Being that my birthday is only a week away, I thought that this would be a perfect time for reminiscing with you about a past birthday trip and some of my wonderful memories.
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.
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.
For starters, I was completely enamored from the moment I found pictures of this castle online during my research for the trip. And what a better time to book accommodations than over my actual birthday!
*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.
*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.
 |  |
In the morning when I opened my eyes, I saw flowers galore, banners, confetti, and balloons!
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.
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.
  |  |
However, after a magical breakfast I decided that we go over to the equestrian center to be fitted for a trail ride. How fairytale like! We then took to our saddles and were off!
Riding through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, splendid mountain vistas, captivating landscapes, and the colorful storybook countryside for which the Connemara region is famous.
It was definitely quite a magical birthday.
It was definitely quite a magical birthday.
This historic Ashford Castle was built on this Monastic site in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman House of Burke.
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".
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".
And although I do not recall seeing this episode and this was way back in the day before TIVO or DVRs, I just know that Robin Leach would've given us an amazing tour of the grand interiors, as well as leading us around the beautiful lawns and ancient forests of the 350 acre private estate, which overlooks the pristine waters of Lake Corrib, home to salmon and brown trout as well as being dotted with 365 picturesque little islands.
Not at all to my surprise that one year after my visit (in September 2012), the resort earned the a well deserved "best resort in Ireland" and the "third best in Europe" by Condé Nast Traveler.
I highly recommend you visit this property and even wake up there on your birthday if you have the chance!
-T
-T