Touring West of Ireland with own driver, Chauffeurdriven tours of Ireland.

The magnificent Ashford Castle in Cong, Connemara.

Yesterday morning i returned to Ashford to collect Chuck and Gerry who had spent their previous night here in this wonderful location. This hotel is renowned for its history, and its location, and for the fantastic service it has provided to the thousands of people who have had the good fortune to pass through its doors down through the years.
Now it has entered a new stage in its long life, and, now, under new ownership, they have embarked on a mission to restore this castle to its former glory, and are already hard at work at this.

In the picture above you can see the external work being carried out on the roof area. There has already been major improvements completed inside and i would have to say, i believe, that when they have it all finished, it will be back up there among the highest ranked hotels in the world.
We have many special treasures here in Ireland, and this is one of them, and we are fortunate now be able to say that Ashford is in the hands of somebody who will restore it to its rightful place at the top of our star Irish attractions, which is indeed comforting.

One of two Irish Wolfhound statues which stand on guard outside the main door of Ashford Castle.

A recession can halt economic growth, but it cannot stop the growth of these lovely daffodils. I look forward now to the Spring, and Ashford is blooming once again in every way. Come and see it for yourself. Better still.....contact me, and get me to show it to you.

Yesterday was of course St Patrick's day,and we moved on from Ashford to Galway city. A visit to Galway Cathedral where we could say a little quiet prayer to our great St Patrick, was very fitting today. Here we have Chuck and Gerry posing outside the cathedral before entering.

Now we have Chuck and Gerry inside the cathedral with a statue of St Patrick, to the left of the picture. I have no idea what happened to this photo, but that bright light to Gerry's left, is poor St Patrick.

This cathedral is a magnificent building, and well worth a visit if you get to Galway. All are welcome here.

It is still hard to make him out in this picture, but take it from me, that is St Patrick.

This gentleman posed with Chuck and Gerry for me. He was celebrating this memorable day, and when i asked him was he related to the saint, he said that he was his son. Now i think that that is carrying it a little too far.He does have the Irish Green White and Amber on his head though. He was obviously intent on having a late night, hence the luminous jacket.

As this was our final day together, Chuck and Gerry invited my wife Sue to join them for a meal in the famous Moran's of the Weir restaurant in Kilcolgan in the renowned Oyster country, close to Galway Bay, in the Clarinbridge and Kilcolgan area. Here we have Sue, Chuck and Gerry, pictured outside Moran's.

Chuck and Gerry inside Moran's.

When you ask somebody to take a group photo for you, you are indeed fortunate if you ge ta good picture, but i think that i look great here.

Dromoland Castle, located within fifteen minutes of Shannon airport, was to be their final overnight for this memorable tour. They loved this place and had a lot of very good things to say about it.

I hate saying goodbye, and on this occasion it was especially difficult as we had a great time together,and many, many, great laughs. Here they are at Shannon airport this morning bright and early.
They are at home now as i write. What a small world we live in. Small enough for you to be here in a matter of a few hours. All you have to do is make up your mind.
Let me know if you do.

And a belated, happy St Patrick's day to all my firends, old and new.

Dave