Have any doubt that Harry Potter still lives? Visit a bookstore. His visage is everywhere – especially this coming Halloween. Instead of just dressing the kids up as Harry, Ron or Hermione pack those costumes in a sturdy bag and be off with them to an Irish castle.
Then, settle in for a spell.
The castle in question is Ashford, and the ambience is amazingly Hogwartian. Circa this Halloween the ancient, battlement-bedecked Five-Star enclave is offering a Potter package that is about as close to the original as they come (no worries, Voldemort’s not invited). Explore the castle’s expansive grounds in search of treasure and spend time in the chamber of arts. Try your hand at a bit of cooking – house elves not included.
The package runs Oct. 26, 28 and 30 – as well as Nov. 1 and 3. After a morning exploration of your own on what Ashford has to offer (plenty), set out at noon with the family for a Forbidden Forest Treasure hunt. That will take a while. About threeish make your way to the hiding place of Dingle, Ashford Castle’s resident owl. This is a supervised event, as are many of the day’s doings. About 4pm it’s time for kids to give artistic vent to all that imagination they brought them. From 5pm till 6:30pm it’s dinnertime. This supervised kids-only repast is in the Ardilaun Suite. After supper, the wee ones will be treated to a supervised Harry Potter movie evening. That’s your cue to steal away with your significant other to the George V Table d’Hote for a feast of your very own.
Ashford Castle is no newcomer to making people comfy. Set on some 350 acres of Irish countryside in County Mayo, it’s hard by the shore of Lough Corrib and the River Cong.
(Image: ! Ťhe Half Blood Prince !)
