hester

Wrenwood, Our trip is now on hold for a year. We just found out yesterday DH is going to have to have gamma knife surgery for an acoustic neuroma (Brain tumor). Even though our plans were 8 months after the surgery. I think maybe just a nice quiet time on a warm beach is what we will need. Ireland will be there the next year and DH needs time to chill after the surgery and our sons up coming wedding. Have a great time on your trip!

cmccloskey

Hester, check this out for next time - Mount Juliet in Thomastown, near Kilkenny. This is a lovely place in the southeast where you can either stay in the main house or put up at townhouses on the grounds ('The Paddocks'). The Lady Helen Room in the main house serves only the freshest local items. We usually make Mount Juliet a base for a couple of days in the southeast before we head west. This could be something to explore to give you a change from the previous itinerary.

Good luck with the surgery and the wedding, and have fun planning the trip for 2009.

Cailin

wrenwood

Hester ~ It sounds like all of your energy needs redirected in the next few months. A nice quiet beach (and my guess is you can find some out your direction!) does sound like just what the doctor ordered. Keep us posted, sending prayers and good luck wishes.

Wrenwood

letsembellish

My husband and I spent one night at the Ashford Castle and because it was off season (October), the hotel offered us a night FREE if we would eat at their hotel restaurant. SURE! The chef came out and asked us what we would like for dinner and we commented that we had not had Irish Stew. WOW! It was so good.

wrenwood

letsembellish, that is good to know as Ashford Castle is one place I am torn about. I want to stay there but it's so many $$$$$$$$!

I am thinking of moving the trip more into October, rates look so much better. And maybe we book one night at Ashford and leave the next night open just in case!

chip

Everyone's favorite meal...actually favorite everything...was at Castle Murray House B&B on St. John's Point in Donegal.

The views of Donegal Bay and the ruins of the castle below are wonderful. The pub area where they serve the pre-appetizers and drinks has cozy leather couch seating...and the appetizers were wonderful...as was the rest of the 5 course meal. We all tried different entree's and desserts (best creme brulee ever)that were beautiful as well as tasty. I think that this is a special occasion destination for the Irish and we certainly found it to be for our family.

Also there is easy access to the beach for a nice pre or post dinner stroll.

I have pictures on my trip report posted on this site.