Halloween at Ashford Castle, Hogwarts school comes to life

October 5, 7:30 AMSF International Golf Travel ExaminerKaren Misuraca

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The resident falconer at Ashford Castle, site of Hogwarts Halloween

Harry Potter's magical world of witches and wizards comes to life this Halloween at Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland, where kids (and their muggles parents) are invited for a special Hogwarts Halloween. Elements of magic and sorcery at Ashford Castle date back to 1228 when the castle was built, a time when magic was in the air.

A 5-star hotel in County Mayo, one of the Leading Hotels of the World, Ashford Castle was voted "Best Resort" in Ireland by Conde Nast in 2008, and 2nd Best Resort in Europe. Golfers love the delightful 9-hole parkland course on the estate.

Children of hotel guests this month will discover the castle's secret rooms, hidden alcoves and mystical setting among secluded woodlands between Lough Corrib and River Cong. The special Hogwarts Halloween program includes:

Day One: Visit to the hiding place of Dingle, Ashford Castle's resident owl

Afternoon Chamber of Witchcraft & Wizardry
Kids' dinner in the Dungeon
George V Table d'Hôte dinner for Mum & Dad
Harry Potter movie evening 

Day Two: Isle of Innisfree passage to Inchagoill Island via boat
Hidden garden treasure hunt
Kids' dinner in the Dungeon
George V Table d'Hôte dinner for Mum and Dad
Harry Potter movie evening

The two-night package, Oct 23 -- Nov 2, 2009, is priced at about US$690 per night, based on 2 adults and 2 children (under the age of 12) sharing a deluxe queen room.

Besides golf at Ashford Castle, guests indulge in equestrian sports, fly fishing, wandering 350 acres of gardens and woods, and Ireland's first school of falconry. The castle's 83 guestrooms and suites, several dining rooms and bars, and a gracious afternoon tea service are among the amenities.

Founder/editor of BestGolfResortsofTheWorld.com,  Karen Misuraca is a travel and golf writer from the California Wine Country. She follows the little white ball around the world and blogs golf travel at bestgolf.typepad.com/blog/