Michael Jackson's Irish vacation, sticks Tippi Hedren with Tiger bill

Sep 1, 2006, 13:45 GMT

Animal activist Tippi Hedren went on local Los Angeles news last night demanding Jackson pay the bills for his two abandoned tigers. Michael\'s pet tigers — Thriller and Sabu — have been taken in by actress Tippi Hedren, who runs a huge animal sanctuary in California. Hedren, who starred in Alfred Hitchcock\'s "The Birds," is Melanie Griffith\'s mother. She is engaged to Dr. Martin Dinnes, Jackson\'s longtime veterinarian. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO

Michael Jackson has spent almost £250,000 on a holiday in an Irish castle.

The troubled singer has been staying at Luggala Castle, in County Wicklow, for the past three months, forking out a staggering £20,000 a week.

The seven-bedroom retreat comes with private chefs, butlers and cleaners, and is set in a 1,500-acre country estate. Previous star guests have included actors Mel Gibson and Orlando Bloom.

Jackson - who is alleged to still owe £25 million in legal fees following the child sex case he was acquitted of last year - has been holidaying with his three children, Prince Michael, nine, Paris, eight, and four-year-old Prince Michael II.

Wicklow residents have spotted the 'Billie Jean' singer taking his children to the near-by village cinema and dining out in local restaurants.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Jackson wanted to move to Ireland permanently, and even spent time house-hunting in County Cork.

According to Californian psychic Randa Starr, the pop superstar has always been interested in Ireland because he is fascinated by fairies and leprechauns - a type of treasure hording elf associated with Irish mythology.

Starr said at the time: "He once thought of Ireland as a spiritual place for his rebirth. He has a keen interest in fairies, myths and leprechauns which fit in with that."

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