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.
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| This view isn't bad either : ) |
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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!
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| View of the reception area from the stairs |
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| The foyer |
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| Our cozy room |
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| complete with fireplace! |
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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!
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| Standing under the trees |
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| Bridge over the river in the "backyard" |
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| Manicured gardens |
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| Hello Fall!! |
As we wandered the grounds, Chad repeatedly told me, "I would buy this place"...haha! Who wouldn't?
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