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Published: October 10th 2013
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BOO, not.
After coffee with Mary and Mick we headed off. Monday morning traffic and road construction made the ride more stressful than on the weekend but we soon turned off the main road onto a narrow lane that was much less traveled. The sun has been trying to breakthrough but with no success. These are the roads I remember from our first trip here, barely enough room for two cars to pass, hedgerows on either side breaking for a view of cows or sheep grazing in the pasture.
We reached Montrath where Mommy was born and stopped in a cafe for lunch. All I can say is too much food! Then we headed out to Kinnitty Castle. To get to Kinnitty from Montrath we head through the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
Story is that these provided hiding places for the IRA during the troubles but they were peaceful today and quite beautiful. The drive would be magnificent if the sun were shinning but even with the clouds the view were lovely. Here and there a white farm house appeared, nestled in the emerald green of the pastures and the dark green of
the pines. The air is fresh and clear with it's own perfume. We met few cars on the winding roads.
The castle is located at the end of a long drive and appears to the road in profile. It is an imposing structure. To the left various breeds of horses are grazing in the green field.
We head up the red carpet, nod a greeting to the knights in armor at the head of the stairs and head for reception. Our room is not ready so we head for the library/bar for a glass of wine. Sitting in leather lounge chairs, we sip our wine gaze at the grounds and read our books. We have been so busy that both Pat and I are still on our first book.
Our room is huge with a double/double our poster bed covered by a satin and velvet canopy. There is a chaise lounge in the corner, two large chairs and a table big enough to seat four. The wardrobe is immense and with a large chest would accommodate a couple for a week. Even with all this large furniture the room did now
feel crowded at all. But nothing prepared us for the bathroom. It was as large as the bedroom. In the center was a large claw foot tub and shower combo. Twenty feet away was the toilet. To the other side of the room was a sink and a small table was set against the wall. A chair was placed in an alcove. A family of four could sleep here.
Pat enjoyed a real soak while I read and then after my shower we headed downstairs for our dinner. While we waited for our reservation time we headed to the bar/library for wine. Soon it was time and we were the first guests to arrive and were seated at the dining room's prime table. It was set in an alcove overlooking the grounds and the chairs were very comfortable despite the ornately carved backs. Pat enjoyed the roast pork and I was less entranced with the pheasant. While there was plenty, the bird had been overcooked and was not as tender as it might have been. Still, the sauce was tasty and I certainly didn't leave the table hungry.
Both of us had a bit of a restless night, not because of spectral visitors but because the room was overheated. I had hoped to have a walk around the grounds before breakfast but the rains came so we headed to the dining room. Pat enjoyed and Irish breakfast and I had the smoked salmon. They sure gave us plenty. Too bad mine was quite oily. So my castle food was a bit disappointing but the experience on the whole was an adventure.
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