2015 - Not a Good Year

No,  2015 wasn't a good year here at Nell's Farmhouse...it was the best year we've had in business to date!  Its great to be able to sit down and write that after what seems like the fastest year in the history of fast years.

On the 2nd of January last year we sat down and had a chat about the year ahead.  We decided to make a conscious effort to use social media to connect with existing and prospective customers.  The plan was to do one blog post per month.  So far we have only missed one.  We really appreciate everyone who takes the time to read what we write and hope you find it interesting.

This year we delved into the world of Twitter with the help of the Tweeting Goddess, Samantha Kelly.  We have built our twitter followers up to almost 500 followers in a short space of time. Twitter is great fun.  We have found the #Irishbizparty on Wednesday nights very beneficial for connecting with people all around the country.  This networking has definitely benefited our business in a positive way and in turn our occupancy has increased.

We had a lot of fun in 2015, we brought some local school kids on a journey back in time and showed them how people lived long ago.  We get a great kick out of the school visits.  The questions they the kids ask are fantastic.  They find it all fascinating that people had to go to a well to bring back water and that all the cooking was done over a fire.

In April we were invited to Dublin Castle to a training day for people who hold Heritage Week events.  After that we went on to Merrion Square to speak with the Irish Walled Towns Society about our award winning heritage event in 2014.  Subsequently we were invited to meet our President Michael D Higgins in the Heritage Councils head office in Kilkenny.  It was such an honour to meet President Higgins and listen to him speak at the event in June.

Our favorite week of the year rolled around very quickly, Heritage Week.  As a follow on from our award winning Traditional Irish Wake re-enactment in 2014 we decided to hold a Traditional Wedding set in 1950's Ireland.  We had so much fun putting this together with some fantastic people from our community getting involved.  Everybody went to great efforts to make sure that the event was a success.  All the guests came turned out in costumes appropriate to the 1950's.  The Bride and Groom were brought from the church in Clonea Power by horse and cart.  This attracted a lot of attention with people stopping to take pictures along the way.  There was the traditional fare of cold ham and hard boiled eggs, followed by trifle and wedding cake, There were some fine speeches from the bridal party.  Live Irish music was played in the kitchen by members of the local Comhaltas Ceolteoiri until the early hours with a few songs and stories thrown in along the way.  Everything went off really well as people got into the spirit of the occasion.  It was so good we are unsure how we will top it next year.

Now were only six hours away from 2016 we would like to thank everyone for all their custom during the year and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2016.  A huge thanks must be said to our family, friends and neighbours throughout our community.  There really is a great community spirit in this area and we are very lucky to live around such great people.  Thanks you all!

Wishing you all a very healthy and Happy New Year.
Roll on 2016

Mary & Ger

Five Things To Do With Your Extra Hour

The evenings may be drawing in, the mornings getting darker but the good news is it wont be long now until the shortest day of the year (December 21st)!  Its only a little over eight weeks to go and the days will be getting longer again, wohoo! I really love this time of year, the air is really crisp (great walking weather), the leaves are falling of the trees and you don't need an excuse to light the fire.  The even better news is that this weekend we gain an hour.  Nobody likes losing the hour early in the year but you wouldn't hear too many complaining about an extra hour in bed in October!  I was trying to think of how the extra hour could be spent this weekend and here's what I've come up with:

