We headed for Blessington in one of the most scenic areas of County Wicklow. At this point an argument could easily break out as to what part of the county is the most scenic. The loudest voice would win. You could not rate one area over another. Our journedy actually took us from Wexford, to Carlow, to Kildare, to Wicklow and back to Wexford.
Once we got to Blessington, we made a short stop at the tourist office. Parking was convenient and free - no need to dig out a 2 Euro coin this time. The lady working in the office was helpful beyond our requests. There were many many brochures for all the marvels thereabouts and beyond. We had mentioned we'd be visiting Russborough House. Bless her Irish heart - out came a brochure that gave us 2 for 1 admission. I think there are other similar coupons in the brochure but we haven't needed them yet.
First off we wanted to drive around Blessington Lake. At the moment it's closer to Blessington Puddle. The hot dry summer has left it much smaller and shallower than any time since the lake was created. It's a man-made lake, created by a dam to harness the water supply for Dublin. One can rue the damage to farmland, but as I'd not been there before this project several decades ago, I see it as a beautiful lake.
Drive around we did. The most difficult thing was finding a safe spot to pull over and admire the view - and of course, take photos. Finally there was a widening of the road on our side so Paddy parked and out we got. Not a single car went by while we ooohhhed and ahhhhed over the views. It really is wonderful to be here in the "off season".
That loop ended back at N81 and we drove the short distance to Russborough House. A new surprise awaited. We both qualify as seniors so we got our 2 for 1 at a reduced rate. Yay again. The tour started a few minutes later. George proved to be an excellent guide and docent. No question stumped him. He had a bit of humour to add without being corny. Our group was small and that's very nice also.
Check it out: http://www.russborough.ie/
The house has been lived in for centuries. Each era seemed to end when the owner died without leaving an heir. The various owners were all keen on art and the paintings, clocks, furniture and decorations were all marvellous. There is a fortune in oil paintings. Just for one example, there are two small Gainsboroughs in a grouping of six paintings. But it was always a family home, full of company.
The artwork has been subject to several thefts over the years - some pieces involved in more than one of the robberies. Just this year a number of paintings were returned to the house. Four oval paintings that had been stolen, were actually bought back by Alfred Beit. He thought they had been sold to the gallery where they turned up.
The grounds of the house are beautiful. Nothing can be built between the house and Blessington Lake so the view will never be spoiled. The artisans who work and exhibit in the "annexes" on either side of this wonderful symmetrical building, seemed to have taken Monday off - like many businesses. Only the blacksmith appeared to be there. Of course the gift shop was open so we had a little 'browse and buy' experience after a great lunch in the cafe.
The museum in the basement, recounts the lives of those who lived in the house. Most of the displays are from the last owner/occupants the Beits. They had no children. Alfred Beit was widely travelled and an amazing amateur photographer. He even took 3D pictures. They were found, all catalogued and labelled, in the basement in 2008. It's amazing they were in perfect condition. Alfred had died in 1994. He and his wife created a Trust that supports the building. The Trust was supplemented in 2015 when a number of paintings from the house were sold to the National Gallery.
I could go on and on - well, I can always do that. Just check out the link and then plan a visit to see for yourself.
For our walk on the grounds, we followed the Fairy Trail where we delighted in the many and varied fairy doors, most quite high up on the trees. Some of the fairy homes were joined by aerial bridges, others had swings. Each was unique. Most had the "occupant's" name on a little plaque.
When we tore ourselves away from Russborough, we headed over the Wicklow Gap which is quite high. The views were terrific until we got to the overlook for Glendalough (Glen da lock). It's more like Glen da Loss. There's hardly any water. Tomorrow Paddy will explore Glendalough more carefully and will report on the depth of the two lakes. I am planning a visit to genealogy land - that might include a trip to the library but possibly I'll stay put. It will be a trek on foot if I go anywhere.
Driving back to Bunclody we repeated a previous route via Rathdrum, Aughrim and Carnew. Driving was right into the sun. It's hard to complain about a sunny day but a stray cloud here and there might have been helpful. This time we did not stop at Mucklagh but for once I recognized Kathy Doyle's farm as we passed.
Once home we had our supper of Lasagna and salad with a small shared piece of biscuit cake - basically bits of Social Tea cookies held together by chocolate. I've made it before. That seems to be a favoured dessert across Europe. I first encountered it in Greece but wherever it started I'll never know.
We declined to go to Clonegal for storytelling this evening and are having a quiet time "at home".
The photo issue. My camera can communicate with my laptop via the SD card. But, I usually use my phone which is not on speaking terms with this Mac. Never mind the Android to Mac app - doesn't work for me.
I'm coming to the conclusion that I get better pictures with the phone than the camera. The reason for this is that I can't remember the settings to use. More effort will have to be made once I have some time on my hands and the inclination to refresh my tiny brain.
In addition, the camera photos are not uploading automatically to Dropbox as they are supposed to, while the phone is charging.
So - here are just a couple of pictures from today that I took with the camera - before the battery went to sleep. Ugh.
 |
| How does your view compare? |
 |
| A shame I don't have room for one of these |
 |
| This is a clock. The snake, which doesn't move, points to the time. The two rows of numerals revolve. It was about 12:15 when we were there. |
 |
| Always wanted a four-poster. Inside the canopy it has a dome. |
 |
| Just one of the marble (marvel?) fireplaces at Russborough |
 |
| The music room. The smaller piano at the back was re-covered to match the large one. Photo is of Paderewsky (sp?) who played this one. |
 |
| Fireplace decoration of Lida and the swan |
 |
| Can't sit down - each has a pine cone to remind you not to take a seat. |
No comments:
Post a Comment