Ireland (Day Three) - City of Mallow and Bridgetown Abbey

Today was the day we said goodbye to 10 Riverside House. On the way out of the Wicklow Mountains, we got to the top of hill and looked into the river valley where we had just stayed. 

We also got to see the remnants of the "Hero Lead & Zinc Mine" up top there. There was more to it but we only saw this portion. 

One last look at this beautiful land, and we were on our way to Springfort Hall to see Mallow and Blarney Castle (which will be in the next blog). This day was dedicated more to driving and getting to our next destination, and taking a peek at Mallow. 

I should preface this with the fact that I hate cities, which is why we only saw Dublin the first day, by accident. Mallow was the biggest city we saw, and surprise, it wasn't very fun for me. Although there was a neat castle there.

"Mallow Castle lies in the town of the same name, in County Cork in Ireland.

The ruined Mallow Castle we see today dates back to the late 16th century when, between 1585-1599, it was built by Sir Thomas Norreys or Norris, who was Lord-President of Munster. It had 2 predecessors which were situated some 40 meters north. Stones of the latest predecessor were used in building this 3rd castle. The castle is what they call, a 'stronghouse', which is transitional architecture from a stone-walled fortress to a fortified house.

In 1607 the castle went to the Jephson family through marriage. Mallow Castle held out against Confederate forces under Viscount Mountgarret in 1642 but was captured by Lord Castlehaven in 1645. It was however quickly recovered by the Parliamentarians under Lord Inchiquin. In 1689 the castle was finally burnt by the Jacobites.

The Jephsons then built themselves a new castle, some 70 meters northeast, by enlarging and ornamenting the former stables, turning them into a 4th castle in the style of a grand country house. That still stands today as a private residence.

Mallow Castle can freely be visited. A nice ruin. The latest castle can not be visited."

Source: https://www.castles.nl/mallow-castle - this site also has some great photos of the inside of the castle. 

Another source worth looking at about the castle is: http://www.megalithicireland.com/Mallow%20Castle,%20Cork.html

This was across from the castle. It's a bit confusing on what it is. On the Cork County website, they don't say and seem to act as if it's part of the castle. Google reviewers refer to it as a stately house. 

After taking some photos in a dragon chair, we decided to head back into town to get something to eat. This is when I made the mistake of trusting Ireland to make Mexican food well (no offense). It was the one Mexican food place I saw in all our places we were visiting, and I was so excited to have a bite of home. The owner was very friendly, and was excited to impress us when he found out we were from America (California no less). They had heart, they had integrity, they had determination -but unfortunately, it was just not good food. But hey, I didn't go to Ireland to eat their burritos (or lack there of).

After food and shopping around for gifts, we were on our way back to the car park (parking lot), when we noticed this beautiful church.

Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Mallow. An extravagant, stunning piece of architecture both inside and out. 

Mallow was fine. The castle grounds and church were the highlights. The food wasn't, and like in any city, most people were not the nicest. 

On our way back, we saw the remnants of the Augustinian priory, or Bridgetown Abbey, or Bridgetown Priory. It goes by many different names.

"Bridgetown Priory or Abbey, near the confluence of the Awbeg and Blackwater rivers, was founded for Augustinian monks in the 13th century by Alexander FitzHugh.

Soon afterwards, it was owned by the Roches. Henry VIII dissolved the priory in 1540. Bridgetown has a cloister, kitchens, refectory, chapter house and church. Its ruins, now extensively restored, are open to visitors all year around."

Source: https://visitballyhoura.com/explore/bridgetown-priory

This is also a great site that had more in-depth information on the priory's history: http://www.irishstones.org/place.aspx?p=1228 

I actually forgot to take a full front photo of it - but if you google it you can see the view from the front. So we'll be going straight inside. 

There are a lot of little pockets through this, and it can be a little confusing to navigate. Even for me looking back at it. It was quite the puzzle to figure out where each picture was - like I was reading a Nancy Drew book or playing the computer games.

Here is a top view of it to hopefully help you navigate it with me.

An entrance.

It looks like the cemetery the priory had for the monks is to the right as we first enter.

Different angles of the courtyard.

Then we enter a tunnel.

If you turn right in that tunnel you'll see this magnificent jungle of ruin.

In the straight back there was just forest and more stones.

If you turn left in the back, you'll see this tower. 

A closer look at the locked gate covered in ivy.

Here's the other side of the tower.

Here's from the side of the tower looking back at the rest of the complex.

I believe this is in the back somewhere (based on the amount of ivy) looking through several of the rooms.

And that's the end of the abbey, and my day. We made it back to our hotel and got to eat dinner and rest for the next day, Blarney Castle and its' grounds. So until next time, happy adventuring. I'll see you soon.