Finding my Christmas Mojo in Dublin

Ho-ho-ho everyone! The countdown officially has started. There are only 30 days and 13 hours till Christmas! If you think there’s still loads of time to find your Christmas Mojo – think again! *TimeToPanicNow*

Christmas trees and decorations are now everywhere and it is a constant reminder for me that this is the first Christmas far away from home and my family. No matter where you are in the world or what it is you do, you will always try to make it home for Christmas, but when you can’t, I believe you need to find your Christmas Mojo wherever you are. And this year I’m in search of my Christmas Mojo in Dublin!

I am a big kid at heart and I just looove Christmas. I love everything about it – the food, music, movies, decorations… but mostly the snow, cosy family evenings with card games and laughter – the things I will be missing this year.

I recently joined the Red Cow Moran Hotel team and one of my first tasks was to write a Christmas themed blogpost. As I was kind of missing my holiday spirit, I decided to go and experience the turning on of the Christmas lights on Grafton Street. A great idea at the time and packaged in my mind as a romantic experience, supping hot chocolate with my hubby while we watched Grafton Street come to light…… hmmmm not so, my friends 

As a lover of all things Christmassy, I positioned myself at 6pm sharp in what I thought would be a great viewing post, wrapped up against the elements with my fluffy scarf and ready to experience the magic. My Christmas bubble was sharply burst, as some 15000 like-minded Christmas fans spilled onto Grafton street in crowded chaos to witness the official “switching on” ceremony.

So my planned Christmas-infused evening stroll with my hot chocolate – now worn very visibly across the front of my coat – quickly turned out to be a Christmas Nightmare. Unable to move, breathe and without a view of anything remotely Christmassy – unless you can count the ‘bauble hat’ of the 6ft giant squished in front of me 🙁 – I ‘endured’ rather than ‘enjoyed’ the Grafton Street Christmas Lights ceremony. In the interest of health and safety I was actually grateful that the headline acts were unable to perform and that the event had to be cut short by the organisers.

Disaster….

Ever the optimist though I remain confident of finding other ways of experiencing the magic of Christmas in Dublin and ultimately find my Christmas Mojo so will be taking myself up to O’Connell Street this Sunday 27th November in the hope that their illumination ceremony lives up to my expectations…

If you haven’t found your Christmas Mojo by November 30th when our Christmas Party Season kicks off here at the Red Cow Moran Hotel come and join us for the first of our eight fantastic Christmas Acts. Opening the Festive Party Programme is the legendary Dickie Rock for two nights followed by 5IVE on the 3rd of December, Prince Revelation from the 7th of Dec, Absolute Bowie from the 14th, My Brother Joe on the 28th of Dec and last but not least Trevor Smith & Friends in Low Places for a fantastic Garth Brooks Tribute on the 29th Dec. Tickets for all shows selling fast so book now at T: 01 4593650 or online at www.redcowmoranhotel.com/tickets

Up for the Match? Read Red Cow Moran Hotels pre-match analysis on Tipperary v Mayo in Sundays Senior Football Semi Final

GAA All Ireland Senior Football Semi-Final 2016 this Sunday. Who will take the glory, Tipperary or Mayo? Will you make it ‘Up for the Match‘?

Mayo v Tipp All Ireland Senior Football Semi Final

Can Tipperary keep the dream alive of winning the double? A fete that has not been achieved since the rebels in 1990. It was a case of job done for the Tipp hurlers when a strong second half display saw them dispatch a gritty Galway side at Croke Park last weekend.

Alan Campbell and Seamus O’Shea will go head to head this Sunday as Tipperary take on Mayo in the All Ire. Senior Football Semi Final.

