Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter, hope your year to date has been a good one.
As much as we love Autumn we simply couldn’t let such a spectacular Summer pass without reminiscing about it’s magic. Not only did Ireland excel itself with weeks of sunshine, glistening seas and glorious blue skies, (we almost forgot what a cloud looked like), but the Boyne Valley region also shone brightly attracting international acclaim.
Fleadh Cheoil an Outstanding Success!
August saw Drogheda play host to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2018, the world’s largest celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance. And what a host it was! History was made as over half a million competitors and visitors flocking to the town and Drogheda welcomed them with open arms. The streets were buzzing with entertainment and good will during the week long jamboree… well done Drogheda you truly did excel!
The excitement was tangible!
Book your Cottage for Fleadh 2019
Archaelogical Finds of a Lifetime!
New discoveries in the Boyne Valley! The continuous dry weather this Summer revealed some of the most exciting archaeological finds in decades! Not one, not two but three archaeological discoveries were unearthed in as many months! A 5,500 year old passage tomb at Dowth Hall, a henge that dates back to 2,900 BC and the first archaeology dig at Newgrange in 30 years revealed an ancient processional way to the site, all bringing international attention to our extraordinary region.
150 Years of Laytown Races
Not to be outshone Autumn kicked off in style with Laytown gearing up for the spectacle of the annual Laytown Races. This year was extra special with the festival marking 150 years of racing on Laytown Strand. In celebration, the Race Committee launched a wonderful commemorative book, Laytown Strand Races, celebrating 150 years a fascinating read purchase your copy. The date for next years diary is 11th September 2019.
We’ll never grow tired of the sound of horses’ hooves thundering along the beach.
Sculptures at The Cottages
As ever we’ve been busy making upgrades and additions to the cottages and gardens to ensure that your holiday experience is enhanced. We’re delighted to share our latest addition to The Cottages, two wonderful tree sculptures!
Tree sculptor Tommy Craggs created two beautiful pieces earlier in the summer. Watching Tommy at work was a wonder in itself, but to think that this detail was created with a chainsaw is totally inspiring! Thanks Tommy and assistant Patrycja.
Tommy’s second carving was especially requested by Roger, inspired by a Maori carving known as ‘Pikorua’, meaning friendship and growth of interwoven lives and is represented in this work using a single piece of wood.
See more of Tommy’s amazing creations.
European Holiday Home Awards
Thrilled to announce that Thatcher’s Rest Cottage has once again been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Holiday Home Beach House category in the 2018 European Holiday Home Awards!
As the 2016 winners of this award and with such stiff competition and contenders from all over Europe, we are proud and delighted to have made the final 8. Congratulations one and all!
Drogheda Classical Music Series
St Peter’s Church of Ireland sets the scene for the Drogheda Classical Music Series, perfectly providing ambience, beauty and outstanding acoustics. This year’s Series features an outstanding line up with some of the most exciting national and international artists in classic music today. The series runs right through to March 2019. Click through for full concert details.
Late Availability this Autumn
Our Late Availability rates offer you a wonderful 20% saving on seaside cottage escapes. Don’t forget to check out our Special Offers too because The Cottages in Autumn are always a magical place to be.
Book your Cottage for Fleadh 2019
Photo Competition
Each year we love nothing more than receiving your wonderful entries to our annual Photo Competition. The standard and most importantly memories captured are a joy. This year make sure you’re in for the winning!
The 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… Best of luck!
Halloween Spooktaculars
With Ireland being the birthplace of Halloween, we really do know how to host a good scare or two!
Right here in the heart of the Boyne Valley we have Ireland’s biggest Halloween festival. The Spirits of Meath event runs from October 6th – November 4th. With happenings such as Haunted Hills, Eerie Graveyards, Tour of Shadows, Thriller Nights and Terrifying Terror Houses to name but a few. The Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival will delight & fright equally!
Alongside this Dublin showcases the magnificent Bram Stoker Festival with parades, funfair rides, theatrical performances and late night cinema screenings in the grounds of the National Botanical Gardens. This extravaganza has quickly become one of the city’s largest festivals. Four days of deadly adventures 26th – 29th October.
Point to Point Country Fair at Dowth
Dowth Hall really is the place to be this year. Alongside the wondrous archaeological finds this Summer, the lands at Dowth Hall will also play host to the annual Point to Point Country Fair. The festival takes place on October 28th where you can enjoy thrilling racing, gourmet food, free family fun, shopping and country fair exhibits.
So whether you have two legs or four, trot along to Dowth this October bank holiday weekend, it promises to be as much fun as you can have with your wellies on!
Christmas at The Cottages
There’s still time to book a magical festive escape at The Cottages. You won’t find a more perfect setting for Santa to visit or indeed to kick start the most wonderful 2019!
Dates for your Diary
| Drogheda Classical Music | 14th Sept – Mar 5th | www.droghedaclassicalmusic.com |
| Sculpture in Context | 6th Sept – 19th Oct | www.sculptureincontext.com |
| Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival | 6th Oct – 4th Nov | www.spiritsofmeath.ie |
| Bram Stoker Festival | 26th – 29th October | www.bramstokerfestival.com |
| Dowth Hall Point to Point | 28th Oct | www.dowthp2p.ie |
| National Crafts Fair | 5th – 9th Dec | www.giftedfair.ie |
| Winter Solstice Newgrange | 18th – 23rd Dec | www.newgrange.com |
| New Years Festival | TBC | nyfdublin.com |
Have a wonderful Autumn wherever you are and we look forward to
welcoming you back to The Cottages sometime soon.
With warm regards,
Roger, Liz and all the Team