County Kildare & what it has to Offer

Into Kildare

After a very successful and informative Into Kildare Networking Event held at Killashee House Hotel, I have been inspired to explore what events we have to offer here in our very own County! We will be doing a series of blogs on what this county has to offer so make sure to start following the blog to keep updated!

The 1^st Event for this series of Kildare Blogs which caught my eye is the June Fest. This is a week-long festival in Newbridge starting the 30^th of May until the 8^th of June.

June Fest

This is a great festival in Newbridge is starting with three days of pre festival fun. On Sunday the 25^th of May the “Care to Run” starts at the Ryston in Newbridge. There is a 10km run and a 5km run. This is in aid of the Carers’ Association and only costs €13 for the 10km at 11am and €8 for the 5km at 11.15am. Start your summer fitness with this great event. On Tuesday the 27^th, the opening of A-Z Art Exhibition is from 6pm-8pm and is free admission. It includes Alan Walsh’s watercolours, Bríd Leddy’s photographs, The Old Masters’ collection & Zita McGarry’s abstractions. The third pre-festival event is the “Texting at the old Arch Bar” on Newbridge Main Street at 6pm and again free admission. 

The Festival opens at the Library from 7pm-9pm on Friday 30^th May. This opening is free admission and entails music and storytelling. The Unveiling of Artworks depicting the life of St.Conleth along with John Coffey, presenting a Newbridge themed photographic exhibition all in the Library. All free of charge!

Saturday 31^st May activities include scenes from Shakespeare in Farrell’s Bookshop with admission only €5.00 at 3pm and that night at 8pm is  Ireland’s favourite Dub and his band rock Moorefield, with a Full bar & Stand up gig , it makes sure a great night at only €20.00 per ticket.  Ticket Sales are from the Riverbank Arts Centre www.riverbank.ie (045) 448327, and Moorefield GAA and on the door.

Sunday 1^st June is the Family Fun Day at the Strand at 1pm. And don’t you know donations are welcome. Fun for all with Patrician Primary School Band, games, rides, buskers, crafts, and a live music stage. Pack your family picnic and dine out in the “hopefully” fabulous weather! Enjoy the music from the Battle of the Bands at 2pm in the Park, where young bands will compete for a day at the recording studio.

 Sunday night head over to Moorefield to see Damian Dempsey perform. A great artist and it will be a great night. Do not miss out!

The Curragh Rumble takes place on Monday the 2^nd of June in Herbet Lodge at 1.30pm. This event only costs €5.00 a ticket and is all about sharing songs and stories as the group venture towards the west on the Curragh of Kildare. Squeeze in for limited seating and enjoy an hour with Crooked House young actors’ school. Booking: 045 431708. Public Displays of Infection in the Liffey Studio at 6.00pm, costing €8/€6, this is a cycle of new solo performances created by students of the Young Actors’ School. To book please call 087 275 9420.

  

Tuesday the 3^rd of June is the Watercolour class in Liffey Studio for an hour from 10am to 11am and this is free so why not join in! It’s a gentle way to unlock your creativity & the materials are supplied.

Follow this hour of creativity with a Trip Down Memory Lane in the Newbridge Day Care Centre from 1.00pm -2.30pm, where Mario Corrigan and friends share photos stories for a nostalgic afternoon. The at 8pm that night if you still have the energy, Literary Miscellany takes place in the Library at 8pm again this is a free event and winning authors of the June Fest Literary Competition read their pieces. It will be presented by Martin Malone.

Well into the weeks festivities at this point is A Touch of Willow in the Library at 11am for an hour on Wednesday 4^th June. This is a demonstration of the ancient art of willow weaving with Beth Murphy. It’s great fun and enjoyable to learn. In the Keadeen Hotel at 8pm on Wednesday night for only €5.00 is the Wisdom in Dreams event. This is Jasbinder Garnermann, Chairwoman C.G. Jung Centre, Ireland, explains how dreams can enhance our lives.

Raising the Green Flag is on the 5^th of June is in Scoil na Naomh Uilig at 1.00pm, this event is free. The school celebrates their first Green Flag for Environmental Excellence for recycling and waste management. At 8pm, an evening of music and song form one of the most musical families in Newbridge, The Cahills at St.Patrick’s Church of Ireland for €8.00. Tickets are on sale in The Kiosk for this event. If music isn’t your scene, may be top class comedy is! At 8pm if you decide against The Cahills, there is an alternative event, The Craic-House Comedy, in the Granary Bar at 8pm sharp. Be prepared to laugh your socks off!

