On the trip's itinerary stopping at Rathbaun Farm in County Galway, Ireland, we took a short tour of the sheep farm with the husband guiding us through the barn and he and his dog demonstrating the rounding up of sheep. Here, the sheep are raised not for the wool [inferior], but for the meat, mutton or lamb. Personally I never cared for lamb OR mutton, so seeing these beauties made me kinda cringe thinking of their slaughter. But, to each their own. Each stall [several] had different breeds of sheep, I have two personal favorites with my photo series. The sweet lamb face pleading to be 'freed'...looking directly at me hoping I'd be its savior, and the fact that black sheep are quite rare, one stall had THREE black lambs!! I thought that was extraordinary.
Also, around the farm, including the 'home', some buildings had THATCH roofing! To me thatch roofing is definitely IRISH!! I was pleased as punch to see this material used...I was taken back in time. Then, after the tour and demonstrations we as a group were invited indoors to taste the traditional treat of Irish Scones!! They were mouth watering delicious. I was hoping for second helpings, but that never came to pass. We got a chance to do a 'walk-about' on the grounds and then, it was time to board the bus again and drive a distance more before stopping at another 5 star hotel!
by the way, Frances' scone recipe is available online for free. Trust me when I say they are worth making!! [In the series below, Frances is the hostess speaking to us-*standing] HERE is the recipe. [there are many online of hers...just do a google search for Rathbaun Farm Scones].
...bah bah black sheep, have you any wool? Yessir, yessir, three bags full.
Are you getting tired of Ireland yet? I'm about half way through my photos [1000+]...I can stop anytime you get bored!! Otherwise, I will continue.
I will NEVER get tired of your Irish posts, you could post them to infinity. I have wanted to go there for decades. The thatched roofs are pretty as can be! And many of your images are timeless! I don't know how anyone can raise sheep to eat. The poor things have absolutely no defense, plus they are not too smart. We should take care of creatures like this in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input Ginny!
DeleteI love that thatch roof! When I was in Annascaul, I lived in one even. It is such a beautiful country with beautiful food and beautiful landscape
ReplyDelete...and beautiful people!
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI love the seeing sheep, they are cute animals. The scones sound yummy, thanks for the recipe link. I have been enjoying your Ireland photos. Take care, have a great new week!
Thanks Eileen
DeletePlease continue. I am enjoying the trip.
ReplyDeleteI tried to sell scones at work once. The didn't go well so I stopped them. I apparently don't live in a scone town. I'm sure they weren't as good as Frances's
I think they are acquired tastes and some I've had are so hard, tough and very 'doughy' tasting
DeleteAnni, I especially enjoyed these photos from your trip because I love sheep. They have the cutest little faces. And I also love how their ears hang down.
ReplyDeleteYou captured some really get shots of your day. And what a beautiful, sunny day it was!
That picture of the scones look deeeeeelicious. Nothing more heavenly than a warm scone with lemon curd.
Please continue, my friend!
It was a most gorgeous day!!
DeleteI definitely enjoy reading your stories about your Ireland trip and the photos you take really amplify the visions in my mind of this country. IMO, sheep are really not very bright at all and I much prefer goats with personalities. Nope! lamb and mutton not tasty to me either. Maybe there is a 'special' way to prepare it that I don't know of. The scones sound good. Never had one. Your trip has become one of my own so please continue!
ReplyDeleteTry this scone recipe!!
DeleteI too would have been sad seeing those sweet lambs destined for slaughter! I don't eat lamb or veal either! Although not always commenting, I am enjoying reading about your trip to Ireland!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback Jeanette!!
DeleteLOVE the thatched roofs and that scone recipe sounds yummy to me! I will give it a try when the weather cools off in the autumn. I'm totally enjoying your trip and beautiful Ireland photos. Don't stop!
ReplyDeleteThank you M&M!
Deletekeep them coming, adorable sheep and precious faces. Sorry to hear they are in the food chain, makes me sad. i did not know they could have inferior wool. LOVE the thatched roof and buidlings. scones are something I have never tasted but know I would love them. no tea with mine, i want coffee. love the herding dog
ReplyDeleteMilk for me!! lol
DeleteI never get tired of seeing pictures from Ireland, dear Anni!
ReplyDeleteYes, it hurts to think that these sheep are being bred to eat. I always console myself with the fact that if they weren't raised as farm animals, they would never have been born... Anyway, the photos of them are lovely and I really like the houses with the thatched roofs too!
