That afternoon I returned to the Dunraven. The bar was filled with storytellers talking of horses, the hunt, the jumps, and the steeplechases as they sipped their pints and warmed up by the fire. The artwork on the walls depicts horses and jockeys and a life that dates back thousands of years on this green island where the horse is king.
After a bubble bath in a tub big enough to stretch my legs out in I strolled down to the dining room for a dinner of fresh Salmon. The food at the Dunraven was magnificent and the service could not have been better. I fell asleep that night watching the horses in my mind glide over jumps, turning to face the next one and carrying me with strong backs through a color green that can only be seen in Ireland.
The following day we went on a hack to the estate called Hollywood House owned by Peter Lynch of Boston. The Clonshire Equestrian Center has exclusive privilege to ride on the trails and roads leading to quaint little pink thatched roof houses and daffodil fields. Hollywood, California was named after this magnificent piece of paradise.
For the next week I rode over water jumps and Irish banks and learned to trust and to dance with the horse. A partnership formed and courage was applauded. I returned home with warmth surrounding my heart for the Irish people and the Irish horse.
Getting there:
Air Lingus flew me from JFK to Shannon airport. I did not rent a car but you could if you wanted to explore the surrounding areas. A van is ready and willing to take you back and forth from the Dunraven to Clonshire Equestrian Center.
Don't bother bringing your leather boots. A pair of rubber riding boots over riding britches is the best attire.
