Good Bye WAW

Before writing today's blog, we had to add one more photo taken from our room last night.

Our river view at 11pm.

Karen enjoying our breakfast river view.

Ballynahinch Castle Walled Garden.

Today was the last day on the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) highway as began to go east towards Dublin this aftetnoon. As you will see, the weather has finally changed - for a day or two. We welcomed the drizzle and 65-68 degree temps.

The Atlantic, rocks and sheep (hundreds of sheep everywhere we go).

As we looked at the map this morning, we saw an Abby listed in the same direction we were heading for tonight's castle hotel, so off we went heading north on the WAW. The Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden was originally built as a Castle in 1867 as a romantic gift. In 1920 it became home to a community of Benedictine Nuns and has been renowned as a place of spirituality and education.

The Abby.

Guest living room.

The dining room.

The Gardens.

Our last stop on the WAW was another small town at the Blackberry Cafe for a light lunch - soup, salad and chips (french fries). Bill found this place on TripAdvisor several months ago and it was perfect.

Views nearby.

We arrived at Ashford Castle at 3:15 pm, leaving us time to enjoy the castle and grounds. They have a beautiful, idealic setting and a golf course - although no time for Bill to play. Instead we came early to enjoy all it has to give.

Ashford Castle.

The orginal castle was built in 1228. During the next nearly 8 centuries, additions were made. Today it is a destination Castle Hotel, and absolutely beautiful, located deep in the heartland against a spectacular backdrop of forests, lakes and mountains. Driving in you cross a mote and are greated more than once by very hospitable greeters dressed in official Irish uniforms.

The mote bridge.

Our room.

Bridge view from our room.

Lobby Sitting Room.

View towards the lake.

Tonight we ate dinner in 'The Dungeon'. It was of course guarded by Knights.

The Knight stands guard and lets us in.

Eating in The Dungeon was not a torture - it was unique. 

After dinner we continued walking about the property enjoying the cool weather.  Today's light rain was the first relief Ireland has had in 17-days and the residents were very happy for the relief.

Walkway.

The Walled Garden.

For you movie buffs, John Ford's 'The Quite Man' with John Wayne was filmed here and the close by village. Another piece of trivia - President & Mrs. Regan stayed here.

From our lovely room to yours, good night.