Friday, January 2, 2015

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

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