Life of leisure

After 7 days of touring nonstop, we opted to take a more leisurely pace today and slept in past 7:30. There’s nothing on the official schedule, just multiple options for boating, fishing, spa treatments and the usual stuff associated with a castle 🤣. We had the opportunity to accompany the groundskeeper at 8:15 as he walked the dogs, but sleeping in won out. Our plan is to move at our own pace, explore a little on our own, and soak up the ambiance. The porridge at breakfast was absolutely yummy, especially with the splash of whisky in it. Just had to try it though the fruit compote was what really made it tasty. We walked in to the small town of Cong… no King Kong but evidently The Quiet Man movie with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara are its claim to fame. John Wayne certainly got around. Years ago I was surprised to see him in a painting at the Alamo. Here he’s immortalized by a sculpture of him sweeping Maureen O’Hara up in his arms. Just might have to watch that movie when we get home. We got a closeup look at the stone walls common to this area referred to as dry walls since they are composed of stones fitted together carefully without the use of mortar. Now that took some talent. After doing the town we walked back to Ashford Castle through the woods along the river. We’ve heard repeatedly about a huge storm (along the lines of Hurricane Helene) that devastated parts of Ireland in January. Cong did not escape and walking back through the woods reminded us of back home in NC with many downed and uprooted trees. It was a glorious day to be outside roaming the countryside, followed by tea (in Mikes case a Guinness) in one of the many drawing rooms. We’re scheduled for dinner in the Dungeon tonight so after yesterday we’re trying to do a better job of pacing ourselves.Read more