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

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/

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