A Picnic at Newbridge House

Today was a gorgeous day here in Dublin - mid-60's. We decided to drive out to Newbridge House and have a picnic lunch. K was so good and made all the sandwiches while the rest of us got dressed for the day. We've been a little lazy since school has been out. When I came downstairs K had found a little basket and it was filled with sandwiches and snacks. Gosh...I love her! Ohh and she snuck her book into the basket. 

Newbridge House is located in Donabate which is north of the city, so it only took us about 25 minutes to get there. We have been here many times before but not this past year. The estate is an early 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was built by Archbishop Charles Cobbe (Anglican) in 1736 and remained the family home of the Cobbe family until 1985. It was then acquired by the county but the Cobbe family has a unique arrangement where they are allowed to stay at the house from time to time. The county was able to open up the property to the public. They have a little over 400 acres. 

K and our picnic basket

I love my little bookworm!

We all had a nice picnic lunch together. There were loads of people there today relaxing and playing in the sun. We saw one group cooking on a barbecue and we saw a big group of mothers that had a tea pot on a gas heater. I tried to take a picture of it, but when I went back with my camera they had packed up. Only in Ireland would you see a tea pot on a picnic. Ha! We went down to the playground for a little while so the children could have a quick run around.

Newbridge House

My girls love to be matchy-matchy!

Of course there is a coffee shop here (and tearoom) and yes
there is a train station in Donabate

We then walked through the 18th century working farm. L was so excited. Its a nice traditional farm where the animals can move about freely. 

Cobbled courtyard

there were some pigs in pens here and tool rooms

L loved the baby goats

feeding the goats

this little guy escaped

and then there were three more that escaped

Baby Lamby

this guy needs a hair cut..I don't even know how he can see!

Rolled Turf 

When you exit the farm they have sinks all lined up to wash your hands

I had a great afternoon with the children. L had a little nap on the way home. She was exhausted! 

On our way out we saw some ruins on the property. Gosh...I'm going to
miss seeing ruins all the time!