Jennifer and John have planned for a three week trip to Ireland for the past three years. It was the home of her ancestors. This year, their dreams would come true; they booked the tour through Magical Escapes. On the fifth of March they’d fly to Dublin, see the sites, look up distant relatives, and immerse themselves in Irish culture.

She could hardly contain her excitement as they boarded Delta Airlines, destination: Dublin, Ireland.

They quickly found their seat and when the plane took flight, Jennifer began to reread the brochure about Ireland; <I>”For centuries, the iconic images of Ireland were the shamrock, St. Patrick, and the Blarney Stone. The small country of Ireland holds an almost mythical place in the stories of our childhood, home to fairies and leprechauns and amazing adventures. The lush green countryside is often overcast with rain. The weather makes it possible to experience the amazing sights of some brilliant, beautiful rainbows. When the sun comes out you will quickly learn why Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle.” There aren’t enough words to describe the shades of green blanketing the rolling hills when the sunlight brings the countryside alive.

An hour’s drive from Dublin will bring you to the Wicklow Mountains, an exhilarating country where rock-strewn glens provide sharp contrast to the forested mountains, and heather paints the bog lands with a purple sheen. For food lovers, a stop in Ballymaloe is a must (dine at the Ballymaloe House.). Visitors should continue their tour onto Kinsale, the culinary capital of Ireland, which has an annual Gourmet Festival.

From there you can visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone – said to grant eloquence to those who kiss it. If you dislike heights, keep in mind that to kiss the stone, you have to lean out over the edge of one of the castle towers to do so. An assistant holds on to you so you won’t fall, but it can be unnerving! </I>

After a long and uneventful light, they were in Dublin at two p.m. After gathering their luggage and going through customs, they rented a car and drove to the Clontarf Castle Hotel.

The hotel is situated only two miles from Dublin*s City Center and five miles from the airport. While offering centrality, the coastal location allows easy access to a variety of water sports, historical houses, nature reserves, and several challenging golf courses. Located within the hotel is “The, Fahrenheit Grill.” It’s regarded as one of Dublin’s finest restaurants, which are the perfect setting for a business lunch or quiet dinner, specializing in dry aged beef and seafood.

The bellboy escorted them into their suite and John tipped him for his help.

Jennifer looked around the room and gasped. It was beautiful. The design retained the castle setting. Against one wall was a four-posted oak bed covered with a bright red-velvet bedspread. On the other side of the room was a desk. Beside it was an armoire which contained a twenty-eight inch television. The room also had a climate controlled air conditioner, mini-bars, garment press, tea and coffee makers, hairdryers, and U.S and European electrical sockets.

She immediately kicked her shoes off and lay down on the bed. Its pillow top softness was just what she needed after an exhausting trip.

Jennifer stretched, sighed, and purred, “Wow, John you should come feel this bed, it’s so comfy and romantic.”

John placed his laptop case on the desk. He walked toward her with a devilish smile on his face. He climbed on the bed next to her and said, “Romantic, huh. Feels like a bed that’s good to make love on. Shall we try it out, baby?”

She licked her lips hungrily and cooed, “Maybe later darling, I’m a wee bit exhausted from the trip.”

He pulled her into his arms and replied, “Okay love, but keep in mind there’s magic in the air of Ireland. After the stroke of midnight you might just see a leprechaun.”

She giggled, “Leprechaun’s are fictional, whimsical characters that you read about in books.”

John was about to reply when he noticed that Jennifer had drifted off to sleep. “Sleep, my precious darling.”

As she slept, Jennifer began to dream of mythical Ireland, fairies and leprechauns.

Around five p.m, John touched her on the arm. Once he was sure she was awake, he asked, “Hey sleepy head, aren’t you getting hungry for dinner?”

She stretched, yawned and suggested, “How about ordering something from room service, and spending the evening just relaxing and preparing ourselves for the tour we booked?”

John replied, “That’s a great idea. If I remember right, we go down to the lobby and await the tour bus which is scheduled to arrive here at eight a.m. tomorrow.”

Jennifer sat up crossed-legged on the bed and John handed her the menu. He then climbed next to her and looked over her shoulder as she reviewed the items.

She then looked at him and suggested, “MMM, the Irish Stew sounds delicious.