Yesterday was exhausting: the weather at the Cliffs of Moher (working against intense wind is just exhausting), the excitement of the Cliffs and discovering the beautiful area of Doolin, and then the drive for hours (mostly in the dark) in unfamiliar areas that are flooded.
The Irish Independent stated today that the flooding has exceeded all known records. It's a mess, and the rains keep coming.
So when I arrived at Ashford Castle last night, I was dead dog tired. After getting into my room, I looked out the window in the sitting area only to discover that the river on which the castle sits has exceeded its banks and is up against the castle's outer wall! I'm on the third floor, so if the castle floods, I should at least be able to get out! But the doorman said the castle had been here for centuries (since 1228 AD) and could easily withstand this minor little inconvenience. I hope he's right.
In the picture above, you can see the river is almost up to the bridge at the entrance way. This morning they began moving the boats because they were almost over the dock.
Such a great sense of adventure!
So today, not knowing where all of the flooded roads would be, rather than heading toward Connemara, which was the plan, I decided to just walk the castle grounds and shoot pictures. The sun made an appearance several times, making for some great shots. And certainly, this place is photo worthy. Click any picture to enlarge.
Enjoy!
Chess set in Sitting Room
Entrance onto Castle Proper
Peering through the Entrance
Wood Carving on the Side of the Fireplace in the Reading Room
Eagle over the Front Door
Engraving over an Outside Wooden Gate Below
Coat of Arms High Up on the Back Castle Wall
Corner Tower
Peering through the Window in the Back Tower Wall
Back of the Castle from the River's Edge (Outside the Castle Wall)
Coat of Arms over a Fireplace in the Sitting Room
Tim, I've got to tell you that your photographs are remarkable... not only with respect to the subject matter, but also the composition, lighting, and general technical excellence. You oughta consider publishing a nice big coffee-table book.
Oh yes... and a belated Happy Thanksgiving.