May 25 (Saturday) - We Arrive At The Estate, Hunter's Yard. (Daily Diary)
I once submitted ten puns to a joke competition. I really thought with that many, one was sure to win. Sadly, no pun in ten did.
At 7:30 am, I was summoned by the boss and requested to go downstairs and bring her a latte. What was my choice? I complied, promptly put on some clothes, and headed to the ground floor and the breakfast area. I retrieved the latte and got myself a hot chocolate and a donut!
I was soon alerted that I had forgotten the straw! All men make mistakes, but married men find out about them sooner.
Located close to Jerpoint Abbey, Mount Juliet Estate, provides 18 holes of golf, a terrace, and a garden. Tee up with amenities like a driving range, golf lessons, and a golf clubhouse at this hotel. Treat yourself to a body scrub, a massage, or a facial at Treatment Suites, the on site spa.
At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, kids' meals, and a Michelin star rated meal. The health club offers yoga classes and fitness classes; other things to do include horseback riding, archery, and fishing. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a playground and dry cleaning/laundry services.
We stayed at Hunter's Yard for two days before moving to the Mannor House (we could not get reservations for the Mannor House).
Breakfast was grand, and we stayed for quite a while, filling up on fresh berries and other goodies for the upcoming highway adventure.
My doctor said I look like a million dollars – green and wrinkled.
We packed up, loaded the car, and went on "Mr. Toad 's Wild Ride, Part II."
We departed Dublin and headed for a 90 minute drive to Mount Juliet along M9.
Hang on! Here we go!!
We made it in record time! 50 minutes and we were only chased by three police vehicles.
The roads kept narrowing as we approached the estate. Mary made me walk the last mile ahead of the car carrying a red lantern.
I looked like a big fat Bo Peep bringing in a large gray sheep. The facility was immaculate (and clean also!).
The clouds were threatening, and the temperature hovered in the low 50s.
Mount Juliet Estate is 500 acres of rolling countryside.
Mary went ahead to check in whilst I managed the baggage!
Why me?
After we found our room and freshened up, we headed to the bar but decided we needed to eat. The Hound was a five-star dining experience; the food presentations were marvelous. We met a lovely couple from Northern Ireland and spent the afternoon doing what Irish people do! hic!
The view from the restaurant was fantastic, one could see the rain coming across the greenery.
We know we are going into Kilkenny tomorrow so we needed a place to dine!
Our new friends had their own business so we talked for quite a while!
We studies the estate map and took a small walk to stretch.
When our room was finally ready, we returned to the lobby to get the key and directions; Mary visited the security pheasant. His name was Woody!
I told Mary I ought to get a woody!
When we found our suite, I decided to test the bed. I fell asleep within 45 seconds of entering the room. Mary covered me up, said a few words (which will not be repeated here), and waited two hours to dare wake me up! Being the reigning champ of no hangovers, I popped up, straightened up my clothes, and assisted Mary to the Hound for a light dinner and a boggle of wine.
While we were napping a rain storm passed through!
During dinner the rain returned and the metal roof over the outdoor patio was pounded with Irish water!
Even the slate roofs get into the act by growing moss.
We must start with wine.
We had one more bottle of wine (it sounds like an excellent name for a country western song). Mary had the soup special, and I had a Waldorf salad and a salmon appetizer.
Why am I getting the "Mary Look?"
I didn't do anything yet!
So, at the end of dinner, we were both shot! Mary did her famous "Mary Grin," which meant it was time to go home. After paying the bill, we both headed to the room, which was like the blind leading the blind. After several wrong turns, we found the room.
The evening was perfect; I did NOT have to go to the car and sleep. I did find the linen closet a little cramped.
We called Dianne, Robin, and Colleen but only talked to Colleen and Mark since it was noon on Saturday and everybody was out and about.
The meal was fantastic and beautifully presented.
I had to try the scallops!
After dinner we crashed; we almost crashed at the table!
