The Shades of Ireland "Adventure with Phill" began on Monday, April 20th! Fellow travelers joined me as we made our way to the Atlanta airport for an evening departure to Dublin, Ireland. The wait for the flight was uneventful other than choice of food items prior to the flight - "getting our stomachs ready" for the food ahead. Twenty of us will be meeting up with others as part of a Collette Vacation. 

Our flight went through some rough weather - discontinued dinner service for about 40 minutes. Dinner was a choice of barbecue chicken or cheese tortellini, salad, cheese and crackers, and wine. 

Most of the group were unable to take a nap so they played games (blackjack, solitaire, etc) or watched movies. I was able to take a 90-minute nap but also watched a movie - a foreign film -'Un illustre inconnu' - "Nobody from Nowhere". About 2 hours prior to our arrival, breakfast was served - cheese biscuit, coffee, juice. 

We arrived in Dublin a little later than expected. We made our way through passport control, baggage claim (all bags made it!), and customs. Upon meeting our transfer agent we discovered that we would be staying in a different castle for the evening (sound of moans, sighs, "what?"). It appeared that Cabra Castle had overbooked for the evening so we were going to Bellingham Castle in Castlebellingham, Ireland. I was expecting the worst. 

Our transfer driver, "Hoss", talked - with a deep Irish accent - all the way to the Castle. He was a delight! I "got" some of it. We arrived at the small village of Castlebellingham. Then, we arrived at the drive up to the castle. Approaching the gate - my immediate thought - "not to shabby". 

We were welcomed with open arms! 




Treated to complimentary tea, coffee, cake & biscuits in the Napper Tandy. Checking into our rooms we found each had its own personality. In some we found a bottle of wine. So - gathering again in the Napper Tandy - a time of conversation and wine! What better way to celebrate! 

It was my recommendation that folks not go to bed until after dinner. Some did not take my advice - me included. Others walked to the village or strolled the grounds. But, the short nap was the perfect solution for me prior to dinner. At 6 p.m. the dinner bell rang! We were invited into the dining room. 

Our menu was the following:

Starter: A choice of Creamy Roast Root Vegetable Soup, Mixed Leaf Caesar Salad, or Duck Spring Roll
Sorbet: Champagne with fresh strawberry
Main Course: A choice of Filet of Beef Stroganoff, Supreme of Irish chicken, or Pesto & Almond Crusted Salmon
Dessert: French-style Glazed Lemon Tart, Apple-Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumble, or Ice Cream
Chocolates at the end!

The dinner was fabulous! The gentlemen waiting our tables were fantastic! We all commented saying, "A standard has been set! It will be difficult for anything to be better than where we are staying and this meal!" After dinner, it was off to bed! Some were ready for it! 

Wednesday, April 22
The morning brought a beautiful day in Ireland! Breakfast was served from 8 to 10. We had choice of continental (fresh pastries, fresh jams, and fresh fruit) or a hot meal (omelets). Bags out at 11! Time to take a walk! I made my way to the village. 

We will be picked up after 12. We're going to Cabra Castle for the evening. After checking in to Cabra Castle, we will enjoy some time in Carrickmacross. Tonight we meet our tour guide and other travelers at dinner.