Chauffeurdrive holidays in Ireland with Dave Hogan

I had the pleasure of meeting up with Gabriel Byrne, the well known Irish actor, in Ballinahinch Castle in Connemara the other day, and what a nice and pleasant man he is. Gabriel starred in many movies including The Usual Suspects, Miller's Crossing and that lovely Irish movie, Into the West. In more recent times he played the part of Dr Paul Weston in the TV series, In Treatment, for which he has won critical acclaim. He is noted as a fiercely private person but i found him most friendly and i had a lovely converstaion with him, mainly concerning Ireland and Irish tourism issues. He is a true patriot and his love for Ireland has been recognised as he has recently been appointed Irish Ambassador for literature and the Arts to the USA. I have no doubt that he will do a fine job for us in that role and that his work will result in a lot more people coming to Ireland from the USA. I wish you well Gabriel and thank you for the time you gave me in Ballinahinch.
Ballinahinch Castle is a wonderful retreat right in the heart of Connemara and is located in a lovely wooded area with its own salmon river. It is steeped in history, famous people like Grainne Uaile, the famous Grace O'Malley the Pirate Queen, Richard (Humanity Dick) Martyn, founder of the the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and MP for this area to the British Parliament, and originally the great and notorious O' Flaherty clan who ruled Connemara. I would highly recommend this hotel for anybody looking for peace and quiet in the heart of God's Country.

Another photo from Kinvara's Farmers market. Note the chickens in the pen on the table. These farmers markets are catching on big time here and you can find the best of fresh produce here.