My visit to the gorgeous grounds of Castlemartin in Ireland
After Kevin toured the Wedgwood Potteries in England, he met me in Dublin, Ireland. We then drove to County Kildare, where we were the invited houseguests of Sir Tony O’Reilly and his lovely wife, Lady Chryss Goulandris, at their magnificent estate, Castlemartin. Sir Tony is the Chairman of Waterford Wedgwood. That evening we were treated to a delicious dinner of spring lamb chops with fresh garden peas. Dessert was my favorite sour lemon meringue tart. Other guests included the former Prime Minister of Canada, Brian Mulroney and his wife, Mila. The next morning, we arose quite early and walked the grounds. Once again, I was awed and inspired. See for yourself!
The linden allee in the front of Castlemartin - this is the country home of Sir Anthony O'Reilly and his beautiful wife, Lady Chryss Goulandris.
The facade of the 18th century Georgian stone house - which was completely restored and refurbished. It was, according to the owners, a pile of rubble when purchased in the 1970's.
The teal blue door is the same accent color used everywhere on the farm estate.
Roses were blooming everywhere on the property and they were extremely fragrant and lush.
The stone walls on the property are as amazing as the size of the giant trees - only an 'old' place has such features.
A giant monkey puzzle tree - one of the truly 'prehistoric' plants on the property - not from prehistory itself, but this type of tree dates way way back.
Looking through a window opening in a stone wall affords a fantastic view of the fields beyond.
Kevin loved the massive stone ball garden ornaments - they were everywhere! 
There is a catholic church, rebuilt on the property.
the Church of St. Mary's
A great detail for around a building - I often lay down the gravel, but I've never added the stone edging.
The cattle raised on the place are primarily Charolais, a French breed raised for their tender beef.
Roses grow to immense heights in Ireland - this pink 'new dawn' type covered the front of the guest house.
We just loved how the two massive trees were growing together over the drive.
This lone bull is prized for his reproductive qualities.
This Icelandic pony is often ridden by our hostess.
Two adorable pure Irish donkeys, were friendly but wary of strangers.
some of the many Charolais
There is running water throughout the property.
This is one of the myriad giant trees - oaks, maples, lindens, beeches, horse chestnuts, yews, atlas cedars... 
The hedgerows are made from prickly shrubs, hornbeams, beech, and privets - they are not left to grow wild, but are edged and clipped and are impenetrable. 
This foal is known as an orphan - he was taken away at birth from his mother and bottle fed while his mother's milk was used for a sickly foal, who could not survive without a 'mother.' The Icelandic pony, in a previous photo, is the surrogate mother for this lively foal. 
The fields are a bright green (we're in Ireland, after all) and the grass is rich food for all the animals.
These are very healthy cattle.
Kevin is like the Pied Piper - every animal migrates to him.
The Pied Piper makes another friend - a giant St. Bernard, who was extremely playful and puppy-like for his size.
In the early morning, everything just sparkled! 
You can see how the trees are very trimmed underneath - eaten evenly by the horses and cattle!
very pretty
These cows are not looking at me - they are playing 'stare down' with the dogs on the other side of the fence.
a beautiful portrait of a prize cow
There is great appeal to the Irish countryside.
Kevin and the St. Bernard – Daisy
Are we seeing double?
Belted Galloways, Charolais, and others live a beautiful life on the green fields of Castlemartin.
Wow, the teal accents on the guest houses with the most beautiful roses growing up the face is just so inspiring. Those pictures just take me away to such a beautiful and quiet place. Thank you for sharing your travels, your pictures are amazing.
Posted by: Megan | June 30th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Hi Martha, What a great ending to your European trip! It's absolutely fantastic that you and Kevin were able to take a tour of the magnificent Martincastle Estate. Your photos are absolutely stunning! I just love the ones of Pied Piper Kevin. All of the photos of the farm animals and the landscape are very similar to your Bedford Farm. Thanks again for sharing and I'm so happy you all arrived home safely. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | July 1st, 2008 at 12:11 am
I think I found our new accent color. The blue they have chosen is perfect with the stone. Your photos are lovely. One of my dream places to visit. http://www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com
Posted by: kerry | July 1st, 2008 at 12:29 am
Oooooooo...wow!
Posted by: Isle Dance | July 1st, 2008 at 2:58 am
Good to see you both enjoying Europe. And nice to see more of Kevin appearing on the blog - when I'm fed up with work I like to go and look at the post about his office as a reminder that superlative is worth going the extra mile for and beauty can be its own reward.
Posted by: Sophie | July 1st, 2008 at 4:17 am
Ireland! Home of the friendliest people! Martha, I do envy you!
