Connor down and attempt to clean him. We placed him in Matt's jacket and took his clothes to the basement to drip dry.
So, we decided two hour drive back to the cottage before or after the meal. We toughed it out and stayed. We helped the manager clean the floors and profusly appoligized to the guests who experienced this mishap with us. They were all very kind and understood kids can't control such things. Still a night Matt will never forget.
The courses of spiced parsnip soup, spare ribs with whiskey sauce, breast of chicken with apple and mead sauce, vegetable and dessert were alternated with songs and stories.
The term "honeymoon," we are told, comes from an old Irish custom in which newlyweds would, for a month (or the next full moon) consume a daily cup of mead. This practice would enrich life and ensure fertility.
Rastin (Fruit of the Forest Mousse on a Biscuit Base)
Also called "lover's delight" in which you are to feed your lover.
Each performer displayed strong voices. Hailey loved it so much, she bought a CD.
So, the night was a success (for the most part). The music lulled Evan to sleep and poor Connor slept through the whole thing.
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