Dublin!

 Dublin is nothing if not a fun city. Few pleasures in life match a leisurely stroll along Grafton Street and stops at a few of the historic pubs along the way or on nearby side streets. One is the venerable Kehoes Lounge. 

                                              Another is McDaids, with its beautiful tile inlays.

The 1824 Bar at the fabled Shelbourne Hotel features top-notch service, drinks, and ambiance. 

The Davy Byrnes restaurant near Grafton Street, with its ornate ceiling, is famous for its connection to James Joyce, as it is mentioned in his novel, Ulysses. 

Powerscourt

We had a great guide for tours outside of Dublin, Dairine Nuttall. A life-long Dubliner, she can be reached via email at Dairinesarah@gmail.com or Instagram: Irelandtourguide.ie.

Our first visit was Powerscourt Estate, a beautiful manor in County Wicklow, known for its 47 acres of formal gardens. 

The archway below was begun by Jacqueline Kennedy, who toured Ireland to find sanctuary following her husband's assassination. 

 

The property was acquired by the Slazenger family, of the well known sporting-goods business, in 1961 and fully restored. However, on the eve of a grand reopening 1n 1974, the interior was severely damaged. Somewhat restored, it today functions primarily as a visitor's center, with a few shops and a cafe. The gardens are the main attraction. 

Country Home

 Still richly furnished, Russborough House and Park, roughly thirty minutes southwest of Dublin, is a beautiful 18th-century county house. A Palladian mansion begun in 1741, the main facade exceeds 700 feet in length.

The amazing collection of artwork was principally acquired by Sir Alfred and Lady Clementine Beit, who purchased the home in 1952. Lady Beit lived on the premises until her passing in the 1990's. 

Edinburgh

 Always a fine visit, Edinburgh is a visual delight. We enjoyed a few of the beautiful pubs, including the Cafe Royal Bar and the Guildford Arms. 

                                                            The venerable Balmoral Hotel. 

   A photo capturing the Castle and Scott Monument, in memory of Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott. 

Royal Scotsman

 The hugely popular Belmond Royal Scotsman train offers a variety of trips; we opted for the three-night Western Scenic Wonders. Spectacular!! Welcomed by a bagpiper as we boarded. 

                         This monument at Spean Bridge commemorates British Commandos. 

From the train station, conscripts were required to run from the station and up the hill to where the monument now stands. Those who met a certain time became trainees in the commandos, those who failed the test were sent back to the train.

                                    The Clyde estuary provides some beautiful photo opportunities. 

Isle of Bute

           A brief ferry ride on a beautiful day brought us from Wernyss Bay to the Isle of Bute. 

          The island holds Mount Stuart, the most fabulous Victorian Gothic house in all of Britain. Originally constructed in 1719, the house was severely damaged by fire in 1877. However, the spectacularly wealthy 3rd Marquess of Bute and his architect, Sir Robert Rowand Anderson, rebuilt the property in spectacular fashion. The Marble Chapel is striking; the same Cosmati flooring style can be found in the Sistine Chapel and Westminster Abbey. 

The Marble Hall, with its star-studded ceiling of glass crystals, is spectacular. The room was designed so that light lands in specific spots throughout the day. 

              Mount Stuart served as a naval hospital during WWI, and not a single patient was lost. 

Jacobites

 The train stops at Fort William, where we enjoyed a somber visit to Glenfinnan, where the Jacobite Rising began in 1745 but was ultimately brutally repressed by the British. 

At nearby Glenfinnan House Hotel, we listened to a history of the Gaelic musical tradition while we sipped tea or scotch. I do not know what the tea tasted like. 

Farewell to the Royal Scotsman and on to Glenapp Castle

 Following a formal dinner, which included full kilt regalia for many attendees, we were entertained by traditional musicians. It was a great final evening aboard the Royal Scotsman. 

The Kelpies, striking steel sculptures nearly 98 feet high, are located near Falkirk. They represent mythical water horses and symbolize the animal's role in agriculture, industry, and as canal path tow horses. 

Glenapp Castle, in Ayrshire, Scotland, is a terrific boutique hotel with fine dining and a variety of activities for guests. 

                                               A certain book is now on-the-shelf at the castle!!!