1. The Imagine Festival is running until the 25th October in Waterford.  On Sunday, storyteller and Seanachai Eddie Lenihan, is doing two shows locally.  The first is fairy stories for kids and kicks off at 1 pm in St Patrick's Gateway Centre, Patrick St, Waterford.  At 10 pm his second show will start.  This one is aimed at the adults and is sure to be an entertaining evening.  Eddie is a friend of ours here at Nell's.  He told stories around our open fire in the past.  This is one not to be missed.
2. Up the road in Kilkenny the Savour Festival is on.  We love our food around here at Nell's which means we love a good food festival.  The festival will be in full swing on Sunday.  The "Build The Ultimate Burger" event and "Yes Chef, War Stories from the Kitchen" are two events that take place on Sunday that have caught my eye.  
3. Summer in Dublin may be over but Bagatelle are still on the go, but not for long...As part of their final tour they are playing this Sunday night in the Clonmel Park Hotel as part of the Tipptober Festival.  Tickets can be booked through the Clonmel Park Hotel
4. Down the road and over the bridge in Wexford Loftus Hall the most haunted house in Ireland is the ideal stop if your into a bit of paranormal.  There's lots of tour options on Sunday for big and small kids.  If your there during the day spin down to Hook Lighthouse afterwards for tea and cake.  You might need something sweet after your Loftus tour!!
5. The Suir Valley Railway are running the Spooky Express on Saturday 24th but will also be running trains on Sunday 25th and up until Sunday 1st November. The trains operate daily at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. The prices are €8.50 for an adult, €7 for a golden years ticket and children (under 16) travel FREE for the entire week. This is a great way to see part of the new Greenway which will open next year. 
   
6. My last suggestion, a bonus one, is to put the feet up, light the fire and enjoy a cup of tea and savour the extra hour on your own sofa :-)

However you decide to spend your bank holiday weekend we here at Nell's Farmhouse hope you have a good one. If you would like to spend some time (night/weekend/week) at Nell's Farmhouse please contact us on info@nellsfarmhouse.ie or 086-2206007 

Gone Wild!

Every morning we wake up and open the curtains to see the Comeraghs staring right back at us from a height.  I suppose when you look at it every day you begin to take it for granted how stunning the view actually is.  Visitors that comes into our yard are blown away by the sheer beauty of the mountains.  The Comeraghs Wild festival is a celebration of the mountains, the area and the local heritage and we were delighted to get involved.

On Thursday last the festival was launched in The Cotton Mill in Portlaw.  This was a lovely evening and a great start to the weekend.  Last night we went along to the Harvest Walk & "Crotty the Robber" the specially commissioned play written by Martina Collender up at Coumshingaun Lake.  The weather was ideal for the occasion.  A crowd in excess of 200 made the short hike up to the lake where we were greeted by Richie Walsh the MC for the evening.  The play itself was top class.  Afterwards there was "chai and chat" and then the walk back down the mountain.  We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and look forward to whats to come next year.

Tonight were heading to Curraghmore House to see Mary Black who will be supported by Kila and Rue De La Coup.  The weather is holding up well so it promises to be a great night.

Tomorrow the festival comes to  close with a treasure hunt in Stradbally, circle dance workshop in Kilrossanty, eco fairy tales in Kilmacthomas, a flora walk at Harneys Cross and the gala finale in the Copper Coast Geo Park.

There really is something for everyone at the Comeragh Wild festival.  For more info check out www.comeraghswild.com

Introducing The Bride & Groom

Only three more sleeps until the much anticipated wedding in Feddens!  Here's a snap of the happy couple.  They are really excited for their big day, cant you tell...so are we!

This event is currently fully booked.  We are looking forward to welcoming all our guests in their Sunday best to the wedding breakfast.  Here's hoping it goes without a hitch, no pun intended :-)

Traditional Wedding Customs

We are very excited about our Traditional Irish Wedding Re-enactment event for Heritage week this year.  The scene will be set back in the 1950’s.  The save the date cards have been sent (not really they didn’t have them in the 50’s) and the priest has been booked.  The following are a few actual traditional customs and traditions from the era…

The Child of Prague

Many Irish wedding traditions which have been handed down through the generations survive in Ireland today. Probably the most popular being the placing of a ‘Child of Prague’ statue outdoors under a hedge to ensure a fine day for the wedding.

Bonfires

Bonfires were lit at the crossroads lining the route from the church to the wedding reception especially near the brides house and they still are today in rural Ireland.

The Dowry

Long ago in Ireland as in many other cultures around the world marriages were ‘arranged’ between families by a matchmaker usually for the betterment of all concerned as a dowry, fortune or spre was usually required of the bride. This could be money or a cow or household goods. This money was the property of the husband or his father and was often used to give a dowry to an unmarried sister.

