We hope all is good with you and you’re enjoying this beautiful Indian summer.
European Sand Yacht Championships 2017
September gone has been such a magical time here on the beachfront we just had to share it with you! Alongside the ever wonderful annual Laytown Strand Races we also had the spectacular 2017 European Sand Yacht Championships taking place just beyond the cottage gates!
This was a first of its kind for Ireland and brought an energetic mix of people of all ages from as far afield as the USA, Argentina and Chile. The endless rows of fluttering flags and the racing sand yachts with their bobbing sails brought such a dynamic and beautiful vibe to the six miles of beach. Check out some of the wonderful images taken throughout the event and click through to watch the video to experience the excitement in motion!
Boyne Valley Garden Trail
We’re thrilled to announce that we are now part of the Boyne Valley Garden Trail! The Garden Trail offers gardening enthusiasts a wide variety of historic and contemporary gardens to enjoy, all located here within the beautiful Boyne Valley.
Other new additions in 2018 will be Rosemount & Julianstown Village Garden along with The Station House bringing the total Trail number to over 20 historic gardens, garden centres and country house accommodation gardens to discover.
Point to Point Country Fair at Dowth
Come racing at the historic Dowth Hall Estate! Having hosted racing as far back as the 1700’s Dowth Hall reinstated this tradition back in 2015 as part of the wider estate restoration project.
The now annual event has proven to be a truly special occasion and this years event is no exception, promising to be as much fun as you can have with your wellies on! There will be so much to see and experience at Dowth this October 29th – enjoy thrilling racing, gourmet food, free family fun, shopping and country fair exhibits.
Last years event saw over 5,000 local visitors flock to Dowth. With over 7,000 expected this year. Be part of this unique celebration of the best of country life and hospitality. So whether you have four legs or two, trot along to Dowth this October bank holiday weekend for more entertainment than you can shake your tail at.
![Fair Point to Point Country Fair](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottages-ireland.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/09/fair.jpg?w=503&h=335&ssl=1)
![Point to Point Horse at Point to Point Country Fair in Dowth](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottages-ireland.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/09/horse.jpg?w=239&h=173&ssl=1)
![Huntsman Huntsman at the Point to Point Country Fair at Dowth](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottages-ireland.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/09/hunters.jpg?w=239&h=158&ssl=1)
Newgrange – Online Booking
Delighted to announce that the OPW are just about to launch a fantastic new Online Booking facility for visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bru na Boinne! This is brilliant news for all of our guests as it means visiting this majestic site will be so much easier going forward. Rest assured slots will book up almost instantly so avoid disappointment and book early!
Don’t forget, there’s still time to Enter the Lottery to be one of the very lucky few to gain access to Newgrange during the Winter Solstice too!
Photo Competition
Our annual photo competition is OPEN for entries. The winning prize is a fabulous 3 night luxury stay for 4 guests here at The Cottages! It couldn’t be easier to enter, simply click below and share with us some of your favourite holiday memories. You can enter as many times as you like and as the old saying goes if you’re not in… Best of luck!
Slane Whiskey Distilery Visitors Centre
The Boyne Valley offers a wonderful and thriving collective of drinks producers. The newest of these is steeped in history and is located on the grounds of the famed Slane Castle. Thrilled to let you know that the Slane Distillery Visitor Centre is now open offering whiskey lovers the perfect destination to tour the grounds and sample their distinctive triple-casked tipple.
![Slane Distillery Barrels at the Slane Distillery](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottages-ireland.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/09/slane-distillery.jpg?w=355&h=266&ssl=1)
![Slane Distillery Slane Distillery with sign](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottages-ireland.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/09/slane-distillery-1.jpg?w=355&h=246&ssl=1)
![Slane Disillery Gift Shop The gift shop at Slane Distillery](https://i0.wp.com/www.cottages-ireland.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/09/slane-shop.jpg?w=387&h=516&ssl=1)
Spirits of Meath Festival
Join us in the heart of the Boyne Valley to celebrate Halloween uniquely where it all began.
The Spirits of Meath, Irelands biggest and scariest Halloween Festival runs from October 7th – November 5th offering something for young and old alike.
From Haunted Hills to Eerie Graveyards; Tour of Shadows to Friendly Witches & Spooks and Spells; Thriller Nights to Terrifying Terror Houses – The Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival will delight & fright equally!
Read all about the origins of Halloween here.
Late Availability this Autumn
Our Late Availability and Seasonal Discount rates offer you a wonderful 10 – 20% saving on your luxury seaside cottage throughout 2017… Don’t forget to check out our special rates because Autumn at The Cottages is always a special place to be.
Dates for your diary
Sept 17th – Mar 18th | Drogheda Classical Music |
7th Sept – 20th Oct | Sculpture in Context |
28th Sept – 15th Oct | Dublin Theatre Festival |
15th Oct – 5th Nov | Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival |
25th – 27th Nov | Drogheda Traditional Music Festival |
5th – 10th Dec | National Crafts Fair |
18th – 23rd Dec | Winter Solstice Newgrange |
30th Dec – 1st Jan | New Years Festival |
Have a wonderful Autumn wherever you are and we look forward to
welcoming you back to The Cottages sometime soon.
With warmest regards,
Roger, Liz and all the Team