Simon and Lauri Donnelly and their three children have swapped life in the city of York in the UK for pastures new on Clare Island off the Mayo coast.
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02 Jan 2026
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02 Jan 2026
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Ashford Castle
Popular Mayo hotel and restaurant venue, Ashford Castle, is bringing back 'An Alfresco Affair':
Prepare to drool, The Lodge at Ashford Castle’s picnic menu is back for this summer, offering an unforgettable alfresco dining experience amidst the idyllic 350-acre Ashford Estate.
Chef Jonathan Keane and his talented team have crafted a picnic menu brimming with sweet treats and savoury delights, which includes Burren Smoke House Salmon on fresh and crusty sourdough bread, artisan meats and cheeses from local producers, and sustainable fruit tonic that is made in-house.
The Lodge at Ashford Castle’s picnic experience is priced at €60 per person. For a touch of opulence, guests can elevate their picnic with a chilled bottle of Pet-Nat Rosé, priced at €65, or Lanson Champagne, priced at €115.
And for those who really want to push the boat out (quite literally), guests on the Ashford Estate can book Chief's Island Picnic - a guided 2.5hr adventure on Lough Corrib in a traditional hand-crafted wooden Clinker boat with professional ghillie, Frank Costello. During this excursion, Frank will regale guests with the history and folklore of the lough’s islands and Ashford Castle itself.
The experience includes a luxury picnic on Chief’s Island, Ashford Castle’s secluded private island on Lough Corrib.
Amidst stunning scenery and a crackling fire tended by Frank, guests will enjoy a selection of artisan sandwiches, local cheeses, freshly prepared salads, fruits and pastries, and a bottle of Il Bucco Pinot Grigio, Garda, Italian wine.
Priced from €565 for up to three people, this exclusive experience is perfect for a romantic escape, or simply an opportunity to unwind in idyllic seclusion and is available for guests at Ashford Castle and the Lodge at Ashford Castle. Booking is required in advance. Larger parties can also be accommodated on request.
Bookings:
Telephone: +353 94 954 5400
Email: reservations@thelodgeac.com
READ: Can Mayo lose to Donegal but still progress? All permutations explained
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