Thanks so very much for the lovely pictures of a grand estate! Brings back lots of fond memories of the land of 40 shades of green.
Loved the picture of the Monkey Puzzle Tree... "defies the efforts of monkeys to climb them, presumably." (The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, 1947)
Posted by: Skeeto | July 1st, 2008 at 5:50 am
How lovely--no interior photos?
Posted by: gilda stigliano | July 1st, 2008 at 6:21 am
Very beautiful, love the pictures of the animals!!!Thank-you for sharing them!
Posted by: Paula | July 1st, 2008 at 6:54 am
The photos of Castlemartin are
great. I really enjoyed seeing
them.
Posted by: Vivian Price | July 1st, 2008 at 7:00 am
Well, isn't that just like the Irish! Martha, you couldn't go to England because of visa problems, but the Irish said "Cead mil failte" and welcomed you with warm hospitality and generous hearts. I'm an American of Irish descent and I just loved your pictures of the grounds around Castlemartin--and your informative commentary. So, I wish you "slan abhaile" and hope you'll find your way back to the land of "40 shades of green!"
Oh, about the teal green on the house and on the out buildings, the Irish love true, bold colors and will use them at any opportunity!
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | July 1st, 2008 at 7:59 am
I've now decided that when I get my own place that a nice dark teal is going to be my accent color. How gorgeous! Your photos of the grounds and animals therein are great, as always. I love the mop-top look of Icelandic ponies! Glad to hear that you had fun. Would have loved to see pictures of the inside of the guest house...
Posted by: Kim Wylie | July 1st, 2008 at 8:05 am
You take the most wonderful photo's. It's almost like we are there with you, you have a way of describing and capturing the details of all good things so that we your loyal viewer feel like we are involved. Heartfleft thanks Martha.
Posted by: Robin | July 1st, 2008 at 8:32 am
Thanks for sharing Martha...what a fairy tale like setting!!!
Posted by: Jenny | July 1st, 2008 at 9:35 am
Just beautiful! It looks like such a refreshing place to visit!
Posted by: Jaime Compton | July 1st, 2008 at 9:52 am
How wonderful to have such an ancient church on your grounds, what a beautiful place would love to visit and see ireland. I cannot beleive how the grounds are not very rocky as in other pictures of ireland. You always take such wonderful pictures of the places you visit and I love the descriptions also. You muct've felt very honored to been able to stay in such a glorious home.
Posted by: chris kara | July 1st, 2008 at 10:05 am
That foal is so adorable as are the cattle! And that estate was gorgeous with all of the old stone. Ireland is definitely on my list of places to visit. Great photos!
Posted by: Laura Nelson | July 1st, 2008 at 10:12 am
I love the teal blue accent color. Your pictures are so pretty!
Posted by: Melissa | July 1st, 2008 at 10:40 am
I love Ireland! Coming from Arizona it was nice to see the lush green scenery. The roses looked gorgeous. I'm curious to know what the interior of the house looked like.
Posted by: sushi2 | July 1st, 2008 at 10:43 am
What a beautiful place! I also love Daisy the St. Bernard. She looks adorable!
Posted by: Mackensie | July 1st, 2008 at 10:53 am
Oh I envy you (but in a good way) on your recent trip to Ireland. I would love to go there as well to see where my ancestors came from.
Your pictures are great as usual. The Irish countryside is so pretty. Thanks for capturing its beauty with your camera.
Posted by: Maureen | July 1st, 2008 at 11:29 am
What a beautiful place! Brian and Mila Mulroney are very fascinating people. Their son, Ben, is the host of Canadian Idol, actually, and an entertainment show.
As always, thanks for the photos!
-Andrew
PS: Happy Canada Day!
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | July 1st, 2008 at 11:36 am
Dr. O'Reilly retired from his CEO post of H J Heinz co. back in 2001. Did you see the large 1905 bottle of ketchup he was presented upon his retirement-- 30 years with Heinz wow --- another article back in 1988 mentioned the possible Wedgwood purchase well I guess it happened alright that 28 room mansion is spectacular the internet is a wonderful thing I did some back grounding on your host He sounds like a wonderful man.
Posted by: Hardboiledegg | July 1st, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Martha, I envy being in Ireland. I am Irish on both sides of my faily and my husband and I are talking of going soon. You make my desire even stronger with all your beatiful photos. Virginia
Posted by: Virginia Hamblin | July 1st, 2008 at 2:58 pm
What a beautiful place! I loved the teal accent & roses. The stone walls must be stunning to see in person - the opening in the wall captured the view of the opposite side & that was also beautiful in your pics. It must have been wonderful to be up close with the Icelandic horses, cows & of course, the St Bernard. You must have had a grand time!!! It's nice to "visit" these places thru your photos.