Tipp will be hoping to keep the fairytale year going on Sunday, having accounted for Derry in the qualifiers and Connaught champions Galway in the quarter finals – confidence is sure to be high in the camp.Having achieved plenty of underage success in recent years along with the club success of Clonmel Commercials in the All-Ireland club series it was only a matter of time until the fruits of this reached senior level. Tipp have raised plenty of eyebrows throughout this campaign and have the experts talking about the impressive attacking football they play. This being said, Tipp will need everything to go right on the day to be a match for a very strong Mayo team who have been teetering on the edge of All Ireland glory for the last number of years. Mayo are seeking a spot in the September decider for the first time since 2013. Everyone was shocked at the surprise defeat Mayo suffered at the hands of Connaught rivals Galway in the provincial championship when Mayo were seeking a record 6 senior titles in a row. Mayo find themselves coming into this semi-final having taken an unfamiliar route through the qualifiers, they look a very determined, battled hardened and dogged team. This was on show when they put Tyrone to the sword by the narrowest of margins to book their semi-final spot.

On paper this promises to be a very mouth-watering affair with plenty of free flowing attacking football on display, Mayo will certainly carry the ‘favourites’ tag, however Tipp have shown throughout this campaign they are happy to go in as underdogs and cause a massive upset by ending Mayo’s dream of All Ireland glory!

Croke Park Stadium

So will you be ‘Up for the Match‘ this Sunday? GAA Supporter, 4 star Red Cow Moran Hotel are easily accessible and convenient to Croke Park and are offering some great GAA Match specials, check out www.redcowmoranhotel.com. 

GAA Match Specials Red Cow Moran Hotel

Red Cow Moran Hotel 7 Storey Extension – A Sneak Preview!

RED COW MORAN HOTEL – A SNEAK PREVIEW!

As the Red Cow Moran Hotel approaches it’s anniversary and two decades of delivering four star hospitality to Dublin visitors, we are delighted to give you a sneak preview of the 7 storey hotel extension that is currently under construction at the hotel complex. Ground was broken on the development in Autumn 2015 and the completed extension will be delivered by Autumn 2016.

A three-phase project overall, this hotel extension will bring a host of new and improved facilities to the Red Cow Moran Hotel once completed;

275 SUPERIOR GUESTROOMS

25 STATE OF THE ART EVENT SPACES

EXPANDED NEW LOOK HOTEL RECEPTION

EXTENDED & REDESIGNED HOTEL RESTAURANT

FITNESS SUITE

COFFEE DOCK / WINE BAR

Each of the new guestrooms will feature floor to ceiling windows, be fully sound proofed and include black out blinds, a safe, 43″ LCD TV’s aswell as all the usual mod cons guests of the Red Cow Moran Hotel have come to expect from this 4 star hotel. Corporate guests aswell as families can expect comfort and space during their stay making their visit to Dublin an enjoyable experience from start to finish

The Red Cow Moran Hotel has become a popular host venue for a whole range of corporate and social events from meetings and conferences to weddings and gala balls. As demand has exceeded our current capacity, the extension includes 15 new spaces, all fitted out and finished to the highest specification. Our existing ballroom which was upgraded in 2014 can hold up to 800 delegates and when you combine the additional 152 bedrooms and all the ancillary services and facilities that the complex will boast there is no doubt but that the Red Cow Moran Hotel provides an ideal host venue in Dublin.

The development also includes a link to the original hotel which will accommodate the new Coffee Dock and Wine Bar. The existing hotel reception will be extended and given a completely new look in order to be able to service the additional bedrooms. Finally, the hotel restaurant; the Winter Garden Restaurant will be extended also and completely redesigned.

The new Coffee Dock will serve a wide selection of delicious lite bites that will include freshly made sandwiches, wraps and baps, crumbly pastries and aromatic coffee. Guests and non residents will be able to choose between the hotel restaurant, Cocktail Bar and Coffee Dock for breakfast and lunch.

By night the Coffee Dock will become an inviting Wine Bar serving a wide selection of wines and champagnes by the glass along with tasty tapas.

For our hotel guests wishing to maintain their excercise program while away from home; our new Fitness Suite will be kitted out with the latest cardio, strengthening and conditioning equipment.

