With Christmas right around the corner, the Squire thinks it’s a good idea to make your holiday cozy and bright. Historic Ashford Castle, dating to 1228 and set on 350 acres in County Mayo, Western Ireland, is offering guests a three-night Christmas package highlighting the best of Irish cuisine, music and traditions that’s sure to rival anything Santa can find in his sack.
Guests arriving on December 24 will be welcomed by the Irish Christmas tradition of mulled wine and mince pies before afternoon tea in the drawing room featuring chamber music by Ireland West Quartet. Building up to a visit from Santa himself later in the evening, lucky revelers will dine at the renowned George V Restaurant before being serenaded with Christmas carols by the St. Mary’s Church Choir and live jazz.
Christmas Day starts with a hearty Irish breakfast followed by golfing Stableford over nine holes, a cruise on the picturesque Lough Corrib with traditional music and hot whiskey and the annual Christmas Treasure Hunt on the golf grounds. Prior to the evening’s Gala Dinner at the George V, guests can have cocktails in the Drawing Room with the Ireland West Orchestra. The day’s celebration will conclude with dancing to Keith McDonald & The Show Band.
The traditional Irish Holiday of St. Stephens Day on December 26 kicks off with a jazz brunch followed by a cooking demonstration in the castle’s kitchen. The trip ends on the 27th of December with a leisurely Irish breakfast before bidding farewell.
If it’s an old fashioned Christmas in the country that’s dancing in your head filled with friends, family and tradition, this will be an unforgettable one. For more information and to book the package visit www.ashford.ie.