Had the fun of attending the first Celtic feast night at an Grianan, and was blown away by how good everything was!
From the moment we arrived it surpassed our expectations. We were greeted with mead at the door and then had time to check out the cool new visitor centre before the show began. Which was fun because we weren't even expecting a show...
So we headed on into the banquet hall which was lined with long benches and tables covered in hessian, and lit by candles held in tree stumps, wine was served from earthenware jugs into mugs - top marks for atmosphere! The menu was fittingly rustic, and delicious! Meat cooked on the bone for authenticity - either chicken or ham - good hearty broth, spuds and turnip. It was all really fresh and tasty, and the serving wench (if she doesn't mind me calling her that...) in a tunic was very considerate of any special dietary requirements at our table.
As we ate we learned through live action role play about the history of the Grianan and the culture of ancient Ireland. Be careful, the drama can spill off the stage... A troupe of irish dancers treated us to some brilliant displays of footwork and were a highlight of the evening.
Before the end of the night each table must select a king or queen who must pass some arduous tasks (I won't give them away!) to prove themselves. Ultimately there can only be one ruler so the competition is fierce...
I'd highly recommend it for a night of fun, and there was a photographer there with a set so we got to take home a little souvenir shot of my boyfriend chopping my head off. Ah, good times...