Another fine sunnyish day. A spot of gardening in the morning then C came over for a spot of historical inquiry. C is an archaeologist in real life but currently on holiday. He specialises in vernacular architecture so we went off to see what we could find. First stop Rossmore Castle - the remains of a tower house now incorporated into farm buildigns. Very satsifactory. On to Cul na Long - the old ruins of a fortified mansion . We were very fortunate in being shown around by the owner who is also doing up the huge New Court next door - what a massive undertaking. Very satisfactory. We then set off across the fields to look at the remains of a mass house , momentarily distracted by a buxom woman wielding a chainsaw. We discovered a tiny stone lined path. Very satisfactory. On to a moated ringfort and finally to an abandoned house, ducking under barbed wire and avoiding stinging nettles. This last place had a melancholy air - one of those where everything had just been left. The last owner's wellies were still by the fire, as was his jacket on the chair. All very satisfactory.

Tooth report: the antibiotics are kicking in and I feel a lot better. Thank you for all your kind words and reassurances. I'll need them again in a fortnight when I go next to the dentist.