These cute blue tits are thinking inside the birdbox after setting up home in a freestanding ashtray.  The nest - complete with four little chicks - would have gone up in smoke if hadn't been for the vigilance of cleaning staff of a local cafe in Co. Galway, Ireland.  Staff at the visitors cafe at Kylemore Abbey, were flabbergasted to discover the tiny family had taken up residence in a rusty steel box full of ash. Cleaner, Helen McCarthy, 46, was making sure the cafe's outdoor area was shipshape when she made her amazing discovery. "I was cleaning up the ash trays on Easter Sunday," said Helen. "And the next thing I realised there was a nest in there. "The nest was made from feathers and moss. "At that time there were three little eggs that looked just like Cadburys mini eggs." Since making her discovery Helen has imposed a strict no smoking policy in the area surrounding the nest. A sign has gone up on the ash tray which reads, 'Please do not use birds nesting inside'. "Now I'm double checking each ash tray to make sure there are no new neighbours," said Helen. "I did see another bird fly out of one since then. "I think they're attracted by the heat from the sun which builds up in the ash tray during the day. "And this probably lasts for awhile during the night time." The pair of parent blue tits gather material for their nest and feed off the caterpillars, worms and insects they find on the grounds of the Abbey. Helen's clever feathered friends have proved a hit with visitors to Kylemore Abbey - they have flocked in droves to see the birds squeeze in and out of the one inch wide slots usually reserved for cigarettes. "It's amazing how they get into this small space so easily," said Helen. "It doesn't stop them being very busy all through the day. "The kids who visit would love to have a peek inside. "But I don't like to open the ash tray up too often as I don't want to worry the family inside. "Hopefully soon we'll see the little ones popping out for a bite to eat." Kylemore Abbey was built in 1867 by a cotton merchant from Manchester and founder of the Manchester Evening News, Mitchell Henry. Enchanted by the Irish countryside, Mitchell Henry bought 13,000 acres of woodland and built a castle overlooking the lakes. In 1920 the castle and land was purchased by Benedictine Nuns who still live there today. It remains a popular attraction for its castle, walled garden and forest walks.