Activity Weekend Away

17-19 September 2010


BOOK ONLINE NOW

What is the weekend about?
We want to get away for a fun, relaxing weekend set in the Newgrange area, with the opportunity for all ages to interact together whilst still having plenty of flexibility to set your own agenda.

Who is it for?
Families, children, students, singles, senior citizens, couples… you name it! You are all welcome. We will have a loose programme of different activities that you can either join in with, do your own thing, or mix and match.

Where is it being held?
We have exclusive use of Newgrange Lodge (www.newgrangelodge.com). Formerly an old farmhouse, Newgrange Lodge is located opposite the world famous UNESCO Heritage site of Newgrange, a tomb predating the Pyramids and Stonehenge by 400 years.

The lodge is perched on seven acres overlooking the tranquil, picturesque Boyne Valley, the famous River Boyne and the ancient sites of Newgrange and Knowth. It is just 15 minutes from the Battle of the Boyne Heritage Centre. The venue has a mixture of different rooms, all ensuite) catering for familes, singles and small groups.

What about catering?
All food other than snacks is included in the price and catering will be provided by a team from Saoirse. We would simply ask that you are willing to help with the washing up and clearing away after each meal.

What are the costs?
All costs include accommodation and food for the weekend.

Adult (16+), food included	€80
Child (under 16), food included	€60
Baby (under 2), in cot*, food included	€30
Baby (under 2), in cot*, food not included	€0
Concession (unemployed, student or senior citizens), includes food	€70

*Please bring your own cot.

If you would like to make a gift to go towards others being able to come who might not otherwise be able to, just add this on top of your payment.

How do I book?
Register online and we will send you an invoice for returning with your payment.

What about children?
There will be no crèche or children’s groups over the weekend but there will be a dedicated area of outdoor toys for toddlers in a fenced off area. This will be available throughout the weekend but only with parental supervision.

As already outlined, there will be games and activities that children of all ages will enjoy, but all of these need parental supervision.

Sleeping accommodation for children: You can either book a family room so that you can be with your children, or for older ones, you may want to allow them to sleep in one of the rooms that sleep up to 6 or 8 with some of their friends. These rooms will require all parents and children agreeing to a simple set of behaviour rules

What is the programme going to be?
We want to provide a loose programme with a range of activities so that you can join in with others or plan to take time out alone, with your family group or with friends who have come along.

We will arrive on the Friday evening (hot meal provided) followed by a time of welcoming and getting to know each other. There are facilities for board games, watching DVDs (bring your own), playing computer games projected on large screen, real fire and plenty of comfortable hanging out areas to use to relax and unwind before you go to bed.

Saturday morning, after breakfast, will have a range of organised outdoor activities.

After a light lunch, the afternoon will be relaxed so that you can chill, disappear on your own excursion, read a book on your own or get involved with some of the organised games and events on the bottom field next to the river. These will be a mix of sports and fun games.

We will have a BBQ in the late afternoon, so that little ones can be put to bed on time if necessary.

We will then move back to the main conference room for hot chocolate and marshmallows and an evening of entertainment.

Sunday morning, at 10am for those who want to, there will be a short gathering in the conference room for worship and prayer. We fully understand that some may not want to be involved in this. That is absolutely fine…feel free to sleep in or disappear. Cooked brunch at noon combined with awards ceremony. You will then be free to travel home or hang around into the afternoon.

How long does it take to get there?

The nearest town is Drogheda, a ten minute drive to Newgrange Lodge. Trains travel regularly to Drogheda from Dublin. There are buses from Drogheda directly to Newgrange daily.

Newgrange Shuttle Bus:

Departs Dublin city centre x 2 daily
Rate: €15.00 per person return
Reservations: 1 800 42 4252

Train:

Iarnród Éireann is Ireland's rail network: http://www.irishrail.ie/home

Driving:

The Newgrange Lodge is approximately 30 minutes from Dublin Airport. Get on the M1 towards Belfast and take 2nd exit after Toll Bridge before Drogheda. The exit is signposted for DONORE and follow the signs for Newgrange Visitor Centre. We are located on the left hand side before the entrance to the Newgrange Visitor Centre.