The Celts are Coming, & they're armed with Fun!

 Sarah Foley (7), Shayna Howe (6), Hannah Matthews (4), Chantelle Matthews (9) Ava Kehoe,8
Photo Dylan Vaughn. Carlow Pan Celtic Festival

 Get jiggy at  the Carlow Pan Celtic International Festival this Easter!

I've been sent the info on this year's fest (2-7 April 2013,) & it sounds brill! 

 Bride de Róiste, festival director says there will be ''a great festival line-up and highlights include storytelling and swapping, concerts, book launches, traditional singing and choral competitions as well as piping and drumming, harp, fiddle and dance contests in dozens of venues across Carlow town.” WHEW! 

''And in ancient times, Irish dancers' hairstyles were this big!''

Disclaimer: *may not be a direct quote* ;-)

Photo Dylan Vaughn

Story tellers Jack Sheehan & daughter Aideen McBride from Bagenalstown Co. Carlow.

 Don't miss it!

I'm told the highlight for many will be the Pan Celtic International Song Contest on Thursday, April 4. It will feature newly-composed songs from each of the six nations in their own Celtic language. Ireland will be represented by Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh from Donegal, singing Le Do Thaobh, by Connemara native Áine Durkin, a moving and poignant tribute to Áine’s late sister.

Carlow Pan Celtic Festival launch, Tricia Hutton, Carlow town. Dylan Vaughn

Here are a few more tidbits: 

''Carlow comes alive for the festival. Outdoor entertainment includes Celtic dancing, an open-air Ceilí, busking competitions and the festival parade. Festival-goers are also invited to run, walk or jog the Pan Celtic Mile!

The Trad Trail features no less than 40 sessions and 80 musicians in a total of 12 hostelries. There is also a series of workshops which range from baby fiddle to master classes in all traditional instruments, as well as Sean-Nós, Céilí and Breton dance classes.

This year’s programme also features performances from the Garda Band, RTÉ Cór na nÓg, Thurso Pipe Band, Pervish, The Great Trad Train and ARDS CCÉ as well as 3 Orchestras in Concert. Celtic language classes will offer a taste of Scots Gaelic, Manx and Cornish as well as Irish.

A Festival Club in the Seven Oaks Hotel, hosted by a different nation each night, will give a taste of the very best of Celtic entertainment each country has to offer. The festival is a true family event, with workshops and attractions galore for children, a ‘Celtic Taste of Carlow’ artisan farmers’ market and much more.''

Fun, music, dance, food-- I'm in!! See YOU there? 

All fringe events are free of charge.

 For more see www.panceltic.ie

CUTE ALERT! Born in the stable with Baby Jesus- Kittens!

                                   You'd have to be a Scrooge to not smile at this!

HEY!  You sharing that dosh? I was born in this stable, too, ya know!

A stray/wild mammy cat gave birth to & is raising her kittens in the stable of the Christmas crib at Arboretum in Carlow. Aww!!

 They, of course, are growing up surrounded by oohing & ahhing people, so they are not at all camera shy like their mother.

 In fact, this little kitten put on a show for me yesterday, deciding that we must be eyeing up the wise man's gold & he'd better go protect it!

Going for gold! This kitten figures she'd better go guard her gold from all the onlookers. 

This is a good lookout point! 


Happy Christmas, everyone!

50 Shades of Graig, & Tinnahinch! Photos of Ireland's hidden gems

http://bestfootphoto.wix.com/fiftyshadesofgraig  

See all the festival signs? never a dull moment in our area!

This weekend -21 to 23 September 2012- the Town of Books Festival AND the Michealmas festival are both on here in Graiguenamanagh (Kilkenny side of the river Barrow) and Tinnahinch (Carlow side of the river Barrow.)

Have a look at this fantastic new photo site showing off the 50 Shades of Graig. Many thanks to Best Foot Photo for putting this together to show off some of the fantastic things in our patch of Kilkenny & Carlow.

http://bestfootphoto.wix.com/fiftyshadesofgraig  

 whattoseeinireland

What to do in Ireland: Great music gigs!

In Ireland, you are spoiled for choice in music. There is such a wide range on offer, from homegrown musicians to ones on tour from elsewhere. If you are wondering what to do in Ireland in the next few weeks, here's a sample of some of what's coming up: 

The Spaghetti Western Orchestra 

If you are in the southern end of the country on 25 Feb, and enjoy music with a quirky twist, the excellent Spaghetti Western Orchestra is playing in the Cork Opera House, but if you are in the Dublin area, how about going to hear Kammerpop at Project Arts Centre? Their pianist, Fiachra White, says:

Our music has themes ranging from romance and heartbreak to politics and living angst. While we are classically trained musicians, we are looking for our music to be enjoyed as the 3 minute pop songs that they are. Thanks for listening! 

In need of something a bit more rock-n-roll? Have a listen to Tipperary/Cork band Crow Black Chicken!

They're playing plenty of dates all around Ireland; we're definitely going to go check them out.