“Toms Table”; our hotel restaurant will continue the existing focus which is on using the best of Irish seasonal produce. It will provide a stylish and convivial venue where corporate and leisure guests alike will be able to enjoy great food and great company.

This 7 storey hotel extension will be delivered in three phases; the first series of rooms will open at the beginning of August 2016, the second phase will be completed by the beginning of September 2016 and the full hotel extension will finished by October 2016.

Stay uptodate with this exciting project by visiting www.redcowmoranhotel.com/dublin-hotel-extension

TOP TIPS for choosing the best Dublin City Venues for Meetings and Conferences

Choosing the best Dublin City Venue for your Meeting or Conference could be made so much easier by reading through these top tips!

1. LOCATION: Consider your audience, where are your attending delegates travelling from? It is so important nowadays to consider access for both National and International attendees when choosing your Dublin City Venue. Will they be travelling by road, rail or air? Is the chosen venue convenient to the main transport links?

2. THE RIGHT FIT: What impression are you trying to make with your event? It is important to consider how well aligned the image of this Dublin City Venue is with your brand. Will the venue chosen reflect or detract from your events image?

3. CAPACITY: What event are you looking to host and what capacity do you need to facilitate? There is nothing worse than having to go with a Dublin City Venue that is too small and therefore restricts how many you can invite or how you structure the day. On the other hand, choose a venue that is too large and you risk a lack of intimacy and contact with your delegates. An informed chat with the venue representative will help you agree the best fit to suit all the criteria but it’s important to have a choice of options located within the one venue so you have flexibility.

4. TECHNOLOGY: We have all heard about the disaster that was the Web Summit 2014. If the success of your event is dependent on technology then it is crucial that the venue you choose can accommodate your requirements. An added bonus is to choose a venue that has a person with good technical expertise based onsite so you can get informed answers to your technical questions and also have help onsite should you need it.

5. COST: If the recession has taught us anything it is the willingness to negotiate and most venue operators will negotiate if the budget is not quite meeting the costs particularly if it is a largescale event with multiple elements. What is important to remember though is that first impressions last so if you are staging an event to impress, then it is important not just to pick the right Dublin City Venue but to ensure that the accommodation and catering (indeed all the elements) befit the audience and impression you want to give and that might need a little relaxing of the wallet on occasion.

6. ACOMMODATION: Is this provided by the chosen Dublin City Venue and if not are there facilities nearby for delegates who need to stayover? It is always simpler for all concerned to try and select a venue that ticks as many boxes under one roof as possible and one of these is to have rooms onsite. If the venue is a hotel it is important to check if they can facilitate all of your delegates and if not, ensure they have a relationship with another hotel for overflow rooms.

One of Dublin City’s best known event venues; four Star Red Cow Moran Hotel believes it can tick all these boxes for you. Check out www.redcowmoranhotel.com/dublin-city-venue

Mothers Day – Even Supermums need a Day Off!

GIVE YOUR SUPERMUM A BREAK THIS MOTHERS DAY – MARCH 6TH

At the Red Cow Cow Moran Hotel we have been looking after Mums for over two decades and appreciate first hand not only how hard our Mums work but also how important Mums are to us. So for Mothers Day at the Red Cow Moran Hotel and Red Cow Inn we go the extra mile every year to make sure your Supermum gets the spoiling she deserves. This year we have a choice of four fantastic Mothers Day Shows or a delicious meal in our Winter Garden Restaurant any of which would make a great Mothers Day Gift.

Make sure you give your Mum the time off and special day that she deserves this Mothers Day;

Mothers Day Gifts Ideas at the Red Cow Complex

Red Hurley Show at the Red Cow Moran Hotel. Special guests Tom Cole Jnr and Lyn Brooks, Compere Tommy Carey and Music by Streetwise. Tickets are just €45pp and include a 3 course Mothers Day lunch. Known as the King of Irelands Pop Music Scene in the 70’s and 80’s; Red Hurley has been enjoying a huge career resurgence in Ireland and the US and recently celebrate 40 years in the Music industry.

