Julian Lloyd Webber stars at Sheen Falls Lodge Classical Weekend, November 21st to 23rd.

Following the success of his performance last year, Julian Lloyd Webber returns to Sheen Falls with a new beautiful programme of classical music.
One of the world’s most popular solo cellists; Julian has premiered more than 50 unique works for cello and has inspired new composition by composers such as Malcolm Arnold, Joaquin Rodrigo, James MacMillian and Philip Glass.
At Sheen Falls, Julian will perform favourite classics by Bach, Brahms, Faure, Saint Saens and Elgar, jazz greats Cleo Laine, Stephane Grappelli and Elton John in addition to works, of course, by his brother Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The Sheen Falls Lodge is a classically appointed country manor and is one of Ireland’s most popular 5 star properties. It is magnificently set overlooking the cascading waters of the Sheen Falls and the waters of Kenmare River with a backdrop of the mighty Cara Mountains just outside the colourful village of Kenmare in County Kerry. An atmosphere of soothing serenity permeates the Sheen Falls Lodge. Harmonious colours, sumptuous sofas and the warmth of a roaring log fire greet you in reception, while throughout resident’s lounges cozy comforts conspire to create an experience of relaxed luxury.

Sheen Falls Lodge is presenting a two night package with a recital each evening. Arriving on the Friday evening, guests will be offered the chance to meet the eminent musician for a drinks reception in the Drawing Room followed by a pre-dinner recital before a relaxing dinner in the elegant dining room, La Cascade Restaurant. On Saturday guests can explore Kenmare or enjoy some of the estate’s outdoor pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting or golf on one of the nearby courses. The evening begins with a tour of the hotel’s wine cellar and wine tasting which recently scooped the “Wine Experience of The Year” Gold Award at the Hotel & Catering Review Awards 2008 with sommelier, Damien Trinckquel. This will be followed with an early dinner in La Cascade restaurant prior to Julian’s musical performance. On Sunday, attune yourself to the refreshing river-side walks, entwining forest pathways and glistening waterfalls after a sumptuous breakfast.

Don’t miss Julian Lloyd Webber in this unique recital with renowned piano accompanist Pam Chowham.

Cost per person for 2 nights: €590 sharing a Deluxe Room.

Here at myguideIreland we have a social committee to organise events throughout the year for our colleagues which gives us an excuse to let our hair down (those of us who still have hair that is!). This weekend, the fantastic committee (yes I am a member; how did you guess?) has organised a two night stay in a little town in County Kerry, called Kenmare. We will stay in some self-catering houses in a development called Inbhear Sceine for two nights while enjoying some activities together and perhaps a party on Saturday night.

Self-catering is a great way to spend time together if you are on holiday and you want to use a particular area as a base to explore a region. You sleep when you want, have breakfast when you want (because you do the cooking) and there are no maids knocking on your door wanting to clean your room when you still want another hour of zzzz’s. Kenmare is one of my favourite places in Ireland and is only an hour from where we all work together. There are some great pubs and restaurants in the town and plenty to do and see. It is an area of great natural beauty and we will go for a walk on Saturday to enjoy the countryside on one of the many walking trails there are in this area.

On our staff here at myguideIreland we have many interns as a result of our well established intern programme and for many of them it will be their first time in County Kerry which is an area of stunning natural beauty and great hospitality. No visit to Ireland is complete without sampling the delights of “the Kingdom” as the county is known and with the triple attractions of Killarney, the Ring of Kerry scenic drive and the Dingle peninsula it is no wonder that it attracts such numbers of tourists each year. Kenmare tends to be slightly overlooked but this weekend I hope to show my overseas colleagues just why it is one of the very best places to visit even for a weekend out of season. One thing is for sure, Kenmare isn’t going to be sleepy and peaceful this weekend!