The bride would bring the dowry with her as often the bride would be expected to move into her husband’s family home thereby automatically usurping the position of ‘woman of the house’ from her mother-in-law. This was signified by the handing over of the ‘fire tongs’ which donated the change in authority. Sometimes the mother in law would break a cake of bread over her head as a token that she would  henceforth be the mistress of the baking and other domestic chores. The mother-in-law who only received inheritance rights in the 1960s previously only been entitled to a space by the fire?

 No wonder there was such ill-feeling between many a new bride and her mother-in-law also bearing in mind that Irish Mammy’s of yesterday idolised their sons...Many still do of course, but in those days the ‘men of the house’ were a revered species who were waited on hand and foot by their sisters.....

Age Gaps

Huge age gaps were customary up until the late 1950’s when much older men (having saved themselves) got married to young girls in the their twenties which was a recipe for disaster considering they had often nothing in common. Furthermore there was no such thing as contraception so large families of 16 and more were quite common even though infant mortality was quite high. 

To book your seat for the wedding breakfast contact us on the details below and stay tuned to our blog for more details.  

Date: Sat 29th August
Time: 20:00 to 23:00
Location: Nell's Farmhouse
Cost: €20
Booking: Essential
Contact: 051-646102 / 086-2206007
Email: info@nellsfarmhouse.ie
www.nellsfarmhouse.ie

Traditional Irish Wedding Re-enactment - Heritage Week 22nd - 30th August 2015

It doesn't seem like twelve months ago since our traditional Irish Wake for Heritage Week last year.  We really enjoyed putting on the interactive evening and now we are excited about this years event.  The wheels are in motion already and it is set to be another great evening.  Us Irish love a good wedding and we decided in keeping with the theme of Heritage Week for 2015 which is "Discover the past. Build the future", we are going to hold a Traditional Irish Wedding Re-Enactment.  Like last year it will be an interactive event where we will be encouraging the wedding guests to get involved. 

The wedding is set in the era of the 1950's when the wedding breakfasts were traditionally held in the home of the bride.  The customs, traditions and fashions of the day will be portrayed.    Space is limited to 28 guests in total so booking is essential.  To get your name on the table plan for the occasion call or email on the details below.  You wont be disappointed.  

Heritage week is the largest cultural event in Ireland.  It is expected that 400,000 people will attend the events scheduled across the country.  For details on all the events taking place in Co. Waterford and in Ireland go to www.heritageweek.ie 

To book your place at our Irish Wedding Re-enactment contact Mary on 051-646102 or 086-2206007 or email Mary on info@nellsfarmhouse.ie and stay tuned to our blog for further updates.

Date: Sat 29th August
Time: 20:00 to 23:00
Location: Nell's Farmhouse
Cost: €20
Booking: Essential
Contact: 051-646102 / 086-2206007
Email: info@nellsfarmhouse.ie
www.nellsfarmhouse.ie

Meeting The President

Heritage is very important to us here at Nell’s Farmhouse. Since we opened our doors in 2006 we have been welcoming people onto our farm and have shared our knowledge of times gone by with them. We have worked with the Heritage Council over the years and have particularly been involved with Heritage Week which has been a great success. Last year we won the “Most Interactive Event” category for our re-enactment of a traditional wake. We were delighted to accept this award from Conor Newman, Chairman of the Heritage Council and Ann Phelan TD and Minister of State for Rural Affairs at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.



Following on from our big win we were invited to speak at a training day for heritage week event organizers. This took place in Dublin Castle on the 9th of April. Along with some other event holders we presented our idea to the audience. We really had a great day in the big smoke and we enjoyed chatting to everyone we met there. We came back to Nell’s full of new ideas for the year ahead.

