Croan Cottages Newsletter
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December 2009
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A Busy Year At Croan Cottages Kilkenny
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It’s been said that when we’re children, Christmas seems to come once every three years but as we age, it seems to come three times a year. It certainly doesn’t seem as though a full year has passed since we last compiled an annual review, but what a busy year it’s been.
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Developments in the Cottages
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This year, we’ve installed satellite TV and Wireless broadband in every cottage and the feedback from guests has been very positive, particularly from our teenage visitors.
Our online booking facility, unveiled last year, is proving a welcome addition to our website at www.CroanCottages.com. Of course, we’re still available to answer your booking queries ourselves by email or over the phone.
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The Croan Cottages Gift vouchers, were a great success last year and are still available for purchase online or over the phone. They make an excellent treat for someone at Christmas.
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Croan Cottages 2010 Calendar
For another fantastic stocking filler, check out the Croan Cottages 2010 Calendar produced by Martina Fagan, a regular visitor to Croan from Dublin.
Martina is a keen photographer and has compiled some of her beautiful shots of Croan Cottages and the animals into a 2010 calendar.
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Our ever maturing walled garden has really done us proud this year and we’ve been delighted to be able to share our produce with guests. From potatoes to rhubarb, blackcurrants and gooseberries to more unusual vegetables like multicoloured Swiss chard, our gardens are a year round source of pleasure and our ‘help yourself’ boxes of fresh veg have proved to be a big hit.
Freshly picked lettuces and tomatoes were welcome additions to Summer salad bowls and autumn roots are still providing warming soups. Our current favourite is beetroot soup – the vibrant colour and earthy flavour are just perfect for these chilly evenings. You can find the recipe on our website here.
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On the planting front, we have continued our Hedgerow renewal work in 2009. We’re committed to preserving and improving our surrounding hedgerows by planting native deciduous hedge plants such as whitethorn and beech to encourage wildlife along with some more decorative varieties like hornbeam and lilac. |
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There have been a number of changes on the smallholding this year, among them the arrival of two new gilts to continue our breeding of the rare Large Black Pig.
Augusta and Sweetie (named by young Charlie) will, we hope, help us in our efforts to increase the numbers of this endangered breed.
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The four orphan lambs which we fostered in the Spring, grew up happily this year with the four which were born at Croan. We became particularly fond of 'Obama lamb', the little black one who initially didn’t seem to stand a chance. It really is very rewarding to see them thrive.
Bo’s new calf, born in July, continues to do well and he’ll be staying here for the foreseeable future.
Pierre and Penelope, our peacock and hen, are still ruling the roost and the chickens are continuing to lay well, despite the shorter days, providing free range eggs for our guests’ enjoyment.
Bella and Poppy are in good health and spirits and are particularly enjoying log fires on these cold nights.
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Next Year, we will be adding a Blog to our website. Check it out for recipe ideas and updates on progress with the animals and garden.
As the economic downturn has been taking its toll, we’ve been conscious of offering great value breaks to our guests. With this in mind rates for 2010 have been further reduced and the extras which we introduced in 2009 are still on offer, such as free extra nights when available.
Please contact us for further details.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year,
Niamh and Francis
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ph:+353 (0)56 77 66 868
Have you enjoyed a stay at Croan Cottages in the past? If so please post a review on TripAdvisor by clicking on this link.
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