All things wooly

Phew! Just been having a look and realised that a new blog post is way, way, way overdue. As those of you who get our regular newsletter (sign up here) will know, we’ve been doing some serious redecorating ahead of the busy season and we’ll be fully back up and running in time for St Patrick’s day.  Paint brushes and sewing machines have been going non-stop since the beginning of January and we are really excited for our guests to see the fruits of our labours.

All the while, spring has started showing signs of arrival.  The grass is looking greener and daffodils are making serious efforts.  Our resident flock of Wensleydale sheep are starting to look very pregnant, with lambs hopefully arriving in a couple of weeks.  We have been selling their fleece and spun wool at reception in the castle for the last couple of years and it has turned into a mini-cottage (castle?) industry.  You can also buy online through our etsy shop.  To celebrate the diversity that this extra side-business brings to the hotel and the estate we have organised a Woolcraft Weekend Workshop, details below:

March 26th & 27th 2011

Our resident flock of Wensleydale sheep are the inspiration for this weekend of wool related fun.  Suitable for total beginners or those with a little experience, you can learn something of the miriad of things you can do with a bit of wooly fleece:  Needle Felting, Wet Felting, Dying & Spinning.  Experts Mary O’Rourke and Clare Ballard will be your tutors.  Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 8 per group and you get to chose between two workshops on each day.

€180 per person sharing including:  2 full days workshop (with all materials), lunch and tea/coffee breaks & 1 night B&B and dinner with the Cooper family.  You can download the application form here.