 Scoil Mhuire Children’s Concert is on in Scoil Mhuire Senior at 11am for an hour and this event is free on the 6th of June!!!  This is a special concert for the grandparents, guests from the Day Care Centre and the Cheshire Homes. The Voice Squad in St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland starts at 8pm and costs €15.00. Unusual and subtle - the harmony and tones of The Voice Squad will delight you. Ticket Sales are available from the Riverbank Arts Centre www.riverbank.ie (045) 448327.

Warhammer Group is in the Library from 10am until 12pm and is free entry. This is War Games with the Legend of the Orc. Newbridge in Time of War is in the Riverbank Arts Centre from 11.00am-12.30pm & is also free entry. This is an illustrated talk on the area during World War 1 by James Durney and Paul Cooke. Storytelling with Mother Goose starts at 2pm in the Library & is another free entry event & has face painting and fun for 5-7 year olds. You never know who might pop in! So make sure you are there! Songwalk in the Town Hall on Main Street at 2pm. A stroll through Newbridge, remembering the 1950/60’s when Christy Moore lived here.

The finale is Christy Moore with King Modo in the Patrician Secondary School at 8.00pm at a great price of €25 to see the local legend. A superb musical finale to June Fest. Tickets: Riverbank Arts Centre www.riverbank.ie (045) 448327

Killashee Fitness Session

The Summer Season is upon us and it is time to get working on your Beach Body. Here is a quick 3 minute workout to help you get those Abs and that super toned Tummy. 

Great 3 Minute Abs Workout to build into your next cardio or strength session!

If you're obsessed with a flat stomach, say hello to your new favourite workout. Tag on this quick series of moves to the end of a cardio or strength session, or do it whenever you have time and want to target your abs. Really push yourself: The harder you work, the better results you'll achieve. (Remember your ABS are earned in the kitchen but this routine will ensure they're in great shape)

How it works: Do as many reps as possible (AMRAP) of each exercise in order with no rest.

FOREARM PLANK PIKE JACK
Recommended: Sets 1 - AMRAP for 30 seconds

A) Get in a forearm plank with abs engaged and feet wider than hips

B) Pike hips in the air as high as possible, sliding feet in and together, bracing abs in tighter to spine. Return to starting position.

FULL SIT-UP
Recommended: Sets 1 - AMRAP for 30 seconds

A) Lie face-up with hands clasped behind head, legs extended hip-width apart, feet flexed.

B) Engage abs and sit up, bending knees and sliding heels into body. Slowly lower back to starting position

BACK EXTENSION SLIDE
Recommended: Sets 1 - AMRAP for 30 seconds

A) Lie face-down with arms overhead, hands and legs extended hip-width apart, toes pointed.

B) Extend spine and lift chest off the floor, sliding arms in as body lifts. Return to starting position.

KNEELING SWIVEL
Recommended: Sets 1 - AMRAP for 30 seconds

A) Get on all fours with toes tucked under. Engage abs and lift knees a few inches off the floor, keeping hips in line with shoulders.

B) Swivel knees slightly to the right, pivoting feet, keeping shoulders over hands. Quickly swivel knees to the left. Continue, alternating sides.

SIDE PLANK TOE TOUCH
Recommended: Sets 1 - AMRAP for 30 seconds

A) Get in a side elbow plank position with right elbow bent under shoulder, left hand behind head, legs and hips stacked, feet flexed.

B) Extend left leg in front of hip (keep knee as straight as possible, bending to modify if needed) and touch toes with left hand. Return to starting position. Switch sides to complete set

Don't forget it takes time and effort to get fit along with a healthy balanced diet. But keep an eye on this blog and we will keep you on track with healthy lifestyle tips, fitness tricks and best workout routines to follow. 

The Perfect Plans for Father’s Day 2014

Have you made any plans for the 15^th of June? If not, it’s time to start planning your Father’s Day Surprise. We have put together three ideas of how to send your day along with some present ideas to ensure your Dad has the best Father’s Day.

The Perfect Father’s Day Presents

•          KillasheeVilla Spa – The Total Time Out Package for Men, including a deep Cleanse Facial & Deep Tissue Full Body Massage
•          Killashee House Hotel: Gift Voucher
•          DynamicEvents Off Road Driving Gift Voucher 

Things to do for this Father’s Day

BumperBallz.ie

BumperBallz.iehttp://bumperballz.ie/ is the number one provider in Ireland for bumper balls. This company has not only event management experience but a top class product. The bubble soccer is the latest trend and can be done in a field, indoor courts or on astro turf. It really is a great way for your dad to really let go and have some fun with friends! 

