Emerald Isle - Ireland Series: Newmarket on Fergus

Dromoland Castle

The next stop on our journey South was Dromoland Castle.  Worth every penny!  This is a 5 star hotel that offers, golf, spa and World class cuisine.  We only stayed 1 night, but we will come back for this hotel.

The Dromoland Castle's history stretches back to the 5th century and was one of the ancestral homes of one of the few families of Gaelic Royalty; direct descendants of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland.

One thing that we didn't do and I suggest that you plan for is dinner at the hotel restaurant.  If you wait until you arrive you WON'T GET IN.  There is VERY limited seating and they mean it!  Why should you do it?  The have limited seating and you must dress nicely, but they do a specialized service in which each table have their own server.  They make it a very special event.  Who knew??

Gardens

Lilly pond

Gardens

Gardens

This concludes our Ireland series.  We hope that you enjoyed it as much as we did.  

Happy Traveling!

Emerald Isle - Ireland Series: Lough Rynn

Heading South from Londonderry, we decided splurge and stay at a castle on the lake (called Lough's in Ireland).  We chose the gorgeous Lough Rynn Castle.


When we left the last hotel, there was a couple celebrating their anniversary.  They asked where we were heading next, when we said this hotel they said we were in for something special....and they were right!  Here's the 1st glimpse of the hotel through the front gates.

Ready to see the rest of the hotel?  Here you go...

Front of the castle/hotel

Front of the castle/hotel

Back of the hotel grounds facing the lake

Back of the hotel

Inside of the hotel - sitting area

The next morning, I got up early and decided to look at the grounds.  What I discovered was a beautiful garden.  So glad that I decided to get up early and get a little exercise before we get back into the car for the last leg of this Ireland trip.  Here's just a few pictures of the garden leading you to the lake.

I can see why so many local couples chose this location for their wedding reception and photo location.  

Happy Traveling!

Emerald Isle - Ireland Series: Londonderry

Londonderry

During our stay in Londonderry, we decided to stay at the historic Beech Hill Country Hotel.  It's a small hotel (27 rooms), but has lots of charm and personalized customer service.  We had one of our best meals in Ireland at this hotel, mainly because they made ALL their bread from scratch and it was yummy.  Not sure if that's because it was cold & raining at Giant's Causeway?  

By the time we arrived at the hotel it was dark and we went right in for dinner.  The staff made us homemade soups served with homemade, freshly baked and out of the oven breads. Perfect way to end the day!

Front of hotel

Back of hotel.  We stayed at the newly added rooms at the back of the hotel.

Waiting room and small bar

Dining room - views of the lake

Old china adding that country house atmosphere

waiting room and area where they serve afternoon tea

views from the dining room

views from the dining room

hotel was used as training camp during 1942-1944 WWII

Next stop - we stay in a castle.

Happy Traveling!

Emerald Isle - Ireland Series: Causeway Coast - Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway

The Giant's Causeway was created by a volcanic eruption, though it does have a really cute childhood fable explaining how the causeway was created.  This site is part of the Unesco World Heritage society.

They do charge for parking and there's an entry fee, but the site has a tourist information building which also has a restaurant.  It's a nice place to stop and enjoy a warm cup of coffee before moving on to the next town.

Make sure that you wear comfy walking shoes with rubber soles.  These rocks are slippery and we witnessed several tourists falling and scratching up their knees and hands.  Be careful! 

On the way back up the hill, the sun broke through the clouds and I took two GREAT photos of the coastline.  Enjoy!

Next stop is Londonderry.

Happy Traveling!

Emerald Isle - Ireland Series: Causeway Coast - Carrick A Rede

Carrick A Rede (Rope Bridge)

The drive through the Causeway Coast is absolutely gorgeous.  There are a couple of places I will suggest to stop and see.  The first stop is Carrick A Rede or rope bridge.

The rope bridge is not for the faint of heart, but if you're willing to walk all the way to the rope bridge, the views are breathtaking.

 When you first arrive, if the wall seems oddly familiar, it may be!  This is one of the many locations where they film Games of Thrones (HBO Series).

Look at the beautiful views from the top or Northern most point of Ireland.

Next stop on the Causeway Coast is the Giant's Causeway.  On the way, we had a traffic jam.  For Ireland, that's a traffic stop to allow the sheep to cross the street.  Too good to pass up on this photo opportunity.

Happy Traveling!