There’s a lot to give thanks for.
Celtic are top of the league, I’m off to Tobago next month, The Scary One, of course. And, best of all, did I mention that Celtic are top of the league?
Thanksgiving is one of the world’s great festivals, mainly because it’s completely inclusive.
There are no religious barriers with Thanksgiving being a celebration of family and friends. And we all have them, good or bad.
I got talking Thanksgiving with my friends from Massachusetts https://www.visit-massachusetts.com/state/, Bradley Airport, Connecticut https://bradleyairport.com and VisitUSA http://www.visitusa.ie this week in Dublin.
Where I was reminded that 2021 is the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving Harvest celebration.
Between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Massachusetts has always been close to my heart from spending a summer working in Boston after University.
Although I didn’t venture further afield bar one day in Manchester, New Hampshire.
So this pilgrim is looking to Plymouth Ho. Get the turkey on.
Southern Hospitality
Around this time of year, I found myself in the Deep South where they were full of Christmas cheer and unseasonal snow.
I think that might have had something to do with our charming host who sang Let It Snow and other festive favourites…
Here’s my American Trilogy… https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/the-promised-land-martin-luther-king/, https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/the-story-of-the-blues/. And https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/07/04/the-king-of-kings-jim-murtys-traveltraveltravel/
Of course Ireland and America being such good buddies we have embraced Thanksgiving too.
And I will be celebrating the last Thursday of this months with my American buddies.
You can get into the spirit of it all down at the Lodge at Ashford Castle.
Now earlier this year I won a prize draw for a night for two at Ashford and was told to get in touch when I was ready.
But life got in the way and I haven’t yet which poses the question is it too late? I’m almost too embarrassed to ask. ALMOST.
Let’s dance
Anyhoos. You’ll gather in the Harbour Room at The Lodge at Ashford Castle for a festive three-course meal.
Jonathan Keane will serve you up a warming pumpkin soup, roast turkey and sweet and sticky pecan pie.
And what’s a get-together without a jig? Carmel Dempsey, Brenda Curtin Diviney, lead fiddle player with Lord of the Dance, and Mike Stewart will get you in the mood.
The festivities begin at 6:30pm with a welcome reception and enjoy a festive ‘Fall Cider Cocktail’ or ‘Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog’ by the peat fires at The Lodge. Dinner at 7pm.
Thanksgiving Dinner at The Lodge at Ashford Castle costs €70pp.
An overnight stay at The Lodge including Thanksgiving Dinner and breakfast the following morning overlooking Lough Corrib from €259 based on two people sharing. Visit http://www.thelodgeac.com.
