Big beech at Bantry House

After a glorious day yesterday, the weather is back to normal - gale force winds and spates of torrential rain.
Not much happening, worked this morning then zoomed into Bantry to put some money in the bank after the indulgence of new boots. It was only drizzling slightly at this point and I zoomed into Bantry House gardens on my way back in search of a blip. Bantry House is an amazing pile. Built around 1700ish it has the most incredible view over-looking Bantry Bay, when you can see it. It became the seat of the Earls of Bantry - a title given to the White family as a thank you from the English Government when they warned the English of an imminent French invasion to help the Irish in the late 1700s- don't ask, it's complicated!!! Although there's no longer a title, the Shelswell-Whites still live here. The house is a wonderful mixture of eccentric and historic and is still a family home. It's been open to the public since 1946 and even includes a (very superior) b&b. The gardens are extensive and amazing. This is the approach from the car park and is the back of the house. This old beech tree is just enormous. To the right there is a mad Italianate fountain, a knot garden and then the stairway to heaven - 100 steps leading to an upper garden. You can see the back view here.