Chauffeurdriven vacation/Ashford Castle Cong/Powerscourt C ounty Wicklow

Ashford Castle, in the glorious sunshine this morning, as i arrived to collect the ladies to continue our Irish tour. Our first stop today was, for me, an unexpected and wonderful visit to the home of one of the Ireland's elite artists, Rick Lewis. The ladies had met him by chance in the castle last evening, and he invited them to visit his home today, where we had the privilege of seeing at first hand some of his magnificent work.

Rick worked at Royal Worcester where the renowned Harry Davis, recognised as the world's leading ceramic artist, took him under his wing, as he recognised Rick's flair and talent. In the picture we have Rick posing with this beautiful ceramic, which Kathleen could not resist, and which will be proudly displayed in her home in the USA. 

The piece on the left was especially commissioned for the Royal family, as was the centre one of Prince Charles, oddly enough bearing some fuzz on his upper lip. I am led to believe that his mom, the Queen, was not particularly happy about the tash.

I personally loved this piece, Queen Elizabeth 1, pictured here in the centre of the table. 

Rick's beautiful home near Ashford castle. If you are staying at Ashford, you can see, and purchase, some of Rick's wonderful work. Better still if you contact him and visit his home. That is something i certainly will do again. You can come with me if you so choose.

Have a look at Rick's website at

www.ricklewisart.com

We continued on our way later, and finally, this afternoon, arrived at the Powerscourt Ritz Carlton where the ladies are spending the next two nights. 

This hotel is built in a magnificent setting surrounded by the wonderful Powerscourt estate and gardens, with the beautiful mountains all around.

Finally, Powerscourt House, pictured below. Today was special, as i am sure you can see from my pictures.

More tomorrow as we travel to Glendalough.