No Longer Chasing the Green Card: March 2009

Today started with Chandler faking sick- because he wanted to play video games instead of touring with us. He is thanking me now---profusely, for insisting that he accompany us to Leixlip. We went to tour the Castle in Leixlip - knocked on the door & were greeted by this lovely gentleman.

But, let us go back in time a bit...this is Chandler walking towards the Castle- insisting that he is too ill & angry with me.

Notice the hunched back and angry walk. I thought that we'd be in for teenaged attitude the whole day.

Going in the Castle gates-

The beautiful Castle

Lucky, lucky dog.

Looking towards the grounds-

So, as I mentioned before, a lovely man answers the door- & since I know that people live in the Castle- I ask if it is open today for tours (Leixlip Castle is open for tours, but I wasn't sure of hours, days, etc).

The gracious man invites us in and gives us a private tour. During the tour, we realize- this man is the OWNER of the Castle- This Man IS Desmond Guinness...Yes- the Honourable Desmond Guinness of Guinness Beer....Oh! Happy Fun Day! Oh! This is sooooooo cool. So, I have to admit- I was star struck- Touring the Castle with HDG---well is pretty much up there on my list. So, if the pics are a little unstable- it because this was just so ....NEAT!!

This Sitting Room- freshly painted-fire heated- the smell from the fireplace was very soothing- Couldn't tell you what is was - Scott wasn't sure what it was either- but it was comforting.

Many beautiful chandeliers.

The organ in the Dining Room- Mr. Guinness played this for us. Did I mention that I was star-struck?

The Dining Room Continued---

The Dining Room

The most incredible Library-

More of the Library- Lovely old books- by the hundreds, cozy room, with

comfortable cushy sofas and seats.

The most extraordinary Doll House

The rooms are absolutely huge and very tall ceilings- It is difficult to show the immense size of the pieces- like the Doll House-

The Doll House is furnished and wall papered.

This is still the Doll-House- I must have gotten carried away.

Walking up the staircase- I spotted a baby-buggy-

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This is hanging on the banister- The HDG indicated that it was originally made to place on a horse so that when the rider was arriving- everyone would know where the rider was from- via coat of arms.

An enormous tapestry located at the staircase.

Chandler & Scott Mid-way on the staircase.

The Blue room- The bed is partially made- because people live in this castle...and we bothered them on a Saturday---I am so glad that we got to see it!

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So, the HDG said that his daughter used to hook up this carriage to her pony and ride-

This was the chapel- but hadn't been used as one for some time.

This is King John's Room- with the biggest armoire that I have ever seen- It is awesome.

This bath is fully functional and heated.

I want King John's Room.- CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SEE THIS PIC- NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED--

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We appreciate, beyond words, the time that the HDG took to give us a tour of his beautiful castle.

The Irish Georgian Society, started by Desmond Guinness, is open to those interested in art and architecture of Georgian Ireland. A list of other houses, castles and gardens open to the public is available from Heritage Island, 37 Main Street, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 (01 288 9114).

Chandler & I outside of the Education Center at Dublin Zoo-

At first, I thought Dublin Zoo is much bigger than Busch Gardens. But, then I remembered...we ride our way through the Gardens- Rhino Rally- the train, etc. We walked through the Zoo- so, they are probably about the same size...