Built in beauty, and steeped in history, stands one of the great houses of Ireland. Drenagh Estate is home to the McCausland family – one of Ireland’s most influential dynasties that can trace its roots back to Malcolm II of Scotland’s Royal Court. Like Narnia, Drenagh is a magical place where a thousand stories of adventure and bravery are waiting to be relived. Its noble architecture has sat proudly among its own private woods and gardens since 1836, though the McCausland family have been linked to this land for nearly 1000 years when Anselan, the father of all McCauslands, left Ireland for the court of King Malcolm in 1033.  Drenagh defines laid back luxury. This is a magnificent yet relaxed country home with 5 star hospitality, accommodation and staff. Where priceless antiques, period furniture and century old books sit side by side with every modern comfort. To live at Drenagh is to live like a king. This is a unique opportunity to do just that, where this truly historic house, its cinema, pool and gardens will be your own private playground for an entire week.

Imagine yourself here. Staring at the lush green landscape stretching out endlessly towards the sea. Allow your bare feet to slip from your shoes to caress the rich, velvety grass. Sense how contact with the earth brings with it a feeling of freedom. Think of the contented ache of limbs after a day’s golfing at the magnificent Royal Portrush Championship Golf Course. Breathe in the delightful moments of reflection while gazing out over 1000 acres of stunning, private gardens. The happy feeling of a delicious gourmet meal – justly deserved after a romantic walk along the legendary Giant’s Causeway. The satisfaction of sipping an Old Bushmills Whiskey in the 400 year old distillery where it was made. Luxury spa treatments, shooting, archery – whatever your mood, whatever your heart desires, we can make it happen.

Imagine all these things and more. Come to Drenagh, and imagine no more.

A GRAND IRISH VACATION
An Experience To Savor For Seven Days. 

An exceptional opportunity to enjoy staying in one of the grandest Irish Georgian Country Houses still in private ownership by the original family, this package is worth in excess of $26,000.00 and will be auctioned at The Marymount Benefit in New York on Thursday 9th February 2012.

This grand prize includes:

- Airport transfers

- A full 7 days stay at Drenagh

- Breakfast and dinner for up to 8 guests sharing 4 bedrooms

- No blackout dates*

* Christmas, New Year and Easter subject to an additional charge

- If arrangements are booked by end of 2012, actual date of trip can be through 2013.

Also available for an additional fee:

- A full itinerary of activities including golf, fishing, shooting, horse riding, spa treatments, yoga, painting and house and garden tours can be arranged in advance

- A further 4 bedrooms are available, subject to availability

The event itself was a massive success raising over $2 million for the UCLA Teen Cancer Program.  Teenagers fall between two stools when it comes to treatment for cancer, they could find themselves in an adult ward with people many times their age or conversely in a ward full of babies and children.  It is so important, when going through traumatic treatment, as cancer treatment is, that these young people have others they can both relate to and have more in common with than a 6 year old or a 60 year old.  The Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles has built the first dedicated teen ward in the world and this money will go towards helping establish a more coherent approach to teen cancer treatment worldwide.

On the night we were entertained by Roger Daltrey of The Who, Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters and Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin.  Here in the UK Roger is the figurehead of the Teenage Cancer Trust and has raised many millions in aid of this worthy charity.

As you can imagine, it rocked….

The Wedding show will feature two bespoke catwalk shows at 2pm and 4pm to include Bridal wear, Grooms wear, Mother of the Bride and guest wear. Also throughout the day we will be having performances from some of Northern Irelands best wedding bands and entertainment. 100 Free goody bags  will be given to the first 100 brides-to-be, through the door, to include  ”LOCAL BRIDES N.I” magazine, gift vouchers, coupons, hair & make up samples, cake and lots more. To add more ‘wow’ to the Wedding Show we are in negotiations with an Irish celebrity which will make this a high profile event for the area.

This is a show not to be missed.

Our chosen charity for this event is CLIC Sargent who we will be raising money for at the Show through competitions and prize giveaways.

Admission is free to the public and donations to our choosen charity can be made at the door.

It was an extremely enjoyable visit for all, especially the final meal when everyone could taste and sample the results from a wonderful day of cooking.

Conolly and his mother, June, also travelled to Gloucestershire last week to join the Hairy Bikers for the eagerly awaited return of the Hairy Bikers Recipe Fairs.  Conolly and June met with the Bikers again, as the photos below show, to share and cook their family recipes with the audiences in attendance.

Make sure and tune in to the Hairy Bikers in January 2011 for the new series, and keep an eye out for Drenagh!

The group are participating in the Ireland Destination Expo and will be touring the island for a week discovering the beauty and attractions on offer.

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This great accolade comes after recent inspection of the facilities, professional service and high standard of accommodation that Drenagh provides.  The classification is very befitting for the 1836 Georgian Country House and to receive this recognition further highlights how wonderful the Drenagh experience is.

For further information on Accommodation at Drenagh, click here

The programme looked at the family history of Comedian Alexander Armstrong and traces his roots back to aristocratic lineage.  The Drenagh connection can be seen early in his line of heritage, through his mother, a relation of the current owners.  Alexander often visited Drenagh at a younger age and has fond memories of the family gatherings held here.  The programme highlights some interesting points about the McCausland family history and has some spectacular photos of the House.