Treasures ofIreland - SOU l For reservations or more information call: 7 da'15 (yom $n 1.877.AXP.1515 Your Travel Value Includes: 6 nights accommodations including DeLuxe ([, dinners pIlls fine din ing in the Earl ofThomand Restaurant at Dromoland BR.ENDAN T~I sightseeing program including admission charges, airp To.kiV1 9 i100 Perscrno.Ul{ ~~ra::" U~ O~i ~.~O ~ *Price is per person. land only. and based on double occupancy. The above rale i~ based on 4i24 f1 0 departure. B; "isil BrendanVacalions .coll1 . CSTH208450'\-20 by Jan Ross, Social Media and is a century older than the rest of Director, The Travel Authority the castle, which was rebuilt in 1800 with stone from a nearby quarry on the Dromoland Estate. In 1962 the castle "The castle has a and part of the grounds were sold and converted into a luxury hotel but the double nature; it is O'Brien family retained a home an d part of the estate and continue to live both a home and a there.

1 When \ve walked out of the cold, rainy, fortress ..: gray Irish day into the comfortable Will iam Anderson, the author of front lobby, decorated in warm colors "Castle5 of Western Europe" and furnished with overstuffed furni­ ture, we felt completely relaxed. You When I was offered a trip to could easily think it is the front lobby with Brendan Vacations, I unheSitating­ of any luxury hotel until you notice the ly accepted since I have always wanted gray stone castle walls. And the hvo to visit Ireland. My husband was a little suits ofarmor displayed by the front desk. more hesitant. Not being a big fan of great and completely different view of long flights, he was not sure about mak­ the castle over the beautiful Dromoland After visiting our large and comfortable ing th e long flight to Ireland. Lough. room, we headed out to explore and proceeded to roam around the entire It was the castle that changed his mind. We were fortunate to be at , taking pictures and marveling at Dromoland Castle. For years, he had Castle on Halloween and they set up the combination ofopulence and com­ talked about wanting to visit and stay a huge bonfire after dinner for all the fort which result in the feel ofa country in a castle someday and now he had the costume-bedecked guests. As the fire house more than a castle. We strolled opportunity because we would be stay­ roared, spotlights iUuminated the out­ through halls with floors covered in ing in the historic Dromoland Castle side ofthe castle and warm golden light lush, burgundy carpets, marveled at Hotel for several nights. shining through the windows made the hundreds of year's worth of family por­ inside look very cozy indeed. As we drove through the stone gateway traits on the walls and peered through gorgeous stained-glass windows at the and wound through gorgeous acres of I find myself at my word limit and have beautiful grounds. lush grass, saw the green rolling hills of not even told you about my wonderful the world-class golf course and beauti­ experience in the spa, the completely Then we headed outside, where the ful, old trees covered with gold and cop­ fabulous food we had every day and rainy day had combined with sunshine per fal l leaves, our excitement at seeing the many other activities offered at the to create a lovely rainbow - a common the fabulous Dromoland Castle Hotel castle. began to build. And, as we pulled up to sight in Ireland. We strolled around the grounds, visiting the turret Sir Edward the ivy-covered front of the gray stone Let me just say that ifyou are even in O 'Brien built so he could watch his walled castle, we were not disappointed. Ireland? You should visit Dromoland racehorses. He once gambled the entire Castle Hotel with Brendan Vacations. estate on a race but, luckily, his horse Dromoland Castle is one of the most You will not be sorry. famous baronial castles in Ireland and Sean Buis won the race and was later buried under the Temple, 100 yards was the ancestral home of the O'Briens, About the Author: from the entrance to the castle. Colorful Barons oflnchiquin. The O 'Briens are Jan Ross is the Social Media Director for and fearless pheasants were everywhere, one of the few native Gaelic families The Travel Authority. Read her blog at running across the path in front of us in Ireland and are direct descendents http://thetravelauthority.blogspot.coml and darting into the thick undergrowth. ofBrian Boroimhie (Boru), the to find out about otherfabulous travel of Ireland in the eleventh deals and tra vel information. Or call The We rented a golf cart and I recommend century. Donough O'Brien, a son of Travel Authority at 1-S77-AXP-1S1S. this as the best way to see the grounds Brian Boru, was the lord of the castle They have offices located all over Central if you are short on time, since we when Dromoland was just a defensive Kentucky, OhiO, In diana, Tennessee and were able to drive all around the lush stronghold. The Queen Anne Court Rorida and will help you get the best pos­ grounds of the golf course and get a was built in 1700 with 29 guestrooms sible deal for a wonderful trip.

? wi Dromoland CasHe * 85 land onllj

mmodation at Dromoland Castle, breakfast daily, 3 three-course st/e, professional Irish Tour Director, private luxury motorcoach, tramjers, all hotel taxes and service charges.

JIl uvuilability and seasonality. Other restriction s may apply. For full terms and conditions. please