Powerscourt Garden

A soft morning. Irish humor. For over two weeks most mornings were "soft". That's what keeps Ireland green, except for the Burren which is mostly rock. Soft is a heavy mist or a most gentle rain. It was not unpleasant, but it did cut down visibility somewhat. Trips to the Cliffs of Moher, although a couple of weeks apart, viewed basically a singular. Picture postcards did show cliffs in the plural, however.

The Burren is an expanse of smoothly rolling rock. Sort of a moonscape vista. This Burren link contains a link to photos of some Burren wildflowers. There is also a photo of the Cliffs (plural) and information on both.

Kay and I were joined by Gerry and George for this adventure which included such highlights as music pubs, an introduction to Black Bush, a visit to the remains of George's ancestral castle and the Gardens at Powerscourt . The castle was quite impressive and largely intact. A most imposing structure at the edge of a tall cliff. Only the kitchen had crashed into the sea. That may have been taken as an omen to eventually leave the premises. George's ancestors were removed when, at a banquet they gave for a rival clan, at a predetermined signal the visitors killed their hosts with their dinner knives. Back in those days daggers were for dinners and deeds.

The music pubs were a wonderful way to spend an evening. The only drawback was having to nurse a single pint of Guinness for the entire night. Rigorous laws about drinking and driving are enforced. Pubs have been known to have a police car parked nearby at closing time. They stay there for an hour or so until the former revelers have a bit of time to sober up before the police leave and allow them to do likewise.

Powerscourt was built in 1731. Its extensive gardens are open to the public. Garden art includes two full size statues of Pegasus rampant, a fountain statue which I will not describe, and a pair of contemplating angels.

The gardens are rather formal. This thumbnail will, eventually, lead you to some larger sized photos. The one of the mosaic terrace includes Kay facing south The Japanese garden is so named only for the red bridge and a small pagoda. The remainder is purely Irish. When I wander through a garden like this one , I sometimes