After Kevin toured the Wedgwood Potteries in England, he met me in Dublin, Ireland. We then drove to County Kildare, where we were the invited houseguests of Sir Tony O’Reilly and his lovely wife, Lady Chryss Goulandris, at their magnificent estate, Castlemartin. Sir Tony is the Chairman of Waterford Wedgwood. That evening we were treated to a delicious dinner of spring lamb chops with fresh garden peas. Dessert was my favorite sour lemon meringue tart. Other guests included the former Prime Minister of Canada, Brian Mulroney and his wife, Mila. The next morning, we arose quite early and walked the grounds. Once again, I was awed and inspired. See for yourself!
The linden allee in the front of Castlemartin - this is the country home of Sir Anthony O'Reilly and his beautiful wife, Lady Chryss Goulandris.
The facade of the 18th century Georgian stone house - which was completely restored and refurbished. It was, according to the owners, a pile of rubble when purchased in the 1970's.
The teal blue door is the same accent color used everywhere on the farm estate.
Roses were blooming everywhere on the property and they were extremely fragrant and lush.
The stone walls on the property are as amazing as the size of the giant trees - only an 'old' place has such features.
A giant monkey puzzle tree - one of the truly 'prehistoric' plants on the property - not from prehistory itself, but this type of tree dates way way back.
Looking through a window opening in a stone wall affords a fantastic view of the fields beyond.
Kevin loved the massive stone ball garden ornaments - they were everywhere! 
There is a catholic church, rebuilt on the property.
the Church of St. Mary's
A great detail for around a building - I often lay down the gravel, but I've never added the stone edging.
The cattle raised on the place are primarily Charolais, a French breed raised for their tender beef.
Roses grow to immense heights in Ireland - this pink 'new dawn' type covered the front of the guest house.
We just loved how the two massive trees were growing together over the drive.
This lone bull is prized for his reproductive qualities.
This Icelandic pony is often ridden by our hostess.
Two adorable pure Irish donkeys, were friendly but wary of strangers.
some of the many Charolais
There is running water throughout the property.
This is one of the myriad giant trees - oaks, maples, lindens, beeches, horse chestnuts, yews, atlas cedars... 
The hedgerows are made from prickly shrubs, hornbeams, beech, and privets - they are not left to grow wild, but are edged and clipped and are impenetrable. 
This foal is known as an orphan - he was taken away at birth from his mother and bottle fed while his mother's milk was used for a sickly foal, who could not survive without a 'mother.' The Icelandic pony, in a previous photo, is the surrogate mother for this lively foal. 
The fields are a bright green (we're in Ireland, after all) and the grass is rich food for all the animals.
These are very healthy cattle.
Kevin is like the Pied Piper - every animal migrates to him.
The Pied Piper makes another friend - a giant St. Bernard, who was extremely playful and puppy-like for his size.
In the early morning, everything just sparkled! 
You can see how the trees are very trimmed underneath - eaten evenly by the horses and cattle!
very pretty
These cows are not looking at me - they are playing 'stare down' with the dogs on the other side of the fence.
a beautiful portrait of a prize cow
There is great appeal to the Irish countryside.
Kevin and the St. Bernard – Daisy
Are we seeing double?
Belted Galloways, Charolais, and others live a beautiful life on the green fields of Castlemartin.
Hi Andrew.
From one Canadian to another -"Happy Canada Day" to you too!!
Posted by: Maureen | July 01, 2008 at 07:33 PM
I so look forward to your photos, Martha. We're all very blessed to be able to live somewhat vicariously through your wondrous experiences.
Thank you as always,
Jackie Lamothe
Frederick, MD
Posted by: Jackie Lamothe | July 01, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Wonderful photos, I love Ireland
visit every other year. Love the
people and the land.
Posted by: Bunkie Burke Rivkin | July 01, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Martha,
Wonderful post, such lovely pictures of Ireland. It has inspired me to want to visit someday. Thanks for sharing, your blog is always interesting!
Posted by: Desiree' | July 02, 2008 at 12:51 AM
What a loving man he must be. He has created a harmonious paradise for all his animals. Gosh, those horses are particularly lovely, aren't they? Too precious!
Posted by: Marie | July 02, 2008 at 02:27 AM
Dear Martha,
I would like to inform you that Mr. Mulroney is under investigation. I suggest you to watch ''The fifth Estate '' on CBC news. The program to watch in Canada when we want to know the true story. Love your blog. Have a nice day. Gisele
Posted by: Gisele | July 02, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Martha, the Mulroney's are such lovely and charming people, non? I had the pleasure of dining with them many years ago at La Tour D'Argent in Paris. Did you happen to get any pictures of you with the Mulroney's that you can share with us please? Happy Canada Day and Fourth of July! We love everything that you do Martha - bravo!
Posted by: Kristina Heath | July 02, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Martha,
What a beautiful estate. Thank you for sharing your end of your vacation in Ireland! How idealic!
LOVE the cows, horses and of course the St. Bernard! Kevin, you are like me....always wanting to pet the animals (so sweet!)and they graviate towards me too! :-)
Enjoy the rest of your travels Martha and Kevin and have a safe trip home!
Paula
Posted by: Paula M. :) | July 02, 2008 at 02:04 PM
I drooled over the pictures! Such a beautiful place to visit. I wouldn't have wanted to leave. I would just move in and become a resident whether they like it or not. .haha.
Posted by: Lori Stewart | July 02, 2008 at 03:56 PM
I was in Ireland & Kinsale about the same time. I was just happy it didn't rain--I'm glad you got to enjoy the beautiful weather. I saw the roses on the guest house--I took many pics of home fronts on my trip. I love the way they use flowers to soften their front entrances, making them so welcoming. I came home and hung eight hanging baskets, just a start. Home front landscaping with flowers not just planted in a row by the sidewalk, would be an interesting article. This is a bad pic, but shows what I'm talking about http://flickr.com/photos/sandeland/2612042935/
http://flickr.com/photos/sandeland/2612085657/
Posted by: Sandy | July 02, 2008 at 06:28 PM
Miss Martha
Thank you so much for the "trip" to Ireland. This was one of the most beautiful blogs I've seen posted by anyone in a long time. You are so gracious and educated on your subjects that I never fail to feel as if I am right there with you. Thanks so much!
Posted by: Patricia | July 04, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Kevin sure is cute...
Posted by: Ross Sveback | July 07, 2008 at 09:17 AM