Kildare’s 5/10km Thoroughbred Run

Feeling Active? Why not spend the next few weeks training with your Dad for the Kildare 5km/10km Thoroughbred run. It promises to be an event not to be missed. Celebrate Father’s Day by running side by side with your dad through the Irish National Stud gardens and Kildare Town. If you are a beginner or your dad is, this is the run to start with. 1.63km is through the stud and the course is particularly flat. The run finishes in Kildare town where the rest of your day with the family can continue with entertainment and family fun. On the registration is from 9am and the cost is €20. So get out and get fit this Father’s Day!

GAA Museum and Croke Park Stadium Tour

Is your Dad a Big Sports Fan? Treat him to a trip to the GAAMuseum & a tour of the Croke Park Stadium this Father’s Day. The tour & museum offers an in-depth behind the scenes look at one of the most historic and modern sporting arenas in the world. The Museum is open Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays from 10.30am-5pm. On your tour of the Croke Park Stadium your get to see the “an access-all-areas” trip, including getting to see the inside of the team dressing rooms, as the history fills your heart when you walk the footsteps of legends.  

The Villa Spa @ Killashee House Hotel 

When looking for a moment of relaxation we advise you to take a step our Villa Spa, into an oasis of calm and tranquillity, where the stresses of everyday life will melt away as the soft scent of aromatherapy oils fills the air and flickering candles and subdued lighting sets the mood.

Our deal for you is our Dup package. This package offers you any two of the treatments listed below for only €60!

Elemis Taster Facial  

Cleanse, tone, exfoliation, mask and moisturize, all tailored to suit your individual needs.

Head, Neck & Shoulder Massage

A Balinese massage that incorporates shoulders, neck, face & scalp massage.

Hot Oil Back Massage

Silk Skin Exfoliation

An exotic exfoliation to invigorate and revitalise the body that will leave the skin silk to the touch

Signature Manicure

Your Nails are filed, cuticles soaked & moisturising, hydrating treatment & to finish with a paint

Half Leg & Bikini Wax

New to the Villa Spa is Lycon Precision Was, a celebrity favourite, this revolutionary pain less waxing removes hairs as short as 1mm

Signature Pedicure

Consists of a foot soak, file, cuticle treatment & paint

Muscle Melt Bath

A relaxing massage to relieve muscle tension, restore energy & create a sense of well being

Dry Floatation

Allows the body to unwind and relax, complete weightless treatments 30mins equals 3hours deep sleep for your body

Brazilian Wax

New to the Villa Spa is Lycon Precision Was, a celebrity favourite, this revolutionary pain less waxing removes hairs as short as 1mm

Eye Collection

Fuschia Makeover

Let our team of Professional makeup artist’s create the perfect look for your special occasion, tailoring the application to your specific needs. Using Multi Award Winning Make-Up Brand Fuschia.

False Eyelashes

Full Body Tan

Aviva Organic Tanis a natural flawless and even looking tan to suit all skin tones even the most fair.

This package screams value & relaxation. Our warm, friendly & enthusiastic staff will make you feel welcomed and comfortable. Once in your rob you can enter the oasis that is the Relaxation room to switch off from the outside busy world. With beds & armchairs to curl up on, soothing background music and refreshments such as juices & fruits you will never want to leave.

After your treatments you can lounge, snooze or read a magazine in the relaxation room before you decided to go back & face the real world again! So next time when you think of relaxation, think of The Villa Spa at Killashee House Hotel.

Photography at Killashee House Hotel 

We see so many beautiful pictures taken of the hotel, gardens and facilities here at Killashee House Hotel. It inspired us to share some of the pictures we have seen recently. 

This Picture was taken by a staff member, Yvonne Schwer, who started learning about photography in August 2013. This is a picture of the entrance taken one night after her photography class.

This second picture by Yvonne Schwer was taken in the main Fountain Gardens around the hotel in the beautiful Spring Sun! 

Ronan Melia Photography took this amazing full moon picture in April 2014 of the Hotel. This photographer is full of talent as you can see from his beautiful photo. Ronan is available to hire for any special occasions & events. 

Shane O’Neill’s Picture taken in September 2012 at a Wedding Held at Killashee. This is a fabulous garden picture at the hotel. Shane O’Neill is from Aspect Photography. Shane is an inspired photographer & from weddings and portraits to commercial and media, his work is edgy and earthy, funky and fashionable. He is based in Waterford. You can find him on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/aspect.son

We are always looking for new photographs so please do share any you have with use on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest or Twitter! We look forward to seeing them. 

Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival 2014

Tuesday 29^th April to Saturday 3^rd May

Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival is one of the main Irish sporting & social event in Kildare. We are Killashee House Hotel are very excited about the week-long events. The hotel has the horse racing buzz with owners, trainers, regular festival attenders, staff & all guests looking for the best tips & fashion for the week. The Glamour & Style is not to be missed!

There is racing each day with the best of the best races including top international jockeys, trainers & horses. The festival is not all about horse racing however with live entertainment- music, fashion shows, children’s entertainment & expert betting panels, the Festival Shopping Village which has over 50 exhibitors, lively bar scene, Doddins Food Hall & The La Touch Café Bar serving an array of top quality dishes & lets not forget the Best Dressed ladies Competition!

We at Killashee House Hotel have both dining options open for the Festival. Turners Fine DiningRestaurant  open Tuesday to Saturday from 7pm with last sitting at 9.30pm. We also have Jacks Bar & Bistro, that is open all day until 9.30pm for Lunch & then dinner.

We will have live music every night of the Festival also from 10pm in Jacks Bar & Bistro so a great atmosphere is guaranteed. The Snug Pub our traditional Irish Pub will be open from 7pm Tuesday to Sunday for the Festival.

And to top off a brilliant week are have a special accommodation offer for the Sunday Night 4^th May €60 for 1 Night B&B per person sharing or €79 for 1 Night B&B with 1 Evening Meal in Jacks Bar & Bistro per person sharing. (Sunday the 4th May ONLY) Book Now with our Reservations Department & Quote "Killashee Blog"- 045-879277

  

This Festival has it all; Atmosphere, Entertainment, Sport & Family Fun, so make sure to pay both Punchestown & Killashee House Hotel on this fantastic week!

The Kid’s Corner for this Summer

On a beautiful summer day today, it makes us think of our Summer outdoor family plan. What to do with the Children this summer? Well here are some of our suggestions of the best things to keep your children entertained outdoors in the fresh air while keeping the costs low.

Killashee House Hotel

Killashee House Hotel is set amidst over 280 acres of historic & intriguing gardens, walk ways & parkland, with magnificent views over the Kildare countryside. A hotel that is timeless, natural & elegant where we understand space, family fun & food. There are so many activities on the beautiful estate of Killashee House Hotel including the woodland walking trails. Estate Maps are available at reception or why not borrow one of our bicycles which are complimentary to all guests. Take a relaxing stroll through the magnificent Fountain Gardens, Emma’sButterfly Garden in association with DEBRA Ireland or the stunning new gated Jack & Jill Foundation Garden.

Caragh Open Farm

Caragh Open Farm, is open April May, June & September at the weekends & Bank Holiday Mondays, but is open 7 days a week in July & August. The farm is situated close to Naas & there is lots to do from meeting rasher the Pot Bellied Pig, Turlough the Turkey & Grumps the Horse, the party area, scenic walks & Windmill play area, it would be a great family day out. For more information email caraghopenfarm@gmail.com or visit their website at www.caraghopenfarm.com

The Curragh Military Museum

The Curragh Military Museum is a great low cost trip with the Children. Exploring the Military Base is exciting for the children while also learning about those who train to defend our country. The opening hours are Monday to Wednesday from 10am-1pm & 3pm-5pm, Thursday from 2pm-8pm & Sundays from 2pm to 5pm (closed on bank holidays). There is free parking & admission. For more information visit the museum website http://www.curragh.info/museum.htm

The Kildare Maze

The KildareMaze is located in Ballinafagh, Prosperous County Kildare. It is Leinster’s largest hedge maze & provides great family fun, fresh air & excitement. The activities available include the Hedge Maze, the Wooden Maze, Crazy Golf, Pet’s Corner, Assault Course, Zip Wire, Pets Corner & a Picnic Area. It is the perfect away to send a sunny day. The opening hours are May & September Weekends only 12pm-6pm & June, July & August 7 days a week from 12pm to 6pm.

Donadea Forest Park

Donadea Forest Park is situated in Northwest Kildare & is approximately 243 hectares of mixed woodland. It is part f the old Aylmer family Estate. The forest contains many historical features which include walled gardens, tower, and remains of a castle, church, boat house, ice house & Lime Tree Avenue. There is a beautiful lake with wild life to sit & watch (don’t for get to bring some bread to feed the ducks!!). There are many walks through the forest & a small café to have a treat in after all the exercise. The admission charge for the car park is €4 & opening times for the summer is 8am to 9pm.

So Let the Summer Planning Begin!