An Irish Affair - Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a Castle?

 Kinnitty Castle in Offaly is located in the center of Ireland 

and at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

The castle has been made into a 37 room hotel.

The Broighter Collar (Gold Torc)
(National Museum of Ireland)
Gold Lunula, Used to Fasten Cloaks
around the Neck (c.2500-1200 BCE).

National Museum of Ireland.

 We don't have to be of Irish ancestry to enjoy the beauty of Ireland's Castles. Nor do we commoners have to wait for a royal invitation -- 5 star B& B castles are available to transform us into having a living experience with all the fabled Irish Fairies and the  Leprechauns  who are by the way the  'wee' people" in Ireland,  whilst  we  stay in legendary Castles that housed Ireland's former Kings and  Queens. 

The Tara Brooch (c.700 CE)
Notice the Celtic Interlace Designs.

 

Ashford  was found in 1228 by the 
Anglo-Norman de Burgo family

This astonishing castle is situated in the beautiful countryside of County Mayo and is in the heart of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. Ashford  was found in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family after they defeated the native O’Connors of Connaught. 

 
The Broighter Collar (Gold Torc)
(National Museum of Ireland)

The de Burgo’s built several such castles throughout the province but Ashford remained their principal stronghold. 3D tours  and virtual tours of the castle is available on their website.  It is worth spending some time on their website for a look see -- it is truly a magnificent place. It is now available as a Bed and Breakfast,  and stunning place in which to have a wedding, or just a magical place to stay.

Sun Disc, Maybe Used as a Button or
Brooch (c.2500-1200 BCE). National
Museum of Ireland.

Ballyseede Castle is located on its own 
thirty acres of gardens and woodland in Tralee County Kerry. 

Ballyseede Castle was the chief garrison of the legendary Fitzgerald’s, Earls of Desmond, many of whom refused to swear allegiance to the crown, which resulted in the infamous Geraldine Wars that continued intermittently for three centuries and concluded with the beheading of Gerald, 16th Earl, in the Demesne of Ballyseede and whose head was exhibited in a cage on London Bridge. A picture gallery of the castle is available on their website 

I will leave you with this Irish Blessings! 

May you always have...

Walls for the winds

A roof for the rain

Tea beside the fire

Laughter to cheer you

Those you love near you

And all your heart might desire.

Fin