Daydreaming

I was going to walk several miles this morning, outfitted with my fully loaded pack, but a nasty front blew in and it's too damn cold out there! I know those of you in the northeast suffering with multiple feet of snow don't want to hear it, but for us - this is cold. It's only 55 degrees and the wind is blowing like hell. I'm staying inside with a nice cuppa. This morning's flavor is chamomile and lavender. I'm on my third cup and still can't feel my toes.

The chilly weather (and my aversion to it) sent my thoughts across the pond to Ireland. My ultimate pipe dream is to buy a small farm there, preferably in Kerry. I'd love to take care of an old stone house and couple of small barns. I've scoured the real estate websites...there are dozens for sale that would be perfect. I want to raise a few heifers and some chickens, have a couple of goats and sheep, and at least one donkey named Owen. Boozy and Bear would love it, too. Doug...well, probably not so much.

From there, my mind turned to Minard Castle in Annascaul, Kerry. It's where I had an inexplicable but exhilarating experience. Unfortunately, we could only spend a short time there because we were walking thirteen miles to Dingle and didn't have wiggle room in the itinerary. Built in the 1600's, it's like something from a dream - at least the kind that I have. Perched on the edge of the sea, it's nestled among boulders worn smooth by the rough waves. The ruins are nothing short of breathtaking. When it was time to go, I reluctantly followed Lauren up a steep hill behind the castle, I looked back frequently, teary-eyed and heartbroken about having to leave. It was then that I looked across the water to the Iveragh Penninsula, although I didn't know it at the time. I was unaware that I was gazing upon what would be the location of my next walking adventure. When I'm there in June. I hope to look across the bay and catch a glimpse of my beloved, majestic castle. I wonder if it's velvety whispers can be heard from such a distance?

Although I'd love to be able to call Minard Castle home, it's not for sale. I check often. There are, however, several castles and towers that are available for purchase. Ballymaquiff Castle, located near Labane in Galway, is one. It reminds me of Minard because it too is a tower house, as opposed to a full-blown castle. It's even older, built in the 14th century. Imagine being so fortunate as to care for something that ancient! Here's a view of the exterior.

It's only about forty feet tall and sits on four acres of land. The two stories are habitable, which I find absolutely amazing. It's charming circular staircases need a little TLC but they are still beautiful.

Like I said, it needs a little work, but then again... don't we all? Here's a hallway...just imagine the glass that used to fill that door's pane. Can you picture it? Now imagine tapestries adorning the stone walls. ("I've come to see the tapestries!" - a line from Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade.)  

At $223k, I think it's a steal, but I really prefer to live in Kerry. Unfortunately, I can't find any castles for sale in Kerry so I may have to rethink my plan. Live in Kerry on a farm or live in Galway in a castle? Life is wrought with difficult choices.

Until then, I'll have to be content visiting Ballycarbery Castle in June. It's a couple miles from Cahersiveen, which is five days walk from Killarney. She's not Minard, but she's a beaut and I look forward to getting to know her. For me, each castle, tower, and ruin has it's own personality, it's own feel. Does that make sense? I'm anxious to discover Ballycarbery's and wonder if it will be as powerful as Minard's. That one knocked me on my ass.