Posted by: Sherry | July 1st, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Kevin,
Those are rather white shoes for touring the producing end of the cattle estate. Hopefully Daisy didn't knock you into anything green and squashy.
Always great to see what you see.
Posted by: Margie | July 1st, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Hi Andrew.
From one Canadian to another -"Happy Canada Day" to you too!!
Posted by: Maureen | July 1st, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I so look forward to your photos, Martha. We're all very blessed to be able to live somewhat vicariously through your wondrous experiences.
Thank you as always,
Jackie Lamothe
Frederick, MD
Posted by: Jackie Lamothe | July 1st, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Wonderful photos, I love Ireland
visit every other year. Love the
people and the land.
Posted by: Bunkie Burke Rivkin | July 1st, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Martha,
Wonderful post, such lovely pictures of Ireland. It has inspired me to want to visit someday. Thanks for sharing, your blog is always interesting!
Posted by: Desiree' | July 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 am
Martha,
Wonderful post, such lovely pictures of Ireland. It has inspired me to want to visit someday. Thanks for sharing, your blog is always interesting!
Posted by: Desiree' | July 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 am
Martha,
Wonderful post, such lovely pictures of Ireland. It has inspired me to want to visit someday. Thanks for sharing, your blog is always interesting!
Posted by: Desiree' | July 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 am
Martha,
Wonderful post, such lovely pictures of Ireland. It has inspired me to want to visit someday. Thanks for sharing, your blog is always interesting!
Posted by: Desiree' | July 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 am
Martha,
Wonderful post, such lovely pictures of Ireland. It has inspired me to want to visit someday. Thanks for sharing, your blog is always interesting!
Posted by: Desiree' | July 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 am
Martha,
Wonderful post, such lovely pictures of Ireland. It has inspired me to want to visit someday. Thanks for sharing, your blog is always interesting!
Posted by: Desiree' | July 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 am
Martha,
Wonderful post, such lovely pictures of Ireland. It has inspired me to want to visit someday. Thanks for sharing, your blog is always interesting!
Posted by: Desiree' | July 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 am
What a loving man he must be. He has created a harmonious paradise for all his animals. Gosh, those horses are particularly lovely, aren't they? Too precious!
Posted by: Marie | July 2nd, 2008 at 2:27 am
Dear Martha,
I would like to inform you that Mr. Mulroney is under investigation. I suggest you to watch ''The fifth Estate '' on CBC news. The program to watch in Canada when we want to know the true story. Love your blog. Have a nice day. Gisele
Posted by: Gisele | July 2nd, 2008 at 8:41 am
Martha, the Mulroney's are such lovely and charming people, non? I had the pleasure of dining with them many years ago at La Tour D'Argent in Paris. Did you happen to get any pictures of you with the Mulroney's that you can share with us please? Happy Canada Day and Fourth of July! We love everything that you do Martha - bravo!
Posted by: Kristina Heath | July 2nd, 2008 at 11:46 am
Martha,
What a beautiful estate. Thank you for sharing your end of your vacation in Ireland! How idealic!
LOVE the cows, horses and of course the St. Bernard! Kevin, you are like me....always wanting to pet the animals (so sweet!)and they graviate towards me too!
Enjoy the rest of your travels Martha and Kevin and have a safe trip home!
Paula
Posted by: Paula M. :) | July 2nd, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I drooled over the pictures! Such a beautiful place to visit. I wouldn't have wanted to leave. I would just move in and become a resident whether they like it or not. .haha.
Posted by: Lori Stewart | July 2nd, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I was in Ireland & Kinsale about the same time. I was just happy it didn't rain--I'm glad you got to enjoy the beautiful weather. I saw the roses on the guest house--I took many pics of home fronts on my trip. I love the way they use flowers to soften their front entrances, making them so welcoming. I came home and hung eight hanging baskets, just a start. Home front landscaping with flowers not just planted in a row by the sidewalk, would be an interesting article. This is a bad pic, but shows what I'm talking about http://flickr.com/photos/sandeland/2612042935/
http://flickr.com/photos/sandeland/2612085657/
Posted by: Sandy | July 2nd, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Miss Martha
Thank you so much for the "trip" to Ireland. This was one of the most beautiful blogs I've seen posted by anyone in a long time. You are so gracious and educated on your subjects that I never fail to feel as if I am right there with you. Thanks so much!
Posted by: Patricia | July 4th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Kevin sure is cute...
Posted by: Ross Sveback | July 7th, 2008 at 9:17 am