Festival fever in Ardee

The first ever Turfman Festival will take place in Ardee over the bank holiday weekend (July 31st to August 3rd). The festival has a vast array of events and all details can downloaded at Ardee online

Irish Bog Snorkelling Championships

On Wednesday I attended the launch of the Irish Bog Snorkelling Championships at Alice's Loft near Castleblaney.

The two organisers John and Declan took the plunge into the bog and showed the crowd what to expect on September 12th when the event takes place. So far over 40 entrants have put their names down for the event. More details at the event website.

Woodfield farm - Ideal day out for families

Woodfield open farm located at Rahard near Carnaross in County Meath is an ideal place to take the family for a relaxing day out.It is located about one hours drive from the Castle but would be an ideal stop off for anyone visiting the many attractions around Kells.

The owners Mary and Dominic Geraghty along with their daughter Lorna have created a place that caters to the needs of every type of visitor. Children will enjoy seeing a wealth of farm animals, puppies, kittens, rabbits, hens, ponies and donkeys while adults will appreciate the great views they can be seen on the nature walk around the farm. The farm also boasts an extensive play area for children and restful coffee shop stocked with a range of home made pastries and cakes. The pastries and cakes are made on the premises by Mary.

The cottage can also cater for small conferences, craft demonstrations and other events. Full details of opening times are available on the website.

Dundalk v Bohs on TV this Friday

Dundalk FC's match with Bohs this Friday (July 10th) will be screened live on Setanta Ireland (kick-off 8pm). It will be the third time this season that the two sides have met on TV. Bohs have won both encounters so far (1-0 at Oriel on the opening night of the season and 5-0 at Dalymount in May).

Teddy Bear's Picnic at Newgrange Farm

Newgrange Farm holds its annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic this Saturday
Eat your picnic at the time of your choice. Teddy Bears Picnic (A small picnic of biscuits, buns and orange will be supplied after 2pm)
* 2pm to 3.30pm - Colouring and Games for small prizes
* 3.30pm - Newgrange Farm Sheep Stakes with Teddy Jockeys
* 4pm - Games and Teddy Bear Judging - Every child will receive a small prize for entering their Teddy)
* 5pm - Calf Feeding

Admission is €8.00 per person (no family rates on special event days)
More details from Newgrange Farm, Slane
Tel: 0419824119
Email: farmerbill@newgrangefarm.com
Web: www.newgrangefarm.com

Live in a Swallows Nest!

John McKeown who runs Look Around Ireland, the Online Guide to Ireland has set up a webcam on a swallows nest in his old garden shed. He is hoping that it will record the hatching of the chicks and feeding etc over the next few weeks.
You can view all the activity online at the swallow's nest webcam

Learn about GIANTS in Ireland

There is a "Giant Hunting" Workshops taking place at Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre tomorrow, Saturday, July 4th at 11.30am and 1.30pm. The event is free of charge and is suitable for 8 to 12 year olds. Here are some details:

Meet the GAISCÍOCH NA BEILTE UAINE
(The Warrior with the Green Belt) who has slayed Three Giants.
Bring your own Giant Slaying equipment armour, swords, magic...)
Draw yourself in Giant Hunting Gear.
Prizes for the best work!

Workshops led by Andrew Whitson, Artist and Illustrator. Prebooking is essential and more details are available at 041-9880300

Summer Sale at Louth Craftmark

Louth Craftmark have started its MID SUMMER SALE and from today you can avail of 10% OFF EVERYTHING in store, from hand crafted silver jewellery to hand painted silk cards, which are Irish made and locally produced.
So come in for a browse and see what special gift you can find here at Louth Craftmark at the Highlanes Gallery in Drogheda.

Open 10.30-5 Monday-Saturday, 12-5 Sunday

Donovan Days in Cavan

For one glorious weekend, from July 9–12, sunshine will come softly through the windows of Cavan County Museum and the Ramor Theatre, in the form of a weekend tribute festival to Sunshine Superman, Donovan. Cavan County Council Arts Office will present Donovan Days, a three day celebration of the art, music, poetry and life of legendary songwriter and recording artist Donovan - with the king of Mellow Yellow, Donovan, and his wife and muse, Linda Lawrence, as guests of honour at the event.

For more information, contact Cavan County Museum at 049-8544070 or see www.cavanmuseum.ie or www.cavanmusic.com.