All the best and hugs from Austria,
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2022/07/blackout-teil-1-wie-gro-ist-die-gefahr.html
I'm happy knowing you enjoy all Irish posts so far!!
DeleteNEVER bored of your pictures, Anni. I feel very fortunate you take the time to post them! Ooooohhhh... scones!! I will have to check out this recipe! It's odd you should mention scones as I was just looking up recipes online a few days ago. ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteI ❤️ scones!
DeletePlease keep them coming. I will never get there myself and this is a good second best.
ReplyDeleteSadly I do love lamb but if I had to see those sweet faces, I'm sure I would give it up but then that goes for all meat animals.
Yes, I understand your thoughts.
DeleteI do not choose to eat lamb or sheep either. Worse here, because I have read that our lambs are not raised in humane conditions. But of course, none of our meat/chickens are. Unless you buy grass fed and really cage free, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt is your trip of a lifetime!!! Of course you should post your pics and memories!!!!!!!
Gentle hugs
🌼 🌼 🌼
Thanks for your input!!
DeleteI remember visiting a sheep farm also. Love seeing your photos.
ReplyDeleteI like lamb but Ken doesn't so never eat it.
I never cared for their meat (too greasy...or so it seems)
DeleteThe farm is one of my favorite stops so far. I could never eat lamb.
ReplyDeleteMe either!
DeleteMy favourite picture today is that first one. The white cottage with the thatched roof and a RED DOOR. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteI definitely will check out the recipe for scones. I always have scones on hand because we love them with homemade jam and Cool Whip. In fact I had one just this morning.
Keep having a great time!!!
Oh darn. I forgot to check if I was going in as GM or anonymous. Well, it was me. Why Blogger does this I don't understand.
DeleteI like scones too, if made right.
DeleteThanks for letting me know it was you. I wish blogger would fix it too!!
DeleteOoooh! Loved this stop....Lambs have such precious faces. It would have been more enjoyable had the farm been one where the sheep were raised for their fleeces. But it looks like a beautiful farm - so neat and tidy. Thanks for the recipe link....I love scones and love baking so I will definitely be trying in (in a reduced version). I will, however, use Irish butter rather than the margarine LOL. And don't you DARE stop now!!! ~Robin~ (TheCrankyCrow)
ReplyDeleteOh yes!! Real Irish butter is a must.
DeleteNo! I'm not tired of Ireland!
ReplyDeleteI love that little lamb looking at you. I am not a fan of eating lamb either, better to see their cute faces.
Those thatched roofs are so cool.
My daughter makes a yummy scone. I'm going to check out this scone recipe. Thanks for sharing it.
They were so soft, tender, and tasty.
DeleteKeep on sharing photos and adventures.
ReplyDelete😊
DeleteI like Lamb and I had salami that was made for old sheep
ReplyDeleteNo I'm not tired of your trip.
Coffee is on and stay safe
I just can't find mutton or lamb good.
DeleteI love these posts! Please keep them coming,
ReplyDeleteOkie dokie! 😊
DeleteI would love to see a sheep dog at work. Recently I watched a program about sheep farmers and their dogs. Just whistles and hand movements and those dogs obey.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that gorgeous red door and each photo was amazing.
NO WAY WOULD I EVER tire of seeing Ireland thru the eyes of YOU.
Hugs Cecilia
I'm happy to read this!!
DeleteDon't you dare stop!!! I am enjoying every single photo. Besides it's the only way I will ever get to Ireland.
ReplyDeleteOh my, that pleading lambie look...tears at my heart.
I'm not fond of the flavor of lamb either..If I must I will eat it but not my choice.
I think it's the smell..reminds me of my Mom frying lamb chops and smelling it for days afterwards... Sigh
Sue
Ohhh, the smell alone would keep me from eating it
DeleteAn excellent recap of this latest stop with great photos to accompany! Thankfully, it was only scones you were invited in to try after your description of looking into the lamb's eyes who was pleading to be freed.
ReplyDeleteTrue!!
DeleteI LOVE sheep! I also love watching sheep dogs, I recently watched This Farming Life on Britbox. One of the seasons features a Shepherdess named Emma, who trains sheep dogs, it is amazing to watch.
ReplyDeleteI bet it was very educational!
DeleteHooray for us and our 3 stents, which are still working fine!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete💛 💛 💛 💛
Yay!!!
Delete