• Luggage Collection: 7:00 AM

• Wheels Up: 8:00 AM

Today we traveled to the foothills of steep-sided Benbulben Mountain (a spectacular view) and the village of Drumcliffe, where the final resting place of poet W. B. Yeats lies in a graveyard marked by carved Irish "high crosses" dating back to a 6th-century monastery. While touring the graveyard, I found a grave from 1942 of Robert Bolton.  I remembered that there were some Bolton’s in my Mother’s side of the family, so I sent my sister a message ask if she knew of the Boltons. Turns out that I have a great-great Grandfather Bolton who used to work for the Queen of England.  I have no idea if this Robert Bolton is related, but it is interesting see how we can all be connected somehow. The other amazing sight that I saw at the graveyard was the beautiful examples of Celtic Crosses on the different graves.

Then we were off for some amazing sightseeing in the wilds of Connemara. Our next stop was at a Gothic Revival lake side castle, magnificent Kylemore Abbey on the shores of Kylemore Lough. The Kylemore Abbey had a very nice visitor center with a gift shop (of course) and a little café.  It was a beautiful Abbey and estate.  We look a walk along the lake and found the Gothic Church.  We were fortunate enough to sit down in the church minutes before they had a harpist play several hymns, and she was very good.

A little history of Kylemore Castle/Abbey:
Located just over one hour from Galway City, Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions. Kylemore Castle was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman, and liberal politician. Inspired by his love for his wife Margaret, and his hopes for his beloved Ireland, Henry created an estate boasting ‘all the innovations of the modern age’. An enlightened landlord and vocal advocate of the Irish people, Henry poured his life’s energy into creating an estate that would showcase what could be achieved in the remote wilds of Connemara. Today Kylemore Abbey is owned and run by the Benedictine community who have been in residence here since 1920.

Back on the bus for about an hour ride through the incredible Irish countryside.  Shortly we arrived at Ashford Castle, our home for two nights.  This was the most incredible castle/hotel that we stayed. The Ashford Castle was originally sitting on over 22,000+ acres.  Much of the grounds are landscaped and presciently manicured.  The castle was originally founded in the thirteenth century by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family following the defeat of the native O’Connors of Connaught.

Just before we crossed the bridge over a moat that surrounded the castle the bus stopped, and we all disembarked the bus.  I guess it is tradition to cross the bridge on foot, serenaded by a bagpipe the first time you visit Ashford Castle.  After a short walk across the bridge, following a bagpipe we were greeted by the staff of the Ashford Castle.  We then followed them up to the billiards room where they introduced us to Ashford Castle. After a brief introduction, a warm towel, and a refreshing drink, we were called out by name and a personal concierge walked to our individual room, showed us its amenities and features. Only a few minutes after the concierge left us our bags arrived.  That was only the beginning of our Ashford Castle adventure. 

Prior to arriving to Ashford Castle, our tour director took our reservations for dinner for the next two nights.  We had options of the George V Dining Room, Cullen’s at the Cottage, or The Dungeon.  We chose Cullen’s at the Cottage for the first night and The Dungeon for our second night.  The George V Dining Room look fantastic, but required a coat to eat there, since I don’t even own a coat anymore, we passed on this option.

We took a walk around the grounds, along the lake side, or backyard before we settle into the atrium part of the castle.  We relaxed and I continue my exploration of Irish Whiskey.  I had, what turned out the be the best Irish Whiskey that I had, Jameson’s Cooper’s Croze (Named in honor of Jameson's Master Cooper, Ger Buckley. The aim of this whiskey is to showcase the diversity of the barrels used at Jameson and the influence of the oak on the whiskey. Fittingly this is aged in a variety of barrels including ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry and some virgin oak barrels.) Unfortunately, in was a limited batch and you can’t find it anymore. We took a short walk over to Cullen’s at the Cottage dinner that night.  Since the cottage had a lake and fish motif, I went with the scallops meal and it was very good.

Ashford Castle is located just outside Galway. In 1952 a movie was filmed in Galway and on part of the castle grounds, The Quiet Man. “The Quiet Man is a 1952 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by John Ford. It stars John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond and Victor McLaglen.”  Every day the Ashford Castle, in their private theater, shows The Quiet Man, yes, they have a private theater!!!  You can also watch it in your room anytime you want.  We chose to watch it this night in our room, which was much more comfortable, and we could watch it on our timing.  The only think we missed by not watching it in the private theater was the popcorn.  It was very funny and a classic 1952 type movie.

W. B Yeats Grave site