At the end of May we couldn’t believe our luck when the post man delivered an invitation to the Heritage Councils 20th birthday celebrations in Kilkenny. Our president and founder of the Heritage Council was going to be in attendance and make a speech. We accepted the invite in a heartbeat. On the day we listened to a beautiful address from Michael D Higgins who had the vision to set up the Heritage Council through his capacity as minister for arts, culture and the Gaeltacht in 1995. The idea of the Heritage Council is to support local communities to promote within their area. It was a great honour for us to meet President Higgins in person and have a little chat with him.

Heritage week this year runs from 22nd -30th of August. We have decided to host a “Traditional Wedding Breakfast” on the 29th August from 8-11pm. Again it will be an interactive event and we hope that the audience (who will be the wedding guests) will enter into the spirit of the occasion. A prize will be awarded to the most appropriately dressed guest on the night. The wedding is set in the era of the 1950's when the wedding breakfast was traditionally held in the home of the bride. The customs, traditions and fashions of the day will be portrayed. For more information on heritage week events please click on the link here. Feel free to contact us also in relation to our event on 086-2206007 or via email at info@nellsfarmhouse.ie

Reviews

Inside the hall door, on top of the hall table of Nell's Farmhouse you will find our guest book.  We love when our guests leave us a little note after their stay with us.  Sometimes people even draw a picture.  So to  follow on from  last months post about what we have to offer our customers I thought I would share some of the things our customers have said after a stay with us.  Here's a random selection of jottings from the book...

"Staying at Nell's House was a real treat.  Thanks so much to Mary and Ger for attending to our every need, and more besides.  the hot tub was magnificent - we shall miss it!  We will tell our friends they must come...The care and concern shown by Mary and Ger helped make the holiday.
Everyone we met here was friendly - the place is beautiful - the accommodation is luxurious - and then there's the hot tub (underneath the big bright starry skies - amazing!) Thanks again"
JL

"It was lovely to come back and stay in Feddens again, a "trip down memory lane".  We'll be back.
Congratulations Mary and Ger the place is lovely and very comfortable.  Thank You"
JM

"I ended up in Nell's by chance having originally intended to stay at the hostel (which was closed).  Lucky me! Instead of a bunk bed, I was presented with a whole beautiful house to myself.  Everything is so cosy and tastefully decorated  a beautiful blend of old and new.  I sat on the rug in front of the fire and looked at Richard Fitzgerald's photographs and read stories about Aunt Nell.
I had an absolutely delightful stay at Nell's and I'll be recommending it to everyone.  Thank You"
PK

"Thanks again for another great time in Nell's House.  We had a great time.  the hot tub was a big hit with the girls - just the tonic for a day of climbing and sore limbs.  Thanks again"
Esther

"We have enjoyed out (too short) stay here!
Loved meeting the cows, dogs, and chickens and learning about the milking process.
Highly recommend heading to the local hiking center not far from here.  We took the Glen Patrick walk - a great 3 hour trek with our two kids full of beautiful scenery...Thanks so much for having us!"
FF

"We had a fabulous time here at mid term, kids and adults really enjoyed the experience of a working dairy farm, the cows, the hay shed and we all loved the hot tub.  Really liked the decor, gorgeous bedrooms and massive couch.
Best of luck and continued success Ger and Mary, we hope to be back soon,"
FM

"Many thanks to Ger and Mary for the use of their gorgeous house for our break away.  Ideally situated for all the wonderful walking routes.  It was lovely waking up to the birdsong and the sound of newborn calves.  And the milk!! Our children had never tasted real milk.  Such a treat.  Continued success to you, we'll be back"
MQ

So there you have it.  To book a stay with us contact us on 086-2206007, email info@nellsfarmhouse.ie or visit our web site at www.nellsfarmhouse.ie

What We Do

After reading back over the past couple of blog posts we realised that we spend a lot of time telling you about whats on offer in our local area but not so much time telling you about what we offer here at Nell's Farmhouse so here goes:

