Feeling Regal at Ashford

 Wednesday, August 23, 2023

We slept like a king and queen in the plush bedding at Ashford Castle, and enjoyed the warm towels after a shower, compliments of the heated towel bar!  

We were treated to an elegant breakfast in the dining room, complete with fresh fruit, eggs benedict and smoked ham!  Michael, the breakfast sommelier, came by the table, and offered a mango smoothie.  Unbelievable coincidence that he was born in Indianapolis, (but left when he was 5.)  He married an Irish girl, so Ireland is his home.

We did more exploring of the castle--it was easy to

get lost!  There were all kinds of nooks and crannies, doors, stairs and beautiful spaces.

The staff was so friendly and accommodating, and made things very comfortable.

Notice Jim lounging in the lobby!

Have you ever wondered how they wash windows in a castle?  It takes a long, long pole and strong arms!  The windows were spotless!

We figured it would be a good idea to work off some of the sweets from last night, so we got on bicycles to explore the grounds. 

 Everything is well manicured.  There was a carpet garden, a walled garden, and I can't remember what other kind of garden.

But, the most exciting part of the day was going on a falcon walk with Pugot, the Harris Hawk.  (Pugot means pudding in Irish.) The Irish school of Falconry exists on the grounds of Ashford Castle. Our guide (from Spain) introduced us to several of the hawks in their care, and selected Pugot to go with us.  

She is 7 years old and one of the larger birds.  Pugot rode on Jim's gloved hand as we left the school area and walked toward the woods.  

When we got a distance away, the instructor gave a signal, and she flew to a nearby branch.  We went on a 1 1/2 hour walk through the woods and around the castle grounds, with Pugot sometimes flying behind us, sometimes riding on the gloved hand, but always keeping an eye on us, and would respond to the guide's calls and hand signals, and would get a "treat" when she returned.  

There were bells attached to her legs, so we could hear when she was flying toward us.

We learned a lot about these fascinating birds, and Pugot treated us to quite a show.   The guide agreed that she had been awesome, so gave her a full mouse as a treat when we ended.

As we left the castle, the staff had gathered, just as they did on Downton Abbey!

It really wasn't for us, but sure made us feel good!  We left feeling fortunate that we were able to enjoy such a wonderful experience, and we felt a little regal too!