Thursday, March 31, 2016

Ashford Castle - Photo Journal


March 14, 2016 - March 17, 2016

Luxury is defined in many ways. Ashford Castle in Cong, Ireland, is all of them. It is difficult to describe the experience of staying here. Words don't adequately capture it, although a slew of adjectives immediately scramble for top position in my mind. Some even contradict one another, which makes sense because Ashford Castle is everything to everyone, and anything to anyone. Whatever you can conjure in your mind regarding a 12th century castle, Ashford embodies it. It is all at once grand, luxurious, hospitable, historic, adventurous, exciting, relaxing, posh, approachable, whimsical, surreal, nostalgic, modern...the list goes on and on.

So in order to accurately capture a stay here, a photo journal is most appropriate.

Enjoy, I sure did!


The Castle
My daughter enjoying the expansive castle grounds
Ashford Castle
Archway in the old castle wall
Fountain view from our bedroom
Walking the gardens
Oldest part of the castle - corner rampart/walls
Castle grounds

Interior
Welcome cookie!
Beautiful bedroom
Main sitting room with surrounding balcony

Falconry
Me and Maya, hangin' out
Falcon statue outside the castle
Follow the rules!
Professional Falconer - he knows his stuff

How does one become a Falconer?
My mom with Maya the Harris Hawk
My wife with Chico the Harris Hawk
Hawk Walk!

 St. Patrick's Day
Waking up on St. Patrick's Day to morning bagpiper!

Bowl of Shamrocks for all on St. Patrick's Day!