We've had a quiet week with lots of chilling out in the warmth of the central heating. Lots of gray days, bit of drizzle, very relaxed. It's about 1 km from the end of our track out to the road, so I've been doing a couple of 'there and backs' most days, keeping up our walking habit from the beach in Langkawi (and getting fitter for Lisbon larking about). Currently at 4 km - aiming to get to 6 km at a fair clip this coming week. The highlight of the week was our visit yesterday (Saturday) to our local, very stately, home - Russborough House. There was a break in the weather with blue sky and sun peeping through, so we jumped in the car for the 10 km drive up the road. Usually ridiculously expensive at €12 each - but down to €8 due to the upstairs being closed for restoration and wiring repairs. We did however have a tourist map offering 2 for 1 entry for the house admission and guided tour - so only €4 each - suddenly affordable! We missed a big group on the 1 pm tour and for the 2 pm tour it was just the two of us - so a fabulous private walk around the house with the guide who's been there for 35 years and used to work for Sir Alfred & Lady Beit the couple who owned it since the 1951. They were childless and eventually gifted the property and furnishings to Ireland in the 1970s after a couple of big art robberies. They come from diamond money - Sir Alfred's uncle (also an Alfred established De Beers back in the day and was once the second wealthiest person in the world). They continued to live in one of the wings and Lady Beit only passed away in 2005 at 90 something. Truly an amazing house and in stunning condition. It was built of granite in 1741 - 275 years ago - and for the first 200 years or more it had no central heating - which meant the woodwork and the phenomenal plaster ceilings had a sufficient period to cure slowly but shortly. It managed to survive the rebellions of 1798 intact (except for most of the floors - criminally used for firewood). They've had several major robberies but fortunately they've always recovered the stolen artworks and it seems we are seeing it today in better condition than ever - all the fire places and hand made plaster ceilings have been recently cleaned to removed smoke discolouration. Intersting tidbit... when phones were first introduced hereabouts, Russborough House's number was 'Blessington 3'. To ensure clear priorities in life (and death), the local doctor was Blessington 2 and the local priest was Blessington 1. The Beits were very social over the years, even having a private cinema in the basement... a home theatre 50 years ahead of its time. They also entertained constantly - famous guests we saw photos of included Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithful, Fred Astaire, Coco Chanel and Winston Churchill just to name a few. Of course the Beits only arrived in 1951. Prior to that a couple called Daly lived there for 20 years and prior to that all six of the Earls of Milltown occupied the mansion (some are still there - in tombs on the grounds). The house even has a ghost - somewhere between bedroom 1 and 9. Given it's long history we surprised there's just the one. Agenda for the week ahead? Given a nice day with sunshine and what not we're going to pack some hot food and coffee and take a scenic drive to a distillery, visiting a few towns along the way.