Our own Downton

THERE’S no easy way to say this, so let’s just get it over with.

If you want to spend Christmas at Ashford Castle this year, it’s going to cost you €1,750. That’s per person — by any estimate, a whack of money to spend dodging the washing up.

As ever with these things, mind you, the three-night package offers some value to those who can afford it. Amongst the trimmings included in the price are dinners in the George V restaurant, a visit from Santa, activities ranging from carol-singing to cruises on Lough Corrib, lunch, afternoon teas, cookery demos, evening entertainment and lashings of mulled wine and mince pies.