Special Rates for Newgrange Winter Solstice

Santa stopped the traffic in Ardee last Friday evening when he turned on the Christmas lights. It's the clearest sign yet that Christmas is coming.

There is no turning back now. Christmas songs have been playing in the shops for the past two weeks, the town has its decorations up and I still haven't drawn up a Christmas present list (let alone bought anything yet).

It's only a matter of time before I spot a Christmas tree in someone's house.

If the prospect of all the hustle, bustle and hassle of the next three weeks or so fills you with dread then think about one of the simpler mysteries of life - the winter solstice at Newgrange.

If you planning to visit Newgrange around the time of the solstice on December 21st the why not avail of our special accommodation rate.

One night - €50 per person
Two nights - €90 per person

The rate includes, accommodation, full Irish breakfast and use of our leisure club. It runs until December 21st.

I realise that the second part of this post is a blatant plug for the castle. Our accommodation is near Newgranage though and we don't usually open this time of year. I will say more about the mystery of the solstice in another post soon.

North Pole Challenge

Our leisure club is buzzing with activity as we move into week 3 of the great North Pole Challenge.



You can follow all the latest twists and turns on the current elf standings page of the club blog.

Recital

Saturday's recital by Redmond O Toole was a great success here at the castle. The event was a sell-out and described by many as one of the highlights of the Baroque Festival. The appreciative audience of 40 people were enchanted by Redmond's guitar playing. Many had not encountered the instrument in this type of setting or playing Baroque music before.

The event started at 2.30pm as the audience gathered in the castle's dining room for a drinks reception. Shortly after 3 pm everyone moved to the Blue Room where Redmond kept them entertained for the following 60 minutes or so. The audience were seated in a semi-circle around Redmond with no one being more than 10 feet away from him. Redmond brought the whole audience into the world of baroque music by explaining the history of the guitar and its association with this type of music.

We were delighted to be asked to host the recital and hope that everyone who attended had an enjoyable time.

We would like to thank Brian, Mary and the whole team from Louth County Council for putting the event together. We would also like to thank Niamh, Eileen, Karina and Maggie for running the drinks and food reception so smoothly, and Peter and Lorna for keeping the car parking flowing smoothly.

Baroque recital tomorrow

Less than 24 hours to go before Redmond O Toole's recital in the Blue Room. The festival gets underway tonight with a concert by the Irish Baroque Orchestra in Old Saint Mary's Church at 8 pm. Ticket information is available at 087 6115679.

Special rate for Baroque Festival

To celebrate our association with Ardee Baroque we are pleased to announce some special accommodation rates this weekend.

One night - €50 per person
Two nights - €90 per person

The rate includes, accommodation, full Irish breakfast and use of our leisure club.

Redmond O Toole recital

Redmond O Toole’s recital in the Blue Room here at Smarmore Castle on Saturday 14th is one of the most anticipated events of the festival as Redmond is one of the most innovative and exciting young guitarists in Europe.

He plays an 8-string “Brahms Guitar” in the cello position, connected to a special resonating box. Recent engagements have seen Redmond tour Spain as a special guest with the Chieftains, a BBC recording as soloist with the BBC Ulster Orchestra conducted by Kenneth Montgomery and a performance with the acclaimed Dutch soprano Charlotte Riedjik at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival in Bantry.

He performs regularly with the Chieftains and in duo with violinist Elizabeth Cooney.

His programme will be made up of
Bach: Sonata No1 in G minor for unaccompanied violin BWV1001
Bach: Prelude Fugue and Allegro BWV 998
Scarlatti: Sonata in E major K380
Scarlatti:Sonata in D minor K213
Scarlatti:Sonata in A major K322

Festival Accommodation and Breakfast rate
Two nights = € 99 per adult, € 45 per child (sharing same room)