Twanda
Registered User
Posts: 4
(11/26/03 4:50 pm)

Bunratty or Knappogue Banquet

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Hi, Everyone
My husband and I (55 and 70) and my daughter and her husband (26 & 28 )are going to Ireland and Scotland in August. My husband has been to the Bunratty Castle Banquet, and that's where we had planned on going, but recently I have seen a banquet at Knoppogue Castle advertised. Have any of you been to either or both of these, and which would you recommend? All of us love Celtic music if that makes a difference. Also, we are considering staying at a B&B in Carlingford. Do you have any recommendations about that? Thanks!!!!!!!!

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1956
(11/26/03 6:48 pm)

Re: Bunratty or Knappogue Banquet

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Hi Twanda,

I have been to all the banquets and the ceili and I prefer them in this order:

1. Celili
2. Bunratty Castle
3. Knappogue Castle
4. Dunguaire Castle

These are just my own personal preferences. The Ceili is not a "banquet" but an Irish Night held in the corn barn at Bunratty Folk Park. If you want a banquet in a castle choose something else. FYI, Bunratty Castle has small spiral stairs you must climb, while Knappogue is on the ground floor.

I don't have a personal recommendation for a B&B in Carlingford, however I have two for nearby Drogheda if you are interested. You might also consider getting my book for your trip. It will really be helpful. The 2004 edition will be out in March. To see if it suits your needs you can read more about it here: www.irelandyes.com/book.html

Michele

mbarnes
Unregistered User
(11/27/03 4:32 pm)

Celili

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The Celili sounds interesting. Would this be appropriate for children ages 8/10? What exactly is the difference between this and the banquet other than the location? Also how would you contact to make reservations?

Thanks

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1957
(11/29/03 12:58 am)

Ceili

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Hi Mbarnes,

Whoops, I had a typo in my last message. It should be spelled Ceili. The banquets are more of a pageant type entertainment. At each a lord and lady are chosen to preside over the entertainment and take part in it. At Knappogue the theme is "The Women of Ireland" and it depicts the history of Irish women through the centuries. At Bunratty there is a medieval theme and you dine as you would have centuries ago; eating with your fingers at long tables and benches. The costumed singers and musicians entertain you after the meal.

At the Ceili the theme is slanted more toward dance and is a little less formal. The young dancers and musical performers are excellent and people are chosen from the audience to join them onstage to dance. There is also a sing-along with audience participation. It would be very appropriate for kids. But so would the banquets. It just depends on whether you want to dine in a castle or the corn barn, which is more informal.

I hope that helps you make a decision. Go to my "Dining" page for reservations email.

Michele

Dude
Unregistered User
(11/29/03 2:34 pm)
 
Banquets

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I have been to both Dunguaire and Bunratty (twice) and enjoyed them both. One factor which might make a difference is the meal menu. If I'm not mistaken, the Ceili features lamb stew, which I would not like. Chicken was the entree at Bunratty, and I can't remember Dunguaire.
Dunguaire's program was geared to the Galway area and held in a much smaller room, less crowded and noisy. Bunratty was great fun.
You'll have fun whichever you choose.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1958
(11/29/03 6:16 pm)

Menu

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Hi Dude,

The menu has changed at the Ceili. You have a choice of Irish stew, vegetarian pasta or salmon. I must say that the salmon was absolutely delicious, served with a nice sauce and potatoes and vegetables. The starter was a good salad. Dessert is apple tart with that famous calorie-free Irish cream. Actually they are all fun. You can't go wrong no matter which one you choose.

Michele

P.S. Dunguaire is a "Literary Banquet". Perhaps the children wouldn't appreciate the Irish authors like Yeats, Joyce, etc. unless they are into that type of thing.

Dude
Unregistered User
(11/30/03 12:10 am)

Banquets

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You are right about Dunguaire and the kids, of course, Michele.
Now I have to decide between Knappogue and the Ceili next time I go! Good to know about the menu; I would go to Ireland just for the salmon if I could afford it!

stannseniors
Registered User
Posts: 59
(12/1/03 12:51 pm)

Ceili vs. banquet

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On our trip we started with the ceili and wrapped it up with the banquet. We much prefered the Ceili. Not only was the food better but the talent was better. No offense to the girls in the banquet but it wasn't that good. They did sing and had some fabulous harmony. I may be a little bias because i sing and do dinner theater---but i put in another vote for the Ceili!

stannseniors
Registered User
Posts: 60
(12/1/03 12:54 pm)

DUDE

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Dude the menu does give you a few more choices now but i did want to say - from someone who does not like lamb---i tried it (when in Rome...) and it was very good - it just tasted like beef stew - no gamey taste or anything!

wojazz3
Registered User
Posts: 312
(12/1/03 1:03 pm)

 Re: Bunratty or Knappogue Banquet

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Just to sound off about the banquets, I've only done Dunguaire and Bunratty and I preferred the Dunduaire banquet. It was more intimate, wasn't as brightly lit and the food was substantially better. Whatever they seasoned the chicken with was a flavor I couldn't seem to get rid of.

On the night I was at Bunratty, I thought the singers did an excellent job. The pitch was very good the sense of ensemble was quite good to. The violinist stole the show though. The only problem was that the room seemed to swallow the harpist and it was a bit hard to hear her. When she played solo, she was quite good.

Bill

stannseniors
Registered User
Posts: 61
(12/2/03 9:23 am)

 violinist

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wojazz - my husband talked to the violinist after the show and found out he went to Juilliard in New York. He was exellent!

wojazz3
Registered User
Posts: 314
(12/2/03 5:03 pm)

 Re: violinist

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Yup, that's the same violinist. He looks very young and is very shy but his playing was fantastic. That's a great gig for a young kid to do every night. Really builds up the performance chops.

Bill

Twanda
Registered User
Posts: 5
(12/3/03 12:39 am)

 Re: violinist

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Thanks, everyone for the great information. My husband likes violins even more than accordians, so I'm sure we'll do the Bunratty banquet.