Nell's Farmhouse is a heritage farm with self catering accommodation.  The house itself is over 200 years old.  In 2008 we took on the task of renovating part of the house to provide self catering accommodation.  We had our first visitors in 2009.  So now we are six years in and are still learning as we go.  The accommodation can sleep up to six people.  There is a double room, a twin room which is en-suite with a walk in shower and a comfy pull out double bed in the large sitting room. The sitting room has big comfy sofas that you can sink into to watch Sky TV or a DVD.  There is also a very inviting open fire.  Sticks and coal are provided for guests.  The kitchen has all the modern conveniences you would expect including an oven, hob, fridge freezer and dishwasher.
There is a fully enclosed patio area with seating, a BBQ and a hot tub.  For people on longer stays there is a washing machine and drying facilities.  We also provide safe storage for bicycles and WiFi.  When you book Nell's you get exclusive use of the facilities.

The other side of the house has been left in its original traditional state.  The kitchen was the heart of the house in times gone by.  There is an open fire with a crane to hang the kettle on to boil and a fire wheel to stoke up the fire.  Mary is an expert at making traditional pot oven bread and cooking it over the open fire.  Butter making is also one of Mary's specialties with the traditional butter churn.  The combination of the freshly baked bread and real butter has been enjoyed by many groups that have visited over the years.

Nell's Farmhouse is situated on a working dairy farm.  Many visitors have enjoyed the opportunity to get a hands on experience of the workings of our modern dairy farm with visits to the milking parlour, feeding the calves and collecting eggs from the hens.  This is a big hit especially with the younger visitors.

We are keen to preserve our heritage traditions and pass on our traditional knowledge to others.  For the past number of years we have taken part in Ireland's Heritage week which is held each August.  In 2013 we were a runner up/finalist in the most innovative event category for our traditional wake.  In 2014 we won the award for the most interactive event for the re-enactment of our traditional Irish wake and the reading of the will.  On that night we also had a visit from Irish TV who recorded the event which was later televised (You can watch the episode here http://bit.ly/1CL1MVo).  We enjoy hosting school groups and are happy to tailor the programme provided to teachers requirements.  Active retirement groups have visited in the past.  They have sat around the fire and reminisced about times gone by, told tales of yore and sang songs.  Mary's butter churn is well traveled as she goes to many local shows and festivals to give demonstrations.  She was most recently at the West Waterford Festival of Food and her next engagement is for the Dungarvan 800 festival on the 3-4th July this year.

The announcement of "Ireland's Ancient East" today is very exciting and we are currently working on a package to offer visitors as part of our involvement with Irish heritage so there are lots of exciting opportunities ahead.

To book a stay at Nell's Farmhouse contact Mary on 086-2206007 or visit us on line at www.nellsfarmhouse.ie  Our new favourite social media is twitter check us out @nellsfarmhouse

     

10 Things To Do During Your Stay at Nell's Farmhouse

We love the mountains here in Nell's, in fact were mad about the mountains.  We'd spend all day up there discovering new paths and trails but we were thinking the other day what else there is to do in the local area without spending a fortune or having to travel too far.  So here's a few of our favourites:

Endless Beaches
We are spoiled around here with all the fabulous beaches we have on our doorstep - from Ardmore to Tramore and all the coast line in between.  Lots of golden sandy beaches to build sandcastles on, to stroll along, waves to surf on and clean water to swim in.

Ormond Castle
You can get a free guided tour around Ormond Castle in Carrick which is only six miles away from us.  The guide will fill you in on the Butler family who lived there back in the day.  You can even get the tour in Italian, Spanish or German if you prefer.

The Anne Valley Walk
In Dunhill you will find the new Anne Valley Walk.  It is a purpose built trail through forest and marshland.  Its buggy friendly too which is great for the smaller family members.  Watch out for the fairies too, rumor has it lots of them live along the trail!

The County Museum Dungarvan
If history is your thing The County Museum is the place to go.  Hours could be spent here looking through their archives of photos and articles.  Its even reported to be the best little museum in the country.

Curraghmore & Mount Congreve
Two other fine estates worth a visit in the locality are Curraghmore and Mount Congreve.  Mount Congreve reopens after the winter on the 12th of March.  When in full bloom the rhododendrons are a spectacle.  Likewise in Curraghmore the carpet of bluebells are a stunning sight in May.  Tours of Curraghmore House and the Shell House are available too for you to catch up on all the local history.

