Gillick's World: Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way Re-published August 2015 | Page 9

After a tasty breakfast of grilled kippers and eggs, I
had to depart. For those fortunate to stay longer,
there are many outdoor activities to take in the
country air, including salmon fishing, cycling,
horseback riding, woodcock shooting and, not too
far off at Roundstone Bay on the Atlantic Ocean,
visitors can learn about lobster fishing from one of
the Ballynahinch staff –an activity that is listed as
one of the ‘secrets’ of the coastal drive known as
the Wild Atlantic Way.

The two suits of armour in the reception area
immediately established the theme for the Castle:
regal, luxurious, historical and very friendly. I was
taken up a flight of stairs marked “Private” to the
Queen Anne Suite where I was humbled by the
plush couches, wardrobes, 3 flat-screen
televisions--each welcoming me by name, a kingsize bed with views of the golf course and lake, and
a washroom equal to the size of my living room in
Toronto.

For the next five days I visited different towns in the
South West before heading north, past Shannon, to
Newmarket-on-Fergus. On a cool and rainy day, I
entered a gated area where, across a golf course
(full of dedicated golfers), on the far side of the
lake, sat Dromoland Castle. This area was the
ancestral home of the O’Briens who were direct
descendants of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland
in the 11th Century. The first castle was built in
1014. A second castle/house appeared in the early
18th Century and then the structure was rebuilt in
1963 with a castle/hotel design in mind.

With camera in hand, I wandered around the red
carpeted, picture and portrait-filled corridors of the
Castle. The bar, once the estate library, was warm
and cozy, as was the lounge area. For lunch, I sat
on a six-inch deep couch, sipping a glass of Pinot
Noir and savouring six juicy fat Galway Bay
oysters.
At 3:00 pm, Jim Hennigar walked into the Castle
lobby with Alice, a very curious Harris Hawk,
perched on his arm. My Hawk Walk was about to
begin.

The corridor leading to the dining lounge and the
bar, Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus