The K Club

Morning! 

Our final stop and last night in Ireland was The K Club in Kildare. This pristine 5 star country club had so much to offer and sadly we didn't get to see much of it. Please check out their webpage, bottom of post, this place is HUGE and just stunning. Our few photos really do not do it justice. Check-in was smooth which was nice, considering we were tired from our travels. We had stopped in Waterford for the day and the Nicholas Mosse Pottery house on our way up.

Staff were very helpful and offered to bring our items to our room, the Fitzgerald. This time they used a trolley/bag cart! We were shocked at the room they gave us...it had a sitting room, walk in closet and a gigantic bathtub! You can see more of my love for the tub in my A Bath in Each post he he! The only problem was the bed...which Craig found out the hard way. He dove onto it and much to his surprise it wasn't a king but two twins put together and he landed right in the middle. Ouch!

 Decor fit with the overall feel of the country club, fancy but cozy and antiqued. Our room was very dim inside much like the rest of the hotel. It could have been because we were there later in the day and it was a bit dreary out. Our bellhop must have tried a million switches to give us more light but he couldn't figure it out he he! We did not mind the dim light, it was the evening and we planned to sleep soon.

 Once settled, Craig and I went downstairs for dinner, admiring the artwork along the way. I loved the unicorn tapestry they had hanging above a mantle. So pretty!

We ate at The K Club's River Room Restaurant and much to our surprise there were not many guests. They seated us in the middle of two other couples, one German and the other French. The room was big too and really quiet. That had to be one of the most awkward dinners we've had lol! Service was good though and our meal tasty. Craig's winning streak continued as his steak was perfect!

After dinner we walked around the K Club and took a closer look at their unique rooms. All decorated differently with big couches, chandeliers and fireplaces. I loved the furniture and patterns as well. This couch (below) had a pretty blue pattern that went well with their hydrangeas and purple flowers. Coincidentally my favorite thing at our first Castle was there many colorful hydrangeas! Funny!

Back in our room I took advantage of their huge tub, nice photo op he he! Actually Craig went outside for a quick smoke and instead of starting my bath right away I was super sneaky! 

He had expressed that he really liked this Guinness watch in the store cases down stairs. I quickly called the front desk but since it was late in the evening they did not have the key. Staff were so sweet and offered to order it etc. But I reassured them that I could find it online and have it sent to our home in time for Christmas.

So there I was, naked and heart racing, nervously surfing the web! It didn't take long to find the watch so I ordered it, closed the laptop and jumped into the half full tub. Craig returned a few mins later and was none the wiser! Muahaha!

That night we tucked ourselves in and dreamt of staying in Ireland indefinitely. The K Club was so lovely, hopefully we could visit again and be able to truly enjoy all it offers. Before we left that next morning, I wanted to note that staff brought us coffee, cocoa and some pastries to-go! So sweet of them!!! They were making it hard to leave. 

This trip had been so magical...the only negative, if it could be called that, is that we simply wanted more...more of everything! Thank you Ireland for the wonderful stay. We will miss you dearly!

Thanks! -Bunny

See it here: http://www.kclub.ie/

Heavenly Hayfield Manor

Howdy!

I wasn't sure about Hayfield Manor until we pulled up. It was tucked inside the city of Cork near the University and it seemed really busy. But as we approached the Manor's big gates it was indeed a hidden gem! This was no castle but it might well have been he he! I have been using the word grand a lot in these posts...but no other word seems to fit so perfectly.

Inside, the manor's main floor had desks set up to the left, entrances to dinning areas to the right and a HUGE stairway in the middle curving up in two directions. I love stair cases like these, I always envisioned having one like this someday. Staff were very sweet, congratulated us and then guided us to our room. A bell boy brought our luggage up a few mins later. 

So this room was the best and biggest room I think we have even been in! It was huge, the bed was lush and comfy and there was even a little putting green he he! I mean who has a chase-lounge in their room....fancy people! That's who! Plus some yummy chocolates and a nice note!

We didn't want to leave our posh room but we were a bit hungry so we headed downstairs. My sweet tooth got the best of me so we ordered a slice of carrot cake!! The cake took me back to our wedding...so yummy and rich. Plus I smooshed it into Craig's face which was pretty funny!

 Along with the amazing room Hayfield Manor had a Leisure Center with a pool, hot tub and steam room! This was connected to an onsite Spa as well. We were impressed! Plus the pool was indoor and a nice temperature. It felt so good to swim and Craig was missing his daily hot-tubing!

Breakfast was amazing....they had everything! Hot food, cold food items...yogurt, berries and granola in mason jars! It was all so good! They even had these detox drinks...see below...that I helped myself to! Of course I tried their french toast and was not disappointed he he! Cocoa was spot on and Craig loved his pastries and omelet! The food area had a big honeycomb that you could cut chunks of honey goodness off for your meal. I have never seen that before! 

Craig and I went exploring around the Cork area including the Titanic Experience and Jameson Brewery. Both were fun...well Titanic was a bit somber he he! There is also a Titanic restaurant that had some really good burgers. They even had a veggie one for me! 

 Back at the Manor we hung out in our room for a bit and then went downstairs for dinner. Along our way we saw a case with items you could purchase and there next to a few robes was (almost) the exact Jellycat bunny Craig had given me at our wedding. Crazy! 
Dinner was good, nothing too crazy. I have to gush about bread again ha ha! It was so delicious, hardy and just lovely with some butter. I didn't like my pear salad too much but it was fun to try something new. I believe Craig had the Irish Beef rib but I could be mistaken. He liked it of course, I don't think there has been one dish he didn't like on this trip lol! 