Fenor Play Park
If the kids need to burn off a bit of energy Fenor Play Park is one of the best around.   Lots of space for adventure and picnics.

Dungarvan Greenway
The first part of the much anticipated Deise Greenway is open in Dungarvan.  Its a lovely walk along the old railway line.  Also suitable for bikes and buggies.

Hook Lighthouse
Hook is the oldest operating lighthouse in Ireland and you'll find it on the Hook Peninsula.  Nip across on the Passage East car ferry and you'll be there in no time.

Jeanie Johnston
While your over the Wexford side the Jeanie Johnston is docked in New Ross and is worth a stop off.

Reginalds Tower
In the heart of Waterford City at the end of the quay stands Reginalds Tower.  Strongbow and Aoife got married here back in the day.  Its steeped in history and more than worthy of a few hours of your leisure time.

The Magic Road
One of our favourite spots to bring the visitors.  On the way up to the Mahon Falls you will find the Magic Road.  Its just magic, fact! Check it out.  We will give you directions if your heading that way.
Suir Valley Railway
Just outside Kilmeaden you will find the Suir Valley Railway.  It runs along the end of Mount Congreve Estate.  This is one for kids of all ages, they even do special fun trips at different times of the year.  The railway re-opens for the season on the 1st of May but usually has an Easter train.  The Deise Greenway will eventually run alongside the Suir Valley Railway.

Kilkenny Castle
You could spend hours alone wandering around the grounds of Kilkenny Castle without doing the tour of the castle itself.  The castle tour is fantastic though and we would highly recommend it.  We loved the gallery upstairs  There's also a play ground and a coffee shop to keep adult kids and little kids happy.  

OK so there were a few more than ten but we couldn't choose so we put the few extra in.  We could have added ten or twenty more.  It goes to show how much there is to do in a close proximity to us. So in a nut shell - Nell's is an ideal base for a family fun filled break away.  To book your next break give us a call on 086-2206007 or check us out on the interweb on www.nellsfarmhouse.ie/

Green Way All The Way

We love a bit of fresh air and exercise here at Nell's.  Luckily for us we have lots of options to satisfy us on our door step.  If time is an issue a quick lap of the block ticks the box but if the clock isn't ticking a hike up to some of the local lakes in the Comeragh mountains like Crottys, Coumshingaun or Coum Tay or a trip to any of the local beaches does the trick. We really are spoiled where we live and we shouldn't take this for granted.  We are very envious of the people who live near the Great Western Greenway but we won't have to be for much longer because we will have a Greenway all of our own - the Deise Greenway! This has us very excited.

The Deise Greenway when it is fully completed will run from Dungarvan to Waterford City along the old railway line.  Currently there is 4 kms open in Dungarvan and hopefully by summer this year there will be a further 18 kms open for us to enjoy.  Planning has been approved for the remainder and hopefully we wont have to wait too long for work to start on these sections too.

The development of the Deise Greenway will give us miles and miles of new safe and accessible track for us to get our fresh air and exercise fix on.  The Deise Greenway will be for everybody to enjoy from the casual walker to the marathon runner so we should all get behind it and make it happen!

Looking Forward In 2015

After "getting over the Christmas" we were having a chat here in the kitchen about what there is to look forward to in 2015, we could be still there listing things!  We are so lucky here in the sunny south east with all the great events and festivals that are on our doorstep.  Here's a list of a few of the top ones we came up with...

January - Rathgormack Ramblers Mulled Wine Walk 

Our local walking group have planned a "Mulled Wine Walk" to Seefin in the Comeragh Mountains on Sunday 11th January.  The meeting point is at St Bridget's Hall Kilrossanty at 10am.  They plan on covering around 9km which will take approximately 3.5 hours.  (Grade B Walk).  The ramblers are a great local group who go on regular walks near and far.  For more info contact http://rathgormackramblers.blogspot.ie/

February - Valentines Weekend

February is always a busy month on the farm here at Nell's when calving will be in full swing.  We will be looking forward to welcoming guests to Nell's award winning Farm House for a romantic break to celebrate Valentines. Get in touch with us to secure your romantic getaway from it all.  

