The Money Fight as Foreshadowed By Castle Ward's Boxing Squirrels- Plus Their Game of Thrones Winterfell Festival

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I've been totally and utterly suckered into the hype for the Money Fight. Some guys are boxing in Vegas for billions of dollars.  If you live in the States you have to pay $80-$100 just to watch it. What happens if one knocks the other out in seconds? Is there a refund policy if you get twelve seconds of a match?

Its on at 5am our time, early Sunday morning, and whilst I'm not going to pay to watch it (£20-£24 here, I assume cause it's 5am) I am going to set an alarm to wake up and be on social media for the buzz. I love this sort of thing. 

Anyway, it reminded me of one of my favourite parts of Castle Ward's grand house tour- the taxidermy boxing squirrels.

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If you are a Game of Thrones fan (and who isnt? Well, me, but I'm odd) then you might be excited to know Castle Ward is holding a Winterfell Festival on 24th September 

Festival gates will open at 11am on 24 September and at 12 noon a fanfare will herald the arrival of the King’s procession as he visits House Stark at Winterfell for The King’s Tournament Games. Irish Arms, a historical reproduction company, will perform a series of medieval jousting shows on horseback throughout the day. Sword sparring, archery demonstrations, jesters and falcon flights will add to the atmosphere in the tournament ring where visitors will be able to feast on roast hog washed down with local cider.

Amongst the medieval themed stalls, armourer Boyd Rankin, who starred as Mikken in Game of Thrones will showcase a selection of the weapons he forged for the world famous TV series. Special guests will also include two of the original Stark family Direwolf dogs.

The iconic Winterfell Tower House will be open throughout the day and fans can join Winterfell Tours on a skirmish to Audley’s Castle before having their very own green screen photo taken in the Winterfell Courtyard where the Stark family famously lined up for the King’s arrival. An interactive show and workshop with Shadow Puppets themed on Game of Thrones will take place in the historic courtyard and can be enjoyed by all.

Travellers will also be encouraged to walk down the Kingsroad to the Inn at the Crossroads where they can pull up a pew and listen to stories from A Song of Ice and Fire Series One being performed by Footsteps theatrical company, while dining on venison pie and ale.

  • Adult - £22.50

  • Child - £10.00 (10 - 16 years)

  • Family - £60.00 (2 adults and 2 children between 10 - 16 years)
    *Children under 10 are free

Access to Castle Ward on 24 September will be exclusively for Winterfell Festival ticket holders only. Castle Ward will be closed to non-ticket holders, including National Trust members, from 9am-6pm on 24 September.

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You can plan a do it yourself road trip to visit all the filming locations the National Trust work with HBO on Game of Thrones, with this handy guide to where they all are.

So, shall I see you online at 5am on Sunday morning? Who do you think is going to be champion? 

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P.S. I made the long list of this year's Irish Blog Awards in the Lifestyle and Best Blog Post categories, but I won't make a song and dance about it as every valid blog that got nominated makes the long list. When the short list, then the finalist lists come out I'll add buttons etc then (if I'm a finalist again this year- fingers crossed!) But thank you to anyone who nominated me I really appreciate it. 

Set Sail on Dry Land this 12th July, Yearly Pirate Picnic Time.

The 12th July sees the hugely popular Pirate Picnic Day Out return to Castle Ward in Northern Ireland. Out in the beautiful, (hopefully) sunny countryside, the National Trust property puts on a swashbuckling family day each 12th July for those wanting to get out of the towns and cities.

 

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It costs the normal admission price, no extra and there is a wealth of activities. It starts at 1pm but I would advice getting there early as its a very popular day. A early start gives you time to stroll down to the lakeside and petting farm, and to see if you can spot which parts of the estate were used in Game of Thrones filming. 

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Then dander back up, spread your picnic rug and take part in the fun.  Don't forget it's a fancy dress day! You too, Dad!

"Disembark if you dare in the Castle Ward Pirate Cellars for an expedition with Buccaneer Scurvy Dog or set off to the face painting port to join the treasure hunt for some pirate booty. Scour the land for hidden clues and have your spyglass handy to keep those pesky pirates at bay. Make your own Jolly Roger and swab the decks with Skinny Jim to make sure your vessel is shipshape, we have treasure for the last pirate standing. Or head down to the barn for a treasure trove of exciting crafts and activities.


Normal admission,  free for National Trust members."

 

if you have time, and your children are a little over toddler age with an interest in history, the Castle Ward tour is also a great event. I always enjoy seeing the boxing taxidermy squirrels. 

Perhaps I will see you there? Come say hello. 

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