Our Trod on the Old Sod

where to start...these past few days have been unbelievably fulfulling. We've learned the city where our ancestors came from - Westport, County Mayo. Apparently there are loads of McGrails. or rather, McGreal's. We visited the shrine of Knock. There was such a peace there. The little church reminded me of the churches on the little island by Quebec, Canada. I loved the simplicity of atmosphere. We happened to walk into the site of the shrine which is a chapel just as Mass was starting. There is a museum there with some items from those who witnessed the apparition, etc. but it cost a bit to get in so we decided to spend the money on a book about the shrine and some other souvenirs...ha surprised? We visited a grocery store in Ballynrow and it was really fun to see all the different foods and things. It is especially fun being Christmastime. There are always christmas trees and lights everywhere and Christmas music playing. They decorated the castle for Christmas. The first thing you see when you enter the castle, and anywhere in Ireland, is a nativity scene. It feels like no other place on earth, like one big welcoming home. It's hard to describe the feeling oof not having to be on your toes or feeling a bit out of place. It's like no place I've ever been before. Breakfast at the castle has been unbelievable. Have we mentioned that there are chandiliers everywhere? after all its a castle..but there's one every place you turn. And the food is fabulous! Making the drive down to Killarney this early afternoon - hope the rains hold off but we'll take it as it has been sunny all the time we've been in Ireland so far.