St Patricks Day Parade Waterford City

The St Patrick's Day parade in Waterford City is always a spectacle.  It's well worth the trip to the city.  Come for the parade and stay for the craic.  

West Waterford Festival of Food

We love our food at Nell's.  The West Waterford Festival of food is a tasty weekend that we look forward to every year.  This year its taking place from the 9-12th April. For more info check out www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com

Local Blooms

With April and May brings beautiful blooms. Two local spots provide amazing displays of flowers - Curraghmore Estate and Mount Congreve.  In Curraghmore Estate in Portlaw the carpet of bluebells under the canopy of the trees is a must see, as is the exhibit of rhododendron in Mount Congreve.  For more info on opening times etc  www.mountcongreve.com/gardens

www.curraghmorehouse.ie/gardens 

Deise Greenway

We are so excited about the Deise Greenway.  Its going to be similar to the Great Western Greenway in Mayo but it will be better!!  Why wouldn't it be - its in Waterford after all!! There are two phases due to open in June 2015, Waterford to Kilmeaden and Dungarvan to Durrow.  Both these phases will add up to over 20kms of off road track for us to discover. Fingers crossed the middle section won't be too far behind! The people behind the Deise Greenway should be commended for their tireless work in getting the project this far.  www.deisegreenway.com

Waterford Viking Marathon

June also brings the annual Waterford Viking Marathon which takes place this year on June 27th @9am.  Last years run had the town buzzing.  Waterford city is the best place to be on marathon weekend.  Nell's is only a 30 minute drive from the start line so is an ideal base.  After the run come back and hop in the hot tub and sooth your aching muscles - bliss! www.waterfordvikingmarathon.com  Here's a picture of Sinead, Mary, Clodagh and Caitriona after last years (2014) run when four out of six of us took part along with two of Caitriona's friends who came all the way from Cork to take part.  

Sprog & Spraoi

Spraoi host two amazing free festivals every year in Waterford in July and August.  Sprog is aimed at the smaller kids and Spraoi is all inclusive with something for everybody.  Most events are free and family friendly. www.spraoi.com

The Sean Kelly Tour 

Dungarvan is the Mecca of cyclists in August every year for the Sean Kelly Tour.  There are options for all abilities of cyclist including kids.  It starts on the Saturday with a family cycle.  Sunday gives three options - 50km, 100km, 160km routes.  If your into cycling this is a great way to see our beautiful and picturesque county. Our advise is to book in early as it sells out without fail ever year.  Keep an eye on www.theseankellytour.com for registration opening dates.    

Waterford Harvest Festival

On the 11th September the Harvest Festival starts in Waterford city.  Last years event was fantastic.  The sunshine brought out all the foodies to feast on the quays.  There was a lovely atmosphere around the city with the crowds ambling around checking out the many different food stalls.  We would highly recommend it.  www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie

Comeraghs Wild Festival

We had so much fun at the Comeraghs Wild Festival last year we will be booking our tickets early this year.  The highlight for us was the Harvest Moon Walk up to Coumshingaun lake where we watched a performance of Lackendara Jim.  The whole evening from start to finish was magical.  Next year we might even camp for the night up there.  There was a full schedule of events spread over four days with something to entertain the whole family. Check out www.comeraghswild.com for more info.  Below is a picture from the performance which featured on the Irish Examiner - see if you can pick out Ger...

So there's a selection of what were looking forward to in the coming months.  Of course the accommodation at the award winning Nell's Farm House is an ideal base for all the above activities.  Take your pick and give us a call to book in for the week or weekend with family or friends.  

Tel: 051-646102

Mob: 086-2206007 

E-mail: info@nellsfarmhouse.ie

www.nellsfarmhouse.ie