The one that I've been thinking about sharing with you has been my 2011 birthday trip to Ireland and my stay at the renowned Ashford Castle, near Cong (listed by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the most beautiful villages in Europe) on the Mayo-Galway border.
*SIDENOTE - Have you noticed how many of my trips are inspired by photographs???
I'll tell ya one thing, waking up in a castle sure did made me feel like a Princess and this is a memory that I'll never forget.
Checking in the day before my birthday and after a very full day of amazing sights and fun activities (as usual on my trips). I must've really been quite knocked out on that eve of my birthday; As Dave B had apparently took full advantage of the time I was snoozing to elaborately decorate the stateroom from floor to ceiling.
I woke up in a shock at the transformation of the room and could hardly believe that I slept through all of Dave's efforts!
Then with options such as falconry, cycling, kayaking, horseback riding, golf, tennis, clay shooting, archery, and more, I had almost too many choices to decide from and it was a bit difficult to make my decision as to which activities to partake in.
It was definitely quite a magical birthday.
Now a member of the lovely Leading Hotels of the World organisation and previously owned by the Guinness family.
It has been featured on one of my favorite TV shows from back in the day "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous".
-T