Sweet Nothings ...

Today finds us in Waterford, Ireland.  We toured a fascinating place called Curraghmore House, which is the seat of Lord Waterford, 9th Marquis of Waterford.  It has been lived in by his family for the past 800 years, and parts of the house date back to Norman times. 

Set on some 2,000 acres of land, the gardens are full of beautiful specimen trees, with an ornamental lake and a shell house thrown in for good measure.  This rather gruesome statue of a wild boar being attacked by a hound is one of a pair flanking stone steps in the gardens.  I prefer to think that the hound is whispering sweet nothings in the boar's ear, rather than getting a good grip in preparation for tearing it off the poor boar's head!

The house itself was very interesting -- and very lived in.  Lots of peeling plaster and threadbare carpets, but also many beautiful paintings and fine furniture.  They are at present putting on a new roof, which must cost a pretty penny!