With Hallowe'en just around the corner - along with the mid-term break for schools - we're taking a look at some of the best events and short break deals on offer.
There are some brilliant hotel deals to be had, with a focus on all things spooky for the Hallowe'en midterm. The new Macnas parade in Galway on Bank Holiday Sunday is not to be missed and if you're a wine buff, there's a special wine tasting event in Dublin this week too.
Hallowe’en Mid Term Stays At The Limerick Strand Hotel
The Limerick Strand hotel has some special packages on for the mid-term break: stay for two nights in a family room with breakfast every morning. This is no mere cereal buffet however: a chef’s hot station serves up fresh pancakes, omelettes and more. You’ll be well set up to take advantage of a family pass to the 800-year-old King John’s castle, close to the hotel. A stay is €160 per adult sharing, with children under 12 staying for free. There’s also a 15 per cent discount off food purchases at The Terrace Bar and 15 per cent off room-only rates for the duration of the Halloween break. For more info or to book go to StrandLimerick.ie
Macnas Halloween Parade, Galway City 2019
Sunday 27th October, 5.30pm
A Macnas parade is always a spectacle, and even better when it’s for the spooky season of Samhain. The Hallowe’en parade takes to the street of Galway on Sunday - and it’s free to attend! This year’s performance, entitled Danse Macabre, kicks off at the NUI Galway campus at 5.30pm before making its way through the town, trailing that Macnas magic as it goes. Over 70,000 people are expected to head along - if you’re in the area, make sure you’re one of them.
A Frightening Family Getaway at Newark Hotel, Kilkenny
If you’re looking for a family break over Hallowe’en the medieval city of Kilkenny is a perfect option and Newark Hotel has a spooky package on offer. The Hallowe’en Family break is available in two and three-night packages, starting from €199 per night based on a family of two adults and two children. It includes bed and full Irish breakfast, with dinner on one evening for adults in Gulliver's Restaurant and high-tea for children in the Crazy Cats Kids Club. There is a host of Hallowe’en themed activities on all week and, families can take part in a nighttime ghost train ride through the street of Kilkenny - perfectly frightening for the time of year. See Newpark Hotel for more.
Gourmet Getaways with Good Food Ireland
Good Food Ireland has just launched some new additions to its Gourmet Getaways. Part of its Good Food Ireland Experiences, the getaways offer food lovers a chance to team overnight stays with great food. It's all in association with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland’s new food tourism initiative, Taste the Island. You can head to Cork for the Sip, Savour and Slumber at a Five Star Hotel (from €197 per person sharing) or go out west to Connemara for a fish-focused Catch & Cook Overnight Break (€135 per person). Or if you’re a whiskey fan, try the Overnight Getaway with Dinner & Whiskey Pairing Along the Causeway Coast in County Antrim (from €304 per couple sharing). To book go to GoodFoodIreland.ie.
Greywacke Wine Tasting at Upstairs at No.4
Wednesday 23rd October
The new Upstairs at No.4, above The Corkscrew Wine Merchants on Dublin’s Chatham Street, is hosting an intimate wine tasting this week. On Wednesday 23 October, renowned winemaker Kevin Judd will be hosting showcasing six of the best wines from his winery, Greywacke in New Zealand. Guests, limited to just 24 on the night, will get to sample Greywacke’s Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Wild Sauvignon 2016, Riesling 2016, Chardonnay 2015, Pinot Noir 2016 and Botrytis Pinot Gris 2015. Tickets are €39 per person including cheese and charcuterie boards from Sheridan’s.
To book or for more information go to thecorkscrew.ie.
