Despite plans to drive to Waterford and tour the Crystal Factory, jetlag had finally caught up with us. We ended up sleeping in until about 9:30am, and didn’t reach Eniskerry until close to 11:00am. We ate a late breakfast at Poppie’s and stuffed ourselves. My breakfast rivaled any of Crackerbarrel’s in both size and home-cooked goodness! Triangular pancakes with a thick honey/maple syrup, scrambled eggs, toast with raspberry jam (sold to the restaurant by a local), and thick slabs of bacon kept me full until dinnertime. Why is it that every country other than the U.S. cooks bacon to be juicy, thick, and usually at least 2 inches wide? It is fantastic. Matt Lansing, you would definitely appreciate it.

It was a frigid, rainy, windy day in Eniskerry. Despite this, Avonie and I decided to be adventurous and walk the road back towards the Ritz and Powercourt. This was about a fifteen minute uphill stroll, and we ended up appreciating the cool air. The walk itself was beautiful. Ireland truly is the “Emerald Isle.” Green moss covers the stone walls, the grass brightly glistens with raindrops, and many of the trees continue to hold their greenery, despite the cold temperatures. It is impossible not to feel cheery when the environment is so colorful.

We chose to visit the Powerscourt Estate and Gardens this afternoon. I was not too excited about the idea of spending several hours in a “boring old garden.” However, it was close to the hotel, and with the nasty weather, we thought it was a good idea. When we checked into the gardens however, I quickly changed my mind. The back of the Estate was classic, with acres of green grass, stone pathways, statues and the gorgeous Triton lake in the center. However, it was not until we walked deeper into the garden that I was in absolute awe. The pathway took us into the heart of the gardens and suddenly, I felt as though I had stepped into a fairytale. Trees, ferns, and flowers glistened in the misty rain and the calm was only interrupted by the chirping of birds and the trickling of streams. There was almost an “enchantment” or sacredness to this place, and I marveled at it. There was a small open cave, with double arches in the Japanese garden. Green moss covered the stone and water trickled down into gutters that carried it into the pond nearby.

We made our way to Tower Valley and found Pepperpot Tower; this tower turned out to be the scariest moment of our trip so far! The ancient stone tower is surrounded by spiky black iron rod fencing, with distorted cannons peeking out at intruders. The gate into the entrance of the tower was open, but the dark, shadowy interior was incredibly intimidating. There was no way of knowing if anyone was hiding in the tower, or what we would find. However, being the great adventures that we are, Avonie and I bravely took each step in the upward spiral until we reached the tower’s crown and bright, glorious daylight! Looking over the side, I felt a bit like Rapunzel, waiting for my prince to come rescue me….maybe that’s a bit too much. It was exhilarating though.
We strolled through the lovely English Walled gardens and followed the path past Dolphin Pond through the Rhododendron Walk.

Our last stop was possibly my favorite: the Pet Cemetery! Although Avonie had visited pet cemeteries in the past, this was my first experience with one. It was delightful. There were probably close to 30 tombstones, many engraved from the 1800’s and 1900’s with names, dates, and memories of beloved companions. Most of the graves belonged to dogs; however there was also many horses (including a Black Beauty!) and even a cow! Some of my favorite tombstones (word for word) included:

Doodle Chow. Died August 1938. Loving and Faithful Friend. You’re gone old friend. A grief too deep for tears fills all the emptiness you’ve left behind. Gone is the dear companionship of years, the love that passed all love of humankind.

Sting. Died May 21st, 1912, aged 12 years. Faithful Beyond Human Fidelity.

Chou Sun Yat Sen (Yaton). Died February 1st, 1923. When the body that lived at your side with its whimper of welcome is still now. When the spirit that answered your every mood is gone where ever it goes for good.

Tommy, Shetland Pony, Died March 2, 1936, Aged 32. Also, his wife Magic died 1926.

Kilfane, Irish Wolfhound, Died 20th October, 1911. Universally Beloved.

Eugenie, Jersey Cow, Died 1967, Aged 17 years. She had 17 calves and produced over 100,000 gallons of milk.

I could have spent another hour in the graveyard. It was so touching to see the memorials built by animal lovers to commemorate the lives of their beloved companions. The details were so carefully etched, and the poetic words moving. It was the highlight of my day. It proves the bond between man and animal can be so strong.

After we checked out the Powerscourt gift shop and visited Tara’s Palace (the world’s largest dollhouse), Avonie and I walked back to the Ritz to retrieve our car. She then drove us 5 miles down the road to visit the Powerscourt Waterfall, which is the tallest waterfall in Ireland! I had read reviews that indicated the waterfall was overrated and not worth the trip. However, I was not at all disappointed when we arrived! The water roared over the edge of the mountain, crashing thunderously on the rocks where we stood. We got soaked to the bone while taking pictures, but it was well worth it, even in the 35 degree weather! The sight was gorgeous!

Upon reaching the hotel, we stripped off our wet clothes and went to the Ritz’s Sugar Loaf Lounge for tea and hot chocolate. After warming up, we headed for the spa. The indoor pool at the Powerscourt Ritz is beautiful. Swarovski crystals are imbedded into the bottom of the pool, causing the water to sparkle in the light. The hot pool was also great, with benches created to fit the shape of your body and bubbles rising out of them. Our only complaint was that the water was only lukewarm, not the 105 degrees that we prefer in America. However, if heat was what we were looking for, we didn’t have to look far! The steam room was so excruciatingly hot that I couldn’t breathe in it without having a coughing fit. I couldn’t take more than 5 minutes sitting inside, and I quickly left to shower. During our time in the pool, Avonie met a handsome Brazilian by the name of Cassio. They quickly hit it off, and she is hoping to see him again in Dublin before we leave. I also met a delightful woman named Libby, who works at a Massage Envy in L.A. She and her boyfriend had also bought the Groupon, and we discussed the various excursions we were planning to make. Avonie and I ended the evening with a free dinner voucher at McGill’s. I ordered a giant burger, which has made me feel so full and sleepy! We also received a free drink with the meal, and I enjoyed a pint of cider that I sampled a few nights before. As I can barely keep my eyes open now, I am signing off and hitting the pillow for an early start to Waterford Crystal.