OFF THE BEATEN PATH - GONE HAWKING, IRELAND

Follow the signs through the vast, lush grounds of Ashford Castle to Ireland's School of Falconry.  Within minutes of arriving, you will have a hawk on your glove and be setting off to fly your hawk in the gardens and woodlands surrounding the castle. The thrill of releasing the bird and watching it soar is unforgettable. The moment when your hawk first swoops down from a tree and lands on your gloved fist is nothing less than mystical.