Spend an easy day strolling through the rural village of Ballingarry. There are ruins of an early Norman castle in the middle of the village. While it is situated on private property and access is poor, it is worth a stroll as the condition is excellent considering its age.
The spire of the Roman Catholic Church can be seen for miles around and the church itself is similar to a small cathedral with palatial décor. The village is overlooked by Knockfernia, a 286m high hill sacred to Donn Firinne, Celtic god to the Otherworld, or Death. The hill has many strange legends and stories. Also known as the 'hill of truth,' a great expanse of territory embracing six counties, many mountain ranges and the Shannon estuary can be seen from the summit on a clear day. There is a rough track for
walkers, which leads to the top.
As the famine took effect in the 1840's, local who were evicted from their own houses fled to Knockfernia, which at the time was commonage. They built simple mud huts and fed on the roots of wild vegetation. As the starvation intensified, all the inhabitants died.
Today, the simple mud huts remain, partially restored, as a stark reminder of their suffering. Weather permitting; this trek is the ideal way to work up an appetite for dinner!!
Take time out to recharge and stay at The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge. Check in early and enjoy walking in the surrounding country lanes, take a hike to the top of Knockfernia and view the house from the highest point of Co. Limerick or spend the afternoon browsing in nearby Adare village. Enjoy a four course dinner menu in the restaurant, renouned for fine food and genuine hospitality. Stay overnight in one of the individually decorated bedrooms where a great nights sleep is assured. Breakfast the following morning includes free range eggs from our own hens (if they're in form!). Relax with the newspapers before your reluctant departure.
