The traditional thatched roof cottage is still fairly common in Ireland.

The view from the plane as we landed in Shannon.

Then we took a moment

to enjoy the magnificent castle grounds.

Dixie and I visited Blarney Castle and kissed the Stone.

The view from the Rock.

St. Patrick's Rock in the town of Cashel.

Our first evening in Dublin was a scenic one.

St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.

Seals frolic in Bantry Bay on Ireland's southern coast.

Some of Ireland's omnipresent rhododendrons.

Garinish Island offers some of the most beautiful vistas in the world.

The fuschia was in full bloom during our week on the Emerald Isle.

St. Kevin's church at the Glendalough monastery

is surrounded by a centuries old cemetery

as well as gorgeous countryside.

Rock walls such as this one are ubiquitous in Ireland,

but they don't always manage to keep the sheep where they belong.

Ireland's National Stud Farm at Kildare

is a source of national pride

and is a horse lover's dream.

This horse apparently didn't care for the paparazzi.

The Weeping Cherry Tree is a botanical oddity.

Our hotel in Killarney was absolutely wonderful.

to get around in Killarney National Park and

to take in the sights.

A horse-drawn jaunting car is the traditional way

Of course I could not visit Dublin without a pilgrimage to the beer drinker's mecca.

Muckross House at the heart of the Park

which is a very photogenic place.

Our car eventually brought us to

The Powerscourt estate is a

photographer's dream.

There is so much beauty

in such a small place.

My beautiful wife draws the envy of the rhododendrons.

They grow some big ravens in Ireland.