July 4, 2004: A tree in the garden.

July 4, 2004: The hedge on either side is in the Guinness book of world records as being the tallest box hedge in the world. It is over a hundred years old.

July 4, 2004: The hedge to the left is in the Guinness book of world records as being the tallest box hedge in the world. It is over a hundred years old.

July 4, 2004: Birr Castle and its telescope

July 4, 2004: The third Earl of Rosse inhabited Birr Castle and began work on a telescope in the 1840s. This is that telescope. After it was built, it remained as the largest telescope in the world for 75 years.

July 4, 2004: The telescope can easily pivot up and down between its supporting walls using a system of counterweights. It also has a small amount of movement from side to side.

July 4, 2004: When in Ireland, don't forget to stop and smell the flowers.

July 4, 2004: A lovely flowering tree and a couple of swans.

July 4, 2004: Under the canopy of the flowering tree

July 4, 2004: Another flower on the grounds of Birr Castle.

July 4, 2004: Another flower on the grounds of Birr Castle.

July 4, 2004: Birr Castle, home of Lord and Lady Rosse.

July 4, 2004: Birr Castle, home of Lord and Lady Rosse.

July 4, 2004: A foot bridge and some very large-leafed plants.

July 4, 2004: A stone bridge

July 4, 2004: Foot bridge under a tree

July 5, 2004: Blarney Castle in the distance

July 5, 2004: After leaving Birr Castle Demesne, we headed south to Blarney and found a B&B to stay for the night. The following morning, we went to Blarney Castle to see (and kiss) the Blarney Stone.

July 5, 2004: Blarney Castle. The Blarney Stone is at the top of the castle, so we had to climb many narrow spiral staircases to get there.

July 5, 2004: Blarney Castle. The Blarney Stone is at the top of the castle, so we had to climb many narrow spiral staircases to get there.