Cashel, Straffan & Maynooth
We had a long drive ahead of us from Killarney to Straffan, which is just half an hour outside Dublin in County Kildare. An easy half-way point is the Rock of Cashel, an impressive ruin, parts of which date back to 1100 AD. Learn about the singing monks, Cromwell’s cruel invasion, and some of the oldest existing frescoes in Northern Europe.
We arrived at the K Club, our glamorous country manor hotel, for our last two nights in Ireland. The hotel overlooks 550 acres of glorious gardens and two world-class Arnold Palmer golf courses (one of which just hosted the Irish Open). The River Liffey runs lazily through the grounds. As soon as I arrived, I was itching to get out and explore – easily done by borrowing the hotel’s complimentary bikes.
The K Club’s main restaurant, the River Room, is an exceptional gastronomic option. If you’re looking for more low-key dining, however, the golf club has several options, from upscale pub grub to Thai.
During the day, there are numerous local activities to test out. Between the horse riding, clay target shooting, falconry, and fishing, its a paradise of old-world pursuits. And even if you’re not much of a rider, County Kildare is also known for its horse racing, which you can enjoy from the comfort of covered stands with a cold glass of champagne.
If you’re looking for a little society, head to nearby Maynooth. Enjoy dinner at Bistro 52, followed by a cocktail at Oak Alley across the street. Be sure to check out the excellent museum in the 12th century Maynooth Castle.
Farewell
And so ended our southern tour of Ireland. It’s a land of laid-back but elegant luxury, where the landscape draws you in like an Irish wool blanket. The Emerald Isle serves up heaping portions of fun, making it a great destination for families or friends. It’s also a place of inherent romance, where the relaxed pace allows couples to bask in each other’s company.
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