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n summer, colorful flowers peak up from between the rocks like those
             that grow in the cracks of pavement.  It’s hard to imagine that this
             area was once inhabited but it was (and actually still is).  An ancient
           Imegalithic tomb reminds visitors that The Burren was a place that
          someone deemed fit for a burial monument many thousands of years
          ago.  As intriguing as it is to look over the rolling rock-paved vastness,
          it seems that given the choice one would opt for life (and death) on the
          coast.  But this is truly a fascinating place to visit.
          Animal Encounters

          It is rare to pass a day in Ireland without some kind of animal interac-
          tion.  Whether it’s by chance, like being stopped in your tracks by a herd
          of cows on the country roads, or by design, such as reserving a falcon
          walk at Ashford castle, animals are a part of every day.  One early grey
          morning we took a walk down to a deserted cove on the Atlantic Coast
          of Skellig.

          Out of nowhere, a dog appeared, and quickly engaged us in a game of
           fetch the stick.  We thought he would cling to us and whine when we
          tried to leave.  But instead, when we said goodbye, he escorted us back
          to the car, then just turned and wandered slowly back down the road
          and out of sight. It shows that travel brings all sorts of wonderful en-
          counters and you never know who or what you’ll find around the next
          bend.

          Horseback riding is another favorite Irish pastime.  Touring the forests
          of Killarney in county Kerry from high up in the saddle is one of the
          best ways to admire Ireland’s Emerald surroundings.    Nestled in the
           forest surrounding Ashford Castle, the Ireland school of falconry is one
          of the most exciting animal interactions available by reservation.  For
          one hour, your personal falcon keeper guides you through the forest as
          you literally feed and fly your feathered pet through the castle’s centu-
           ries old grounds.

          Ashford Castle

          Spending the night in an 800 year old castle ranks at the top of the list
          of cool things to do in Ireland.  We sipped tea beneath chandeliers of
          Waterford crystals, sitting side by side with the ghosts of royal families
           past, overlooking the ever-spouting garden fountain which overlooks
          the fishing lake and distant trees.

          Established in 1228, Ashford castle passed through many noble hands,
          including those of the infamous Guinness family, before being convert-
          ed to a hotel in 1939.  The castle was recently renovated to upgrade the
          infrastructure, but it still retains its Old World charm.  The lobby’s sec-
          ond floor is a library full of classic books, all waiting to be read using the
          light of the sun that shines through the banquet window coves.

          Downstairs you can play chess under the watchful eye of the knight in
          shining armor.    The entire lobby resembles an art museum with floor
          to ceiling paintings that leave one staring in awe and wondering about
          their origin.  At night the house singer always finishes her set with
          “Danny Boy” as if subliminally beckoning us to come back when summer
          is in the meadow.   We would be happy to oblige.

          In Ireland everyone is friendly, even a stray dog on the beach.  Opposite top:
          Ashford Castle, from the 13th century, is now a luxury hotel. Opposite left: Knight in Shin-
          ing Armor welcomes visitor’s to Ashford’s lobby. Opposite right:  Touring Killarney’s emerald
          forest on horseback.


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