Here in medieval Graiguenamanagh, our 12th century Duiske Abbey will be host to pianists Katia and Marielle Labeque on 2 March as part of the Barrow River Arts Festival. The sound is going to be spectacular in this wonderful setting! 

Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh., Kilkenny. Ireland

Also in the Kilkenny area the fantastic Rhythm and Roots Festival will be on in May-- another I'd highly recommend! Quality music at great value (lots of fab free gigs, too!) in intimate venues with a fantastic buzz. Go! 

Here's a video from Kitty, Daisy & Lewis who'll be playing at the festival. See you there :-) PS! Please leave a comment if you have any music/gig recommendations-- we'd love to hear them. Thanks! 

Kilgraney House Herb Gardens-inspirational & romantic!

If gardens are your thing, especially gardens in the grounds of beautiful, old, renovated  Georgian Irish houses, then Kilgraney House Herb Gardens situated between Bagenalstown (Muine Bheag) and Borris in County Carlow, Ireland is the place to head for.

It's hard to believe that the interconnected herb gardens have only been there for six years - their colours, textures and perfumes fill the beds and air as you amble around. I was told that the end of May/beginning of June is the time of year to really see them in all their glory- which must be a sight to behold as they were pretty impressive in August!

Starting with the medicinal garden (individual beds sown with herbs suitable for different ailments), pebbled pathways lined with granite take you through to the monastic herb cloister, the cosmic herb circle (where each star sign is depicted by it's own herbs), the aromatic herb & rose garden (located next to the very tempting spar) and the herbal tea walk. There's also an orchard (bulging with fruit in August), beautiful old trees scattered around the grounds and a kitchen garden where fruit and veg are grown for use in the restaurant kitchens. No chemicals are used in the gardens and the owners of Kilgraney House take on most of the work themselves, carefully researching their planting schemes and always on the look out for new ideas.

If you're a guest at this very tempting romantic getaway then you're free to wander around whenever suits you. If not the gardens (only) are open from May to September, Thursdays to Sundays and Bank Holidays from 2.00pm until 5.00pm (current fee €3.00, (groups by prior arrangement). Refreshments are available and herbs are for sale too.  I really can't recommend a trip out to Kilgraney House herb gardens enough - an inspirational place to spend an afternoon!

 Kilgraney takes its name from the Irish ‘cill greine’ which means ‘sunny hill’ or ‘sunny wood’, and it is located in the beautiful Barrow valley, about half way between Kilkenny City & Carlow town. So whether you're just looking to enjoy a simple afternoon in the gardens, or perhaps a special weekend getaway in the House itself, this spot in the sunny southeast is worth a look!

**Kilgraney House Herb Gardens were visited ,enjoyed, & written about by Dee, who writes GreensideUpVeg** 

OutsideInItreland     WhereToStayInIreland

One of Ireland's Hidden Gems, Along the River Barrow

Peace & tranquility on the river Barrow! At the Mullichain cafe, St. Mullins, Co. Carlow

St. Mullins is a magical little spot down the river from us here in Graignamanagh. If you believe in fairies, you will certainly feel them here- look at their impressive fairy mound:

The motte at St. Mullins.  photo fr Carlowcountymuseum.com

Now, I know that according to Carlow County Museum's St. Mullins page (do look- lovely photos of the ruined church & more,) Richard de Clare-Strongbow had it built in the 12th century, but we think he just took it over from the sidhe-- in fact, if you ask Martin or Emer at the Mullichain cafe, they can show you the big old hurley left behind by one of the Good People!
One of our favorite things to do is to walk down the riverside path from Graig to Mullins for something nice at the Mullichain cafe.

Having fun along the river Barrow

 The Mullichain is in an old stonebuilt 18th century grain storehouse, lovingly restored. Full of charm, it is perfect to get cozy in upstairs on a rainy day. On a sunny day, it is such a treat to sit outside and enjoy the river valley scenery.  Everyone is friendly, and the Mullichain is a wonderful place for just a coffee & dessert (the coconut macaroon is a must for us!) or something more substantial- everything is tasty! 

Mmmm coconut macaroon!

You can also stay in their cottages, which look pretty special. Have a look at their website, which has these reviews of the area, including Graignamanagh, just up the river tow-path from the Mullichain. The reviews do a much better job than I would of conveying how special this whole area is, and I recommend you read them.  

One tip I will give you- if you're doing the apprx 5mile walk in high summer- bring a hat, because on some stretches flies like to buzz around your hair- yuk! Thankfully, the magic of St. Mullins keeps them away, so you can enjoy your lunch there in total peace!
Want to paddle instead of walk? Try these 2 kayak and canoe companies- they both do trips in the area. 
irishcanoekayak.com
(a friend of mine learned to kayak with & did a short trip with them & had a great time.)
gowiththeflow.ie
(I'm sure this crowd is lovely, too!)
** FYI photos not accredited on this post are my own- if you'd like to use one, just ask. Thanks!**