One of the most important things in life is the individual you meet along the way. This was the case with our B&B host, Helen. It had been my intention to randomly select witnesses for our civil marriage at the registrar’s office. We had to look no farther than Helen over breakfast. When we explained our request, Helen and her friend Agnes eagerly agreed to be our witnesses. We also met up with a couple from Cologne at breakfast, Mario and Claudia. When we told them of our plans for the day, I didn’t think Claudia’s tears would stop. She described herself as being built very close to water. Since they would be in the country, we invited them to our blessing ceremony the following week.

After breakfast and with some time to spare we visited King John’s Castle (Prince John if you read Robin Hood). It was here that I got my first taste of married life (see photo)

Heather and I arrived at the registrars office and were met by the Registrar Marie as well as Helen and Agnes. Such a happy pair they were. The process was very quick and I think pictures took longer then the event itself. After all was said and done the four of us went to one of the local haunts for some chowder and pints.

Unfortunately with little time to spare we said goodbye to our new friends and hit the road for Ashford Castle. Ashford is probably one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed at. Owned at one time by the Guinness family and occupying 2600 acres it now covers 300 acres including equestrian centre, gardens, falconry school among other interesting things.

For dinner we opted for an informal location at Cullin’s Cottage which to me still seemed formal enough. The staff were wonderful and again the mention of marriage brought out the champagne (I could get used to this).

One of Ashford’s claims to fame is that the movie The Quiet Man was filmed on location here in 1952. The room we stayed in was occupied by John Wayne, and Maureen O’Hara stayed directly above. What better way to close off a day than to watch The Quiet Man while sipping Jameson in cushy Ashford bathrobes?