We opted to skip dessert and instead order room service! So that night we snuggled up in our soft fluffy bed, ate petite fours with a chocolate brownie cake and watched Walking Dead on Amazon. I had never been so cozy and content ha ha ha! What a beautiful way to end the day!

In the morning we chose some "lighter" breakfast options... oatmeal, yogurt etc. and like all the castles before, took our time to eat and soak up all the wonders this place offered. I already knew that I would want to visit again some day and stay a bit longer. Two days wasn't enough. 

Craig and I felt so fortunate to be able to stay at Hayfield Manor. Thanks Exploring Vacations for the recommendation. Their service, food and accommodations are top notch!

Thanks for reading, Bunny

http://www.hayfieldmanor.ie/

A Bath in Each

I love bathes....the porcelain (hopefully), bubbles and hot water completely warming you straight to the bone. On our trip I came across some awesome tubs! Each so different and each worth a try! Here are a few pics of my favorites! I didn't know I was gonna write a post about them so the photos aren't that great sorry!

Ballynahinch 

Simple and modern bath with greenish water...hopefully straight from a well ha ha!

Dromoland

Shower/Bath with half door, less modern but big and comfy! The more European half doors were strange at first but even with a bath it was nice to have one side open...so I could still drink my tea! 

Hayfield Manor

Shower/Bath with half door as well. Bathroom was small but the tub was nice and big and I loved the marble. 

The K Club

 This was the last tub on our trip and the biggest! Lots of items to try including some nice salts. Plus there was even a rubber ducky! I loved the faucet...it looked like a complicated old phone and there was a tray for other items...but I didn't spend that long in the bath he he!

 

Such a fancy bathroom I had to try out my new ballet skirt!

Thanks, Bunny

Beautiful Ballynahinch

Our first castle!

Our first castle and second destination was a long trip from Dublin to the west coast of Ireland. We ended up arriving in the dark around 9 pm, so the massive castle wasn't really visible but from what we did see, it was grand. 

Upon approaching the castle, there was a nice gentleman outside smoking a pipe on a bench and as we opened their big green doors it was immediately warm and inviting. Inside it was vintage looking and smelled of smoked salmon. 

 A nice older woman came up to an unassuming desk and we handed her our vouchers. She briefly explained some things about the castle and grounds, then gave us a map and our room key. Then she instructed someone to help us with our bags. Dinner was almost over but she assured us that it was an Irish 9 pm...so we could come back down and still be fed! he he
We didn't have one of the more luxurious rooms but they had us in the main building on the top floor, which felt special. Craig started up towards our room with a few bags in each hand and an older gentleman carried mine. To this day I am embarrassed that I can't remember his name, but that man carried my heavy mid-sized bag up three flights of stairs and never faltered. 

Each room had a different name and he explained that ours meant festive...which seemed appropriate. 

Our room was simple but big, with an updated bathroom. The mirror was heated so it wouldn't fog up and there was a heated towel rack...something I never knew existed!

The mattress and sheets were comfier that I thought they might be, for an older bed, but it did squeak he he! Perfect for newlyweds! And of course there were chocolates!

One thing we both loved is that they had their own glass bottles for water, such a better alternative to plastic! Plus we got to take one home, it now sits on our nightstand.  

We made our way back down the stairs, past old paintings and stuffed-river otter toward the dinning area.

The dinning room area was warm and inviting with lots of wood and more paintings.

A young waiter took our drink orders, explained the menu and brought us freshly baked bread. He was so sweet and honestly wanted to make our meal experience wonderful! 

The bread was the best thing I had ever had....i'm drooling just thinking of it. I would give anything to get a hold of that twisty bread!! 
Craig ordered a rabbit, pheasant and partridge pie and I a veggie risotto. Both were exquisite! I believe he said it was savory, hardy and well-rounded!

The next morning we decided to take a walk around the river and castle, as our map suggested, but first we made sure to get some brunch. Craig ordered an espresso and I my hot cocoa! They had the most delicious apple crumble...whoever said you can't have dessert for brunch is crazy! 

Upon starting our walk we were amazed...needless to say it was gorgeous! We went around the front first and started down a path towards the river. We went through some more landscaped areas and by a few horses, who actually came over to say hi, then onto the river walk pathway.

 It was definitely a path but it was so green and lush that one still had to be careful about where they stepped. Everything was green with light touches of the fall season. Lots of flowers, especially gardenias! 

The sheer amount of land they had was impressive. If we had had another day we could have wandered around the other trails. My mind kept wandering to my parents, I knew they would love it here.

Ballynahinch offered a few extra activities, on top of hikes and one was fly-fishing...and we could see why. The river was perfect for it. Peaceful...

 That night we had a fancy 5 course meal that kept getting better and better, culminating in the form of bread-pudding. Need I say more...I mean look at it.... i'm drooling again!

  Breakfast that next morning was scrumptious! Lots of options! I was impressed by the pitcher of hot cocoa they brought me...it was like they knew my thirst for that sweet chocolateness! 

Neither of us wanted to leave but we were off to our next castle and adventure.
Ballynahinch will always be my favorite location on this trip....it was perfect for us to start with. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting. Maybe not a big family with lots of little ones though. 

It was warm, inviting, friendly, romantic and just beautiful! Almost surreal how lovely it is! Please check it out!

http://www.ballynahinch-castle.com/

Thanks for reading -Bunny