Raptors and pasta

22 Jun: We woke to a cool and rainy day. After breakfast, we drove to Russborough House, arriving in a downpour. Took a house tour of the very grand interior, led by a Spanish woman who gave us the history of its rescue by the Beitt family, with money inherited from De Beers. Chief attractions were the spectacular original stucco ceilings,  and a series of 6 Murillo paintings telling the story of the Prodigal Son. Some of the paintings in the house had been stolen by the IRA but most were eventually returned. 


We had a scratch lunch of oatcakes and cheese, in the van, and rushed to the Bird of Prey Centre for the first tour of the day. Wow. We saw eagles, owls, small hawks and falcons and even a kookaburra. Then we got to hold a beautiful white barn owl on a gloved hand, soft and sleepy. And we got up close to a baby owl, 3 weeks old, gawky and wobbly on big feet. Brilliant.




We had a cool walk around the lake, then a welcome pot of tea & scone at the cafe.
After a short drive towards the Wicklow mountains, we went back to Athy and to Freida, where we sat listening to her reminisce about the Kane family and life in the 50s and 60s. Lesley recorded a bit of it.
Weirdly, cousin Catherine from the Isle of Man happened to phone, and was tearful with joy to speak to Lesley as well. 
After big hugs we said goodbye to Freida, and had dinner at a pasta restaurant in Athy. (Meatballs and truffle ravioli). Many interesting talks with Kevin about his new project for an Institute in the field of sustainable development. A quick trip around the large garden at Kevin and Noel's house, (they've done a huge amount of work) and it was off to the very comfortable bed. 
 

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