In the formal dining room, where Eleanor Roosevelt was hosted during World War II
(We were encouraged to sit down at the table. It was amazing to me how
open everything was to the public both inside the castle and around the grounds.)
The throne room
The grounds
We also spent some time in the town of Hillsborough.
This cemetery had gravestones from at least the 1800s
(we think one said 1700-something) all the way until today.
Another day we went to the site of the Battle of the Boyne and also to Trim Castle and the town of Trim.
This house was built on the site of the battle and has
a cannonball from the battle right above the doorway.
Where Prince William of Orange met King James II in battle in 1690
The town of Trim
Trim Castle (built in the 1100s)
Some of the group having fun on the castle steps
Guided tour of the castle
At the top of the castle
In the town
Walking around Trim, with the castle in the distance
During several of the days we had free time, and people all went different directions to do activities around the area. Our family went one afternoon to Dundrum Castle, which was built in 1180.
The keep
Inside the keep
My mother-in-law and Beth Buchanan at the top of the keep
Eric with two of the Buchanan boys
We also spent a bit of time in the nearby town of Newcastle.
Enjoying ice cream and the beautiful view!
(The Irish Sea was right beyond that hill.)
There were also things to do right on or near the castle grounds. These included an arboretum and one of the largest hedge mazes in the world.
My parents-in-law in the arboretum
Sequoia trees
At the hedge maze--This is probably less than a
quarter of the whole thing. There were 3.5 km of trails.
View from a bridge in the maze
Look at the scenery beyond the maze!
We encourage anyone who is able to, to go to the next BRF Conference! Plans are for it to be held in South Wales from July 21-28, 2018. Keep your eyes out for more details coming over the next year!
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