Shh... it might hear you

Today began with a happy start. We weren't quite certain that our shower would have warm water at al but we did! And plenty of it! Maura  the b&b owner had a breakfast ready for us on the prettiest china and Waterford crystal. After asking what we had planned for the day was not satisfied with our answer so she set our plans: she would take us to her friend's castles down the road not more than 5 miles Away in claregalway where he was an enthusiaist for Irish culture and history and had bought the ruins and was determined to authentically reproduce a working medieval castle. 'Um.. Okay. We agreed quite excitedly. I drove and taking Maura's directions (who was in shotgun) turn by turn nearly ran right into the Garda car- aka Police. She loved that! Meagan later said I she had the chance, Maura would have loved the chance to talk her way out of that one! We drove on and arrived at the castle dating back to the 1500's. She had t enter a code to the wrought iron gate and it was the most magical place I'd ever been- with authentic everything- the passion for history was very apparent. Maura took us all the way up to the roof. After hours of touring the castle and houses surrounding it we left for Galway. Maura decided to take us us to lunch at Kai and we gladly accepted. After a wonderful conversation on whether to keep her b&b a b&b or hangs it to a 'let' we convinced her that she would miss the inteesting people and interaction of he b&b so I think she will continue with that. She took us on us on A tour of Galway. With much regret we parted our new friend - more like long lost aunt - with promises to return. And set off for the long narrow road to Cong and Ashford Castle. Our guardian angels guided the way as we snuck along the winding narrow country road at dusk. We arrived at Ashford Castle's enterance with great tired relief . The impressive gateway dating back to 1228 felt like a warm Irish welcome as we wound our way through what seemed like an enchanted forest and then happened upon the beautiful golf course which we asked about and can play on fo free! We were met by a lovely man named Paul who took us right up to our room to get settled. Thee was a wondeeful welcome gift bag from Regina and Niall. Sitting in the drawing room as an Irishman play piano and Meagan writes postcards and candles glow Afainst the gorgeous dark woodwork. God bless!