We are on our way to Ashford Castle today. But first! The giant stalactite is here to see, in Doolin Cave. We also stopped at a fabulous perfumery in the middle of nowhere along The Burren (located in northwestern County Clare; windswept, striated limestone of little soil, so yes, a shock to find). And then on to the majestic castle. All truly a sight to behold. This day I indulged and took more pictures than any other.
Saying goodby to lovely Doolin. A must stay if you are going to the cliffs and want to hear live music!
A hike above the Doolin cave grounds. There are lots of undiscovered caves here, spelunkers, due to all the limestone. Profound quote by Thoreau we read here: “The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time.” Love that.
There are also lots of fairy houses here.
Behold, the giant stalactite. It was like a huge chandelier. We are 250 meters underground. 500,000 years of limestone dripping! You had to wear a hard hat due to low tunnel heights. I banged my head on the ceiling a bunch of times, feeling like one of the Stooges.
52 degrees inside year round.
Backside of it.
Then we were on our way.
Along The Burren, we randomly happened upon a perfumery. It was glorious. We bought a bunch of essential oils, soaps, candles, perfumes. Can not recommend it enough.
They also had a cafe, with all local, organic ingredients. We are in.
Get me in that vegan parsnip rosemary soup with freshly made grainy brown bread. YUM. We also had carrot cake and tea while we sniffed the scent strips and tried to decide between perfumes. Heaven.
Then we were on the road for 2 hours to the castle. Passing through small towns like this.
Or by beautiful structures like this. The Irish countryside is full of tales and wonder. This just along one of the many windy, narrow, often dangerous if a large truck was careening toward you, rock-fenced roads we were on.
Then we arrived at Ashford Castle. I was blown away by this outstanding place. First you get through the guard at the outside wall. Then you drive through a forest, through the grounds, over a moat with another guard (here) and then finally the castle. It felt like it was all ours. No one was strolling about. That was about to change!
A fancy rum punch upon arrival in our room.
It was time to explore the grounds. There was a photo opp at every turn. It was completely stunning. I am going to overindulge here and post a bunch of photos of us on the grounds. FANCY AF. Yes, they had an equestrian school, a falconry school, a lake and lots of different gardens. Gorgeous.
Hee hee!
Ivy just spilling out…lovely.
Now time to take it indoors, and get us some extravagant cocktails!
After sitting next several fancy fireplaces and paintings, I started calling him Lord Grantham, but since he is not a huge Downton Abbey Fan, I don’t think he got the reference. 😉
An Irish Spring (gin, mint, elderflower, lime) for happy hour.
And a smokey old-fashioned for the gent.
Then when we got back to our room, they had left us champagne! So generous and classy.
Down the hatch!
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7 Comments
KJ I’m so inspired by everything you’re doing and experiencing! What an amazing day!
Thank you! May everyone get to follow their dreams. xoxo
oh my goodness. the red dress! the greenery! the lovely healthy brown bread! the fairy houses! all so lovely. i can see why you loved it so there. x
These are so adorable. Kinda like a fractured Town and Country spread. So glamorous in your red dress and puff hairdo. Love it.
Thank you Tracy!!! Hope you are doing well! ❤️
So fun and dreamy! I love that you stumbled upon a perfumery. And the pictures are gorgeous. Love the one of Stefan in the trees. And your dress! Wonderful to see you soaking it up!
Wow…it looks just as good in pictures. What a magical day.
I got the lord Grantham reference.