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Moyvannian Castle
Eight visitors will enjoy exclusive use of this castle built as a defensible fortress by the Anglo-Normans. Your stay in this historic property will be 7 nights and includes a gourmet dinner on one night of your choice at the castle. The castle has expansive views of the surrounding countryside and those living in the tower would be in a state of perpetual readiness against the possibility of attack. The 800-year-old castle is rich with history and has been occupied by a string of colorful historic figures. By the 1980s the castle was roofless and neglected, having lain in disrepair for many years. In 1986 Elan purchased the castle and restored an important part of Ireland’s history—which you can now experience. Like every great castle, Moyvannan has a ghost, Roisin O’Nualain, who is waiting to make your acquaintance!
Description from last year's winning bidder:
When I saw the Moyvannian Castle offering at the Bounty of Hope Reception I must admit that the chance to be “Lord of the Castle” even for a week was very alluring however relationships being what they are I had to compromise with my wife for “Co-Lords” of the Castle. On July 31st our family of five plus two friends traveled to Ireland to escape daily life and as it turned out the high summer heat as well. The drive from Dublin to Athlone was beautiful but no match for the abrupt appearance of the Castle from the ornate iron entrance gates to the expanding image up the approach drive. While ancient appearing from the outside, the interior was very modern (flat panel TV, microwaves, espresso machine…). Our three sons each had a floor and a room in the tower of the Castle accessible by a winding stone staircase and my wife and I and our two friends each had a spacious bedroom suite in the main house and still plenty of room for the house ghost (only rare appearances however).
Teresa, our charming hostess welcomed us warmly and made an appearance each morning to assure that our needs and plans for the day were set as well as assuring us a hearty breakfast. Teresa was joined by a chef to provide us a wonderful banquet feast of local produce, fish and lamb on our fourth night. Our week was all that we had anticipated (and more) from active touring, to shopping or just lounging in the castle and estate grounds. The castle is located in the center of Ireland providing easy access to Dublin (1.5 hours), Galway (<1 hour) or Kilkenny (1.5 hours). Wherever we traveled we were taken literally a world away from the usual New Jersey scenes from the breathtaking majesty of the Cliffs of Moher, to the quaint atmosphere and delightful music at Sean’s bar in Athlone (said to be the oldest bar in the world), to the vibrant arts scene of Kilkenny, the historic and beautiful Shannon River and the absolute wonder of the Rock of Cashel. We felt lucky to have the opportunity to spend this week in Ireland but time was too short and we are already building our list of activities for our next visit.
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