I wake to my view of Lough Corrib, and that’s a fine start to any day. Apparently in poured rain sometime in the morning, but I missed it–at the keyboard or in the shower.
I borrow BW’s shower as my lady’s has a tub. It’s rather marvelous, all marble with a generous rain head. My favorite is the little window. Every shower should have one! There’s a frosted glass panel to close if you’re shy, and a mirror so the gentleman can multi-task and shave. All these must have bathroom items can easily be found at places like Showerheadly.com
Today is for tea at the Lodge here at Ashford, something we’re all looking forward to. First up is some video to shoot, and in the room where I met the magnificent Maureen O’Hara two years ago. I feel I’m in very special company.
My lovely Team Brit is already there, with the videographer, setting it all up. They have gifts for me! Who doesn’t love presents? I have a gorgeous new brown leather bag–a bit like a doctor’s bag in shape–just love it, and the lovely, lovely scarf. I’m such a scarf hog.
It’s so thoughtful of them to bring gifts, especially for doing something I’m so happy to do.
The video is easy, a quick Q&A, a few bumpers for readers far and wide,and we’re done till near two.
My Kat’s still feeling poorly, but up for a walk, so we take our first tour of the grounds. The trees here are amazing, huge, many-branched pines with trunks so wide three men couldn’t join hands around them. Some of them beg for climbing, but we’re not dressed for it.
We walk around to the stables where we’ll book rides later this week, and circle around. We see a group out for a hawk walk, hear the hawker whistling. One of the group has a hawk on his glove, but the other it seems is up in the trees, and not inclined to come back. The hawker whistles, the hawk ignores, the group chats.
We wait awhile in case the hawk should decide to come swooping down, but as Kat said, he’s decided to have an adventure of his own. We walk on, and by the falconry school where we’ll book our adventure, and make the loop toward the castle. There’s some clouds that look like they might enjoy dropping some rain, but plenty of blue–and the blue wins the day.
As we walk the path back, the adventuring hawk gives a cry and flies right overhead, lands on a branch and gives us a superior, regal stare. His flight was gorgeous, those golden brown wings spread on his glide, but he’s not inclined to show off again, and just sits on his high perch to watch us pass.
We head to the castle’s bar, and as Jason and I haven’t had breakfast, we do our particular versions of Breakfast Of Champions. Hot chocolate and fries for him, champagne and fries for me.
Before long, our car is here to take us the short drive to The Lodge.
It’s a gorgeous day, sunny and blue now, and the staff at The Lodge has everything beautifully handled. The guests are already inside, with a generous and beautiful display of sandwiches and cakes and other pretty desserts. I have time to go around the tables before we start, say hello, meet a few readers. We have one all the way from Melbourne, others over from England, a pair from Lithuania, and many from all across Ireland. Mothers and daughters, sisters and friends, a few men sprinkled in–and points for you, gentlemen, for bringing your ladies to tea.
Lots of happy faces–who wouldn’t be happy having a lovely tea in such a beautiful spot? I’m just delighted so many came, and we’ll have this time together.
There’s a raised stage with comfy chairs for me and Antonia. She starts off with a couple of questions to give everyone a chance to warm up–then we open it up to the guests. And I realize I’ll need my glasses if I want to see faces in the back of the room.
It’s a fun, friendly hour, just right I think–and hope everyone who came had as good a time as I did. We have questions about the books, about Eve and Roarke–and no, I won’t tell you who’s the Candy Thief!–about writing. We have some writers in the audience I hope to see again at RWA in New York next summer. Some booksellers from Clifden. The hour passes very quickly for me.
Our booksellers from Galway have everything set up for the signing, and Kat wraps my wrist as we’re still babying it. We miss our Laura, but it all runs smooth. I so enjoy chatting one-on-one this way as I sign and take pictures. And at the end have a chance to pet a sweet little Yorkie.
It’s all over so quickly. I couldn’t have enjoyed it more, every bit of it, and send thanks again to everyone who came out for the day, and all the staff at Ashford, my wonderful Team Brit, the booksellers for all they did to make it such a good, happy event.
We all come back for a well-earned drink, snuggled into a corner of the bar. Kat has her tea, then goes up for a lie-down before dinner. We say goodbye to Team Brit, take some time to do nothing before we walk over to Cullins at the Cottage for our dinner.
It’s always so warm and cozy in there. Three of the four of us go for the spaghetti–as Jason points out, it’s been awhile since our last pizza. It’s just the thing after a long day, good and comforting. Noisy enough for energy, cozy enough for relaxing.
The short walk back is cold! The sun’s gone down, and the wind’s come up. I’m very happy to get back inside, into my pjs, check my mail, poke about, and settle down with a little TV.
Slept like a rock, and up to sun and the lough. BW’s down at breakfast, and we’re hoping Kat feels up to joining him. I told him the two of them can decide what’s on for today. Like the hawk, we’ll have an adventure–here, or on the road.
