Ireland Day 5

Sunshine, what is that!!!!?!

 

We woke up to bright sky and light winds and people beginning to feel rested. I took a walk along the bay at about ¾ low tide, peered into the pools and took pictures. I really need to get a pair of Wellies or Muckers (boots) if I’m going to keep sloughing through the peat and the seaweed.

The fellow who owns our cottage is known locally as the Lord Voden, whether he is or not, I don't know but he owns several cottages, his house a huge building, he has a sailing boat and seems to be out fishing everyday.

 

Today we went to Ashford Castle, in Cong to go on a Hawk Walk.  The drive to Cong goes along a valley floor and around Lough Nafooey and between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib. ( a Lough is a loch or lake).  The whole area is known as Joyce Country, there general area where author James Joyce spent a lot of time. Cong is known as the village they filmed the movie “The Quiet Man” with John Wayne. In Cong there is a ruin of an abbey and lovely grounds where we had a picnic lunch.

Ashford Castle is now a major hotel boasting more stars than I will likely ever stay in. Prices range from €195/person /night winter offseason to €1000/person/night, high season. The price includes access to the golf course, tennis courts and the School of Falconry. 

 The hotel has its own Helipad and while were there, several landings and take offs happened by and Executive Helicopter company.

  Parts of the original building were an actual castle and were built over 300 years ago. Battlements and turrets are still visible as well as earthworks surrounding the building.

We went to Ashford mainly to go the School of Falconry were we worked with Harris’ Hawks. We took two hawks out and had them land and take off from our hands. Harris’ Hawks are the only raptor that hunts in family packs.  They also are originally a North and South American bird, but the school’s are bred in Ireland.

 Must say it was a blast having these birds alight on our arms and take off again.

 

 We also got to handle a European Eagle Owl, a bird very similar to our Great Horned Owl.

After the hawk walk we drove down to Leenann (Lee-ann) back to that blasted wool shop and cafe. Although I must say that once inside I was the one who bought souvenirs and a cuppa tea, but don’t tell Beth that I said it was a good stop.

We then left the shop for home at Cashel. Storm heading our way off the Atlantic, tomorrow could be interesting.