The Dingle Peninsula...

After leaving Ross Castle we headed out for our scenic coastal drive to Dingle.  Dingle was once cited "the most beautiful place on earth" by National Geographic and I can see why.  Despite the rainy, cold weather (hello, we are in Ireland) the views were awe inspiring. 

This view isn't bad either : ) 

We were driving along narrow, winding roads that hugged the mountainous coastline.  As Chad drove, Cathy and I would yell, "STOP, we want to take a picture".  He would do his best to find us a safe spot to stop so we could get all the pics we wanted....what a good hubby, right? 

This picture below shows you just how narrow the roads were!  Yep, that's a 2 lane road and there are no restrictions for buses or trucks.  Just imagine a huge bus coming around the corner at you...especially when you are in a little sardine can of a car.

 Cathy and I just loved this little cottage below.  Isn't this what you think of when you hear Irish countryside. We both agreed we would live there!  It had an AMAZING view of the ocean too.

 We rolled into Dingle and stopped for a little lunch at a traditional pub.  Fish and chips for the boys and yummy soup and salad for the ladies.  Perfect comfort food for a cold, dreary day.  After lunch and a little walk around town we hopped back in the car for more scenic driving.

 Below was possibly one of my favorite parts of the drive.  This wall was just on the edge of the road (to keep you from driving off the cliff) and was littered with seagulls just hangin' out.  We pulled over to snap some pics and they started squawking at us....I can only imagine what they were saying but I would guess something like below....

 In your best Irish accent..."Oh look more tourists, well at least maybe they have food"

                     
      "No food....MOVE ON!  This isn't a show"

     "What are you looking at...don't you have birds in America?"

This secluded little beach was down a long road next to a bunch of sheep!  Can you imagine the prime property those sheep are grazing.  People would pay big money for that view at home!

Nope, those aren't white rocks on the side of the cliff....those are sheep.  Gotta eat what you can I guess.  I wonder if any of them ever slip and fall into the ocean.

Our drive along the coast ended in Adare at the gorgeous Adare Manor.  Of course we had to let Cathy and Paul experience staying a castle...so this was their chance.  The manor was built in 1832 for the Earl of Dunraven.  Subsequent Earls lived in the home until 1984 when it was sold and turned into a hotel.  The grounds are incredibly lush and landscaped beautifully!  

View of the reception area from the stairs

The foyer

Our cozy room

complete with fireplace!

After a good nights sleep in our comfy bed we met for breakfast "castle style".  Don't these two look elegant, pinkies and all : )  The hotel and it's food were exceptional and we highly recommend it for anyone who happens to be in Ireland!!

The manor is set on over 800 acres (including a golf course) which we set out to explore.  The fall colors were so pretty and the camera didn't do it justice.   I also realize now, looking at myself, that this coat makes me look like a tan marshmallow!!  Oh well, at least I was warm!

Standing under the trees

Bridge over the river in the "backyard"

Manicured gardens

Hello Fall!!

 As we wandered the grounds, Chad repeatedly told me, "I would buy this place"...haha!  Who wouldn't? 

Ross Castle

 Hi y'all!  See I promised I would be back soon.  I have so much blogging to catch up on.

To pick up where we left off...We stayed the night in Killarney then headed out the next day to drive along the scenic Dingle Peninsula.  As we left town we happened to see a sign for Ross Castle and decided to check it out.  This was one of the most beautiful spots!!  There was a pond/lake out back with a gorgeous view of the mountains.

How could you not want to wake up to this view every morning! Apparently, the castle was owned by the O'Donoghue family and there is a legend that the head of the household leaped or was sucked out of the window of the grand chamber at the top of the castle and disappeared into the waters of the lake with his horse, his table and his library.  He now lives in a great palace at the bottom of the lake where he keeps a close eye on everything that he sees.

Little boat house across the marsh from the castle

The lighting was so amazing while we were there I had to take advantage and get a few family shots.   (P.S. Thanks Daddy for the new lens!!! It takes great pics).

After our little photo session we walked back to the car to continue our journey on to Dingle.  More on that to come tomorrow!  This guy below was hanging out in the castle parking lot : )

The Washingtons in Ireland...

I know I've been M.I.A. for a little while and I'm sorry!  Chad's Mama and Daddy arrived to Dublin November 8th and we have being going, going, going ever since.  I think Chad has crammed more of Ireland into the past week than he and I have seen in 5 months. 

Watch out y'all, the Washingtons are here

Cathy and Paul arrived on a Friday morning and Saturday morning we hit the road running.  First stop Waterford!  Yes, this is the home of the famous Waterford Crystal and happens to be the oldest city in Ireland.  It was originally a Viking settlement that was later taken back by the Irish. 

Brightly colored buildings in town

 Our first stop was the Waterford Crystal Visitor Center.  Sadly, the tour wasn't running while we were there so we weren't able to see how they make the crystal....We were however able to do a little shopping : )

They make all sorts of things in crystal...football helmets, statues, Christmas ornaments, as well as the regular glasses, bowls, etc.

Crystal football helmet

They were all decked out for the holidays with snowy trees and a beautiful table set in the show in room.  It made me want to get back to the house and put up all my Christmas decorations.  I guess that will have to wait until next year!

We walked around town and stopped in a little cafe for lunch.  We happened to be leaving town just in time to be trapped in a march protesting budget cuts to the local hospital.  No FUN!  We quickly made a U-turn and found an alternative route out of town. 

Next stop, the Rock of Cashel.  According to local mythology, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil's Bit, a mountain 20 miles north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave.  The Rock landed in it's current location and structures were built overtop.  The oldest tower dates to 1100.  It was where the King of Munster lived until he donated it to the church.

Making the walk up the Rock!

View from one side

Cross over a tomb in the grave yard.

The Chapel

Celtic Cross

The wind was blowing pretty hard and we were getting cold so we headed back down the Rock and stopped off in a little shop.  Paul found this wool hat...looks good huh?  We couldn't talk him into getting it though!  We hopped back in the car and headed for our final stop for the night, Killarney.

More adventures with the Washington's to come and I promise I won't be gone too long!