11 March 2011

Adventures in Ireland: Ashford Castle

If you were ever a little girl who dreamed of being a princess in a castle, today you are in for a treat! Husband and I spent 3 days and 2 nights at the enchanted Ashford Castle. This was by far my favorite part of the trip, and these photos will show you why. Once upon a time...
I squealed when we pulled up... to die!
Trying to get the whoooooole thing in one photo (not an easy task).
The view out our window... fountains, sprawling greens, the water, scattered islands... le sigh.
From another angle - I took MANY photos of this castle.
The grounds sprawled hundreds of acres of forrest and beautiful discoveries like this.
Drinks after dinner in the drawing room.
Where we had afternoon tea and hors d'oeuvres.
Our gorgeous room... adored that pink and green, of course!
An eye for the details...
Obsessed with all the fireplaces.
His and hers... relaxing like royalty.
The George V Dining Room... fine formal dining at its best all glammed up!
Dungeon Bar... in the castle basement.
Now, I don't want you to think that all we did was lounge around the castle sipping wine and eating fabulous food (although that part was simply divine!). There were activities galore from horseback riding to falconry, golfing to boating, and clay pidgeon shooting to a full spa. We made visits to Ireland's School of Falconry, where we learned all about this 4000 year old sport and even got to fly our own hawks, leather glove and all (OMG!). We also went horseback riding through the forrest to the Guinness tower and took the boat cruise on the Loch Corrib which the castle overlooked. What fun!
My falcon was named Millie! Can you believe it?! We instantly bonded.
Our horses smooching! Mine was tan and Husband was my white knight on the white horse.
Wishing you all the most fabulous of weekends! XOXO

3 comments:

DSS said...

OMG...the kissing horses! Swoon :)

I had no idea one could stay in a castle on their holiday! I do like that idea, and perhaps I will need to investigate. I am, after all, a princes :-o hahaha..

Kori said...

Wow gorgeous photos...I have to get there! I'm having a little giveaway to celebrate Spring. If you haven't already entered, please swing by! Kori xoxo

http://www.blondeepisodes.com

Ruth said...

Beautiful photos. On my bucket list is to visit Ireland and Ashford Castle will be on my must list when I get to go after seeing your pictures.