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

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.

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.

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? 

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. 

Today We Went on the Strangford Sea Safari

The folks at NITB had asked me would we like to take part in one of the activities this Adventure Weekend. With me being unwell I couldn't see us canoeing, and with the little man being aged six we couldn't choose the Segways at Titanic, so we opted for the Sea Safari at Strangford, with it's promise of being suitable for ages 3 - 103!

The Safari departs from a little pier to the left of the main ferry dock on the Strangford side. I would allow approx. an hour to drive there from Belfast, and although you book ahead and the guide waits as long as possible for late comers, there is a cut off point and we set off five minutes late after waiting for the other group to arrive. 

We left plenty of time to get there and arrived 45 mins early and had a picnic, so as we weren't in any rush. The town also has pubs and fish & chip shops should you want to tuck into something warm before your trip. 

Little Michael was a bit nervous at first, but the guide made us all feel at ease and it's easy to see the boat isn't exactly a rickety rowing job, it's a safe speed boat and even going high speeds you feel completely safe.

Fifteen minutes before departure you'll be given an extra coat and life jacket. I was just wearing a tshirt on the drive down, but I wore my cardigan, wool duffel coat AND the coat they provided and still felt the chill. Make sure you wrap up and wear decent footwear in case you get wet.

The Safari takes you out seaward first, past birds and seals to a lighthouse where you have a view of the mountains of Mourne. I couldn't take many photos as I was holding tight to Michael, but if you are a photographer there are plenty of chances to get unique shots from the sea.

You also witness these crazy whirlpools, formed by a cliff face below the lough. For Game of Thrones fans, you get to see some of the outdoor filming locations from the sea, pretty impressive photos to bring home to show your friends and make them jealous!

After 45 mins of zipping around the lough, the guide does some pretty impressive doughnuts with the boat (the boys seem to love this bit) and then it's back ashore.

The guys also do Belfast Sea Safaris, so for information on booking a trip for your family, or any other of the outdoor activities in the area, get in contact with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board at 

http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/

Have a Free Day Out at a Northern Ireland National Trust Property on 8th March

National Trust is opening its spectacular houses, gardens and industrial heritage sites across Northern Ireland for free on Saturday 8 March.

With spring on its way, the free day is an opportunity to explore the great outdoors, step back in time at an historic mansion or experience industrial heritage in action.

Heather Thompson, National Trust Director for Northern Ireland, said:

 “Our free day on 8 March is the chance to get outdoors to breathe in the spring air or take inspiration from the unique stories of our many special places. It’s a perfect opportunity for those that have not been to National Trust places to discover what Northern Ireland has to offer.

“We encourage you, with your friends and family, to join us on Saturday where you can discover the amazing work that goes on behind the scenes conserving collections and caring for spectacular landscapes, grand mansions and beautiful gardens.  

“As Northern Ireland’s largest conservation charity we are committed to looking after our places for ever, yet conservation costs rise faster than inflation every year. By visitingNational Trust places you’re helping to protect Northern Ireland’s natural and built heritage for future generations. So we really do appreciate the support of our visitors and members.” 

Here’s a taster of where to go for your FREE day out:

In County Fermanagh there is something for all the family to enjoy at Florence Court, set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains and forests. You can also savour the stately grandeur of Castle Coole with its new Lake Walk which is carpeted in stunning snowdrops. Or escape to the breathtaking Crom demesne where BBC show Blandings was recently filmed. (Note - National Trust places in Fermanagh will also be open for free on Sunday 9 March.) 

Described as one of the best gardens in the world, the impressive garden at Mount Stewart in County Down makes the most of the unique microclimate of the Ards Peninsula – did you know it is the sunniest place in Ireland? Enjoy a stroll around the gardens and see conservation in action as the National Trust’s £7m project to restore the magnificent house to its former glory continues. 

Also on the shores of Strangford Lough is Castle Ward, with miles of walking and cycling trails and stunning views. Nearby, Rowallane in Saintfield is a captivating natural garden with a dazzling variety of rare trees and shrubs from across the globe.

Along the North Coast take the exhilarating rope bridge challenge to Carrick-a-Rede island and enjoy a truly unique cliff top experience. Close by are the Giant’s Causeway, Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, Portstewart Strand and White Park Bay.

In mid Ulster a tour of The Argory reveals this Neo-classical masterpiece has unchanged since 1900. You can also visit the charming 17th-century Ardress farmhouse or Springhill in Moneymore which has a beguiling spirit that captures the heart of every visitor. 

For a flavour of our Industrial Heritage visit the unique Patterson’s Spade Mill in Templepatrick, Wellbrook Beetling Mill near Cookstown or Gray’s printing Press in Strabane. 

For more information on the work of the National Trust, how to become a member and where to visit see www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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.

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. 

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.