The Relics Of Rinn Dúin

Since our lovely time here last year I was excited about a return to Rinn Dúin. Last year only 4 of us were here but that time is still in my top three of the Bards In The Woods we have done.

I was expecting a small turn out again due to location plus it is probably the longest walk we do.

So here we are at this wonderful place again ...


It surprised me how many people showed interest. Over 20 at one point, but most dropped out within the hour before we set off, even some arriving then dropping off.

Was it the Bull sign that scared them away?


On arrival there was a light shower and people leaving after cutting their walk short through fear of rain.

We waited awhile for others saying they were arriving soon ...


... but they did not arrive ...

So it was 3 of us that set off this time, rain had gone and did not return until way after we left.

Another reminder about the bull ...


but the field was full of sheep, no cattle.

The signs were all pointing the same direction this year ...


Last year these all pointed in three directions.

First, a visit to the medieval hospital area ...


The man who wrote and recorded the guide for this walk, Richard Collins, and wrote up and posted the signs posted around this walk, was not here today ...


Last year he called us over to this gate
to give us a thorough introduction to the walk.

Interesting gate to get in, with ladder and prompting of jokes about climbing in ...


Burial stone that looks like a carving with teeth.


We collected linden blossoms to make tea to relax us later ...


and stayed awhile to see if anyone late arriving would like to catch us up.


I looked over at the 'city' wall where we were to walk around soon ...


Late arrivers said they were very late so we moved over stiles and fields ...


and the sun came out for a few minutes at this time.


Going through the arch


to the Lough Ree shore ...


I think Teresa likes it here :-)


A family of swans feeding here ...


and then they sailed on ...


We decided to wait awhile for the latecomers, for awhile ...


but we got a message from the latecomers that they had arrived but now had to go away again as they had somewhere else to get to.

So us three continued along the shore through its woodlands and stiles and reached the 'city' walls


where we crossed a stone stile ...


The signs have deteriorated awfully since last year.


Some signs had now gone completely. Several of the arrow markers had gone to. This path seems to be no longer maintained. Even the lovely Every Trail app including map and audio tour is no more.

Even so, the beauty is still here. After awhile we arrived at the Castle inlet.


A view of it looking into the lough


Several boaters had arrived here and we're exploring the castle ..


Being such a pretty spot we had our picnic here and poems were shared ...


After a very welcome sojourn time to explore the castle. Note in this pic the sign has collapsed and gone. It was a lovely informative sign here last year.


Coleston and Teresa went in ...


I stayed out to try and get more whole castle shots as I did not get good ones last year.

Last year the women took to this place much more than the men and climbed right up the walls, but Teresa and Coleston were quickly leaving saying it was too gloomy and eerie there.

Next stop on the trail is normally the windmill remains ...


then the beautiful loop walk enters into and continues through the very ancient Warren Woods, which was the highlight I was looking forward too.


Teresa and Coleston said they were tired and had seen enough and wanted to take the shorter loop back.

This first passes what called the Parish Church ...


with a sign also fallen and damaged ...


Across more fields beside another beautiful shoreline, and over more stiles. That White House in the distance never seems to get nearer though


Then it's just one more field to cross ...


and we are back at the car.

We went onto St. John's Wood for awhile where there is a place to enjoy more picnic before we set off home.

If you are curious about The Ancient Warren Wood ..
Click here for the blog post with pics from last year.

Sadly, not only were the signs down and the path not as well maintained, but the audio and gps guided walk on Every Trail app has gone. Actually, the app itself does not seem to work any more.

Even so, this is still a very worthy place to visit and walk. I will be back soon :-



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