In July I had a few days off, and found an inexpensive trip to a day spa / hotel just outside Dublin Ireland.  The town is called Howth (Rhymes with Both), and it’s on the North side of Dublin Bay. Pulling up through the gates by taxi, I was impressed

by a pair of lovely gray stone gates. On one side of me was the sweeping view of the bay and on the other, Howth Castle. We were going up the hill, to the Spa at Deer Park. When I got there and was checked in – there was a bottle of Champaign and a lovely dish of chocolate covered Strawberries waiting (A sure sign of a relaxing time to come):

What I can say is that I’m glad to have taken several days enjoying the wonders of the spa and golf courses at Deer Park.  Even though I don’t golf, the area is lovely – lush and green – the courses being made on the old Castle Howth Grounds.

Howth Castle

As I mentioned, the spa itself sits up on top of a hill – overlooking Dublin Bay on one side, (behind the castle below)

and a pair of islands dedicated to bird sanctuary on the other (My room had a view over the golf course down to the islands).

Unfortunately, while there, I managed to gunk up my main camera lens – which means that I didn’t get to take photos other than the first day.  While I did get it repaired in the city – I didn’t get it back until the day I was leaving.  So, I guess you could say I saw the sites, committed them to memory – and didn’t even get to take photographs of them all.  It’s a shame – but here’s a few that I did take (all from the first couple hours) are now online with a sampling below. ( my flickr set is here for more).

St. Mary’s Church – Howth (anglican)

St. Mary’s Church Door with Roses

The Bloody Stream (I admit I thought it said SCREAM) where I had a tasty dinner of tomato soup, crusty bread and pasta.(It’s right outside the train station)

Howth Marina and Lighthouse