FAMILY & FRIENDS

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IRELAND - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2004

On August 30, 2004 we went to Ireland to play some golf, drink some Guinness, see the sites and maybe learn to fly fish.  We ended up with a whole lot more.  Even though we had two planes that would not start and delays due to a hurricane the trip was an overwhelming experience.  The people, countryside, food, accommodations, golf and fly fishing were much better then we had hoped for.  The weather was even better.  We had expected never to see the sun, live in our rain gear and in general have to tough it out.  You will notice from the pictures that we had plenty of sun.  In fact we had comments on our tans upon our return.

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We started in Dromoland Castle.  Started in the 1600's with a major addition started in the 1830, the castle was full of pictures of the Barts, their wives and children.

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Ballybunion Golf.  On Tuesday, August 31 we ventured 60 miles and 2 hours from our Castle on the narrow roads of Ireland.  First day driving on the left side.  Notice the Blue Sky.

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On Wednesday, September 1st, we played Lahinch.  Lahinch is one of the old and revered tracks.  However it was a cold day and actually started raining just as we finished.  SORRY, NO PICTURES!

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AAHHHH! On Thursday September 2nd we traveled 98 miles on main roads.  It took 4 hours to travel the 98 miles but the journey was well worth it. 
Click here to go to Old Head pictures from our second trip

Old Head is absolutely the most beautiful place and the greatest golf in the world. 

When I am gone from this world I want my ashes thrown off a cliff here and anyone who attends should play a round of golf.

Some moments caught on pixels.

Link to Old Head website 

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So Friday the 3rd of September we did some site seeing.  We changed hotels to be closer to things we thought might be interesting.  We spent Friday shopping in Kilarney.  These photos show the typical Irish town.  These towns were so consistent in their appearance.  What was truly remarkable was that they all were so neat.  Actually Ireland has a program called Tidy Towns.  Winning the Tidy Town award is a source of great pride.

We also visited the Muckross House.  This is an estate that is now the only game reserve in Ireland. 

As an architectural study remember this house is from the period after the castle shown above and before the manor house shown below at the K-Club.

Notice the house has 42 fireplace that can be counted from one location.  Total count on the property is over 70.

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We spent the last 5 days at the K-club.  Dating back to 550 AD this property served as a residence for four families until the 1940's.  Now it is one of the top county clubs and resorts in Europe.

We also learned to fly fish.  Our "gillie" (fishing guide) has taught George Bush #41, Tiger Woods, Jeri Hall and Pierce Brosnan. 

And of course the accommodations.  When we registered they said discretely they had given us an upgrade.  Kitchen, powder bath, dining room, walk in closet and even our own sauna, now that is what I call and upgrade.

Click this link to visit K-Club's website www.kclub.ie.