Nora
Do you ever come to Massachusetts, Nora? I would love to go to one of your book signings and have the chance to meet you.
Gloria,
Nora’s been to Massachusetts many times over her career, but she no longer goes on book tours in order to stay closer to home.
Laura
Sounds like such a wonderful time at the tea and signing. I am sure those who came were more than delighted to see their favourite author in person and get to chat! I am envious…in a good way!! Pray Kat will be be able to enjoy the day’s outing and the rest of the week’s stay. Thanks for sharing the posts and pictures.
Thank you for an amazing day yesterday in Ashford. From everyone at the hotel, to all your Brit team, BW, Jason, Kat and of course, you, it was such a friendly, fun, relaxing day, catching up with fellow readers. You could feel the love in the room! It was a credit to all who organised it and the view from the venue was breathtaking. You could feel the love in the room! No better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. xx
Ooops, typo in my earlier post. I only meant to write that line once. Ah, well, it just emphasised my point!! 😉
Cead mile failte once again to a fabulous Irishwoman! Nora, you were such craic yesterday at The Lodge, your wit and insights into writing and life continue to make me smile! Thank you so much for your time and hospitality, I had an absolute ball!
Until New York, may the road rise to meet you, today and always.
Best – Nikki Weston
Dublin, Ireland.
I love Nora’s description of her time at Ashford Castle. It brought back wonderful memories of our time there 8 years ago…especially of the hawks.
I am very lucky to live only an hours ride from Nora & Bruce’s Turn The Page Bookstore. I cherish the pictures I have of Nora and I at her book signings. She makes everyone welcome and special. Thank you Nora for being so generous to your fans❤️️
Looks like you had a great turn out and a wonderful time. Wish I could have been there. I hope to make your next event at TV.
Thanks as always for the daily tidbits. Love reading them and keeping up. Hope Kat feels better soon. Enjoy the rest of the trip.
Thank you nora for such a great day yesterday, truly enjoyed it…. In the words of a Kilkenny lady( my sister) your an absolute legend! As good as king Henry (the greatest hurler of our time…) we both really enjoyed ourselves… Thanks again.
It sounds like a fabulous day, I was gutted I couldn’t make it, the first Irish event and I’m very unusually abroad! Hopefully there will be one during Nora’s next journey to Ireland. Absolutely love her books and have been reading them since I was 15, back in 1988
I was there and it was just wonderful. The excitement was building early and everyone I met could not wait to see or speak to the lady herself. Nora had time for everyone and great patience. She went around to each table to chat prior to the event starting and was so gracious. I was there with my mother and two sisters who I had introduced to Nora’s books. I spoke to Nora and asked her if she remembered meeting me in 2011 while she was on holidays in Waterford and she did! Without prompting she remembered my name. That was pretty cool considering all the people she must meet. The crowd loved her and the question session was great fun and informative. She had the full attention of the room I can tell you. Before the event the lady beside me admitted she had goose bumps while another said she had to get new book cases inbuilt at home to store her Nora books. Everyone at the table was nodding in understanding as we have all been there. So after the beautiful tea, followed by the hosted Q&A session we could have our books signed and photos taken with Nora. It was a wonderful day out, each and every fan I met I could strike up a friendship which quite easily as they were all as equally devoted to Nora and her writings. Nora has great fans but she is so deserving of them. Thank you so much Nora for taking time out of your trip for us. We really appreciated it. xxx
I was lucky enough to be there with my sister and really had a wonderful day, Nora is indeed a legend…
Had a fabulous day with one of my best friends yesterday and I am lucky to have her in my life. Nora you didnt disappoint you first hooked me with Divine Evil and I later roped in my friend. You are a lovely, kind, entertaining warm women and I could have sat and listened to you all day. Your warmth and the emotion that you evoke in your storytelling truely brings your characters to life. I am always rushing to the end then sad to say goodbye. I love how you mix it up with magic, sorcery, vampires and folklore. I hope you keep doing what you are doing for years to come. Fiona
I was lucky enough to be at the tea (my husband was there as one of the few brave men!), and stay the night in the beautiful castle. I truly had the time of my life and want to thank Nora for a wonderful time and is graciously accepting my compliment that it was her who inspired me to write. See you at RWA15! 🙂 x
It was a real treat to be able to add this on to our vacation from Canada. Great to chat briefly with Nora (and yes we will still try Croagh Patrick) and great fun to chat with the local ladies at our table. The after tour of the castle grounds was beautiful and I will reread the books when I get back to Ottawa!!! Thanks for a great afternoon.
I wish I could have been there!! I love Ireland and I have seen Nora in-person! It has been many years, I hope one day I can meet her again! Thanks for reminding me of what I love about Ireland!