Across the Bitter Sea

Dear Markree Castle Staff,

One of my goals for our trip to Ireland in April was to acquire a better understanding of Irish history, particularly the parts that impacted most of the Irish Heritage of my homeland, the United States.  I visited several sites that supported our goal, including the Strokestown Famine Museum.  I wanted to read about those events in greater depth, so I looked for a history on the topic.  Before I found such a book at a bookstore, I came across a very relevant novel on the Markree Castle bookshelf.  With this letter I am returning the copy of Eilis Dillon’s Across the Bitter Sea that I found during my stay at the castle in April.  At some point I took the book to my car and didn’t get in back in the hotel before we headed up to Westport.  On the upside, for me, when i found that I still had the book I was able to finish reading it.

Eilis’s novel could have served as the outline of Irish history from 1798 through 1916, including the famine years, used at the Strokestown Museum.  As I approached Collooney, I read in my travel guide that there was a castle in town where once French and English armies battled in 1798.  We set out to find that castle and when we arrived, Markree Castle, was so inviting that we decided to walk in and see the lobby.  There the hospitality was so friendly and complete (you invited us to a cup of coffee) that we could not resist staying a few days.

Every aspect of our stay was excellant: our room, the location, the service in the bar and the dining room.  I also enjoyed the personal tour I received of the lodgings up at the Markree Castle Home Farm.  I apologize that I cannot remember the names of each of the staff persons that made our stay so pleasant.  And I appreciate you guys pointing out the collection of books up on the third floor.  My wife and I look forward to our next visit.