Dave Young Live at the Red Cow Inn. Dinner & Show Tickets €42.50pp, Finger Food & Show Tickets €20pp and Show Only Tickets €15pp. The Outrageous Dave Young will guarantee your Mum splits her sides laughing….

Laurie Hartz Carvery Lunch and Show at the Red Cow Inn. Tickets €32.50pp. Laurie Hartz is always a hit with the ladies and will have your Mum tapping her foot and singing along to all the old favourites.

Pump up the Jam in Buzz Venue. Promising the greatest 90’s party ever this Mothers Day. Show Only Tickets €10pp.

Mothers Day Lunch or Dinner in The Winter Garden Restaurant, Red Cow Moran Hotel. Lunch €24.50pp. Dinner 28.50pp.

For information on any of the Mothers Day Shows at the Red Cow Complex or to make a booking T: 01 4593650, E: info@moranhotels.com or go to www.redcowmoranhotel.com/mothers-day

Wedding Trends 2016

With Valentine’s Day only around the corner talk returns once more to weddings and what’s hot and what’s not this year! With this in mind we thought it might be fun to share some of the predicted and growing trends (in no particular order) that are making a name for themselves for 2016;

1. Mismatched Bridesmaids
Is Ireland ready for this yet? One of the predictions for 2016 is to forgo the line of identical bridesmaids for a mix of attire that best suits the individual, this also includes using separates that the ladies can add to their wardrobes and use again thereafter. Coast have some a great selection of bridesmaid styles to choose from.

2. A Dessert Display rather than an official wedding cake
We saw the influx of cupcake ‘cakes’ but this appears to have moved even further into offering a full dessert display so guests can pick and choose from a range of sugary delights

3. Fun Photography
Standard static group shots are soooo last season, bridal couples are electing instead for more reportage-style photography that tells more of a story. Add a little action to wedding photographs by ‘staging memorable scenes’ for example bridesmaid doing up the buttons on the brides gown or beautiful bride sweeping down magnificent staircase in the Lobby of the Red Cow Moran Hotel towards proud father with tear in his eye. At the reception another popular one is for the bride and groom to share a piece of cake rather than the traditional cake cutting image. If you’re really daring you could even hire a drone to take some random aerial shots.

4. Boho Brides
Floaty off the shoulder dresses with floral headpieces and lashings of lace are trending once more for 2016. Carry the look into the reception venue by adding dream catchers, lots of texture and bold florals.

5. Personal Details
Bridal couples are veering more and more towards adding personal touches to their wedding reception. A particularly popular choice is naming each table after a special place the couple or either bride or groom have visited that holds a special place in their heart. There is no end though to how far you can take this and other fun elements include; personalised seating cards; printed pics of each guest as children for their place setting – this is great way to open proceedings on a lovely light hearted note or give a CD of you and your hubby’s favourite tunes as a unique wedding favour

6. Lighting
Lighting is getting bigger and bigger and with the introduction of fake candles that are so real you could mistake them for the real thing, couples are not skimping on this element of their wedding décor. An inexpensive but effective way to add a warm atmosphere to any setting.

7. Creative Seating and Seating Plans
Gone are the days of wedding receptions where the Bride’s family are on one side and the Grooms on the other. Big efforts are now being made to mix the two families and this has the biggest implication at the wedding banquet. Couples are choosing to ditch the top table and instead to sit with their guests and others are also switching from rounds to trestle tables to allow guests to sit more closely and engage more easily with each other.

8. His & Hers Cocktails
This adds a fun element to the pre-reception event at a Wedding and often tells merging family and friends a lot about the two personalities who have joined together

9. Multiple Music & Entertainment Options
Each stage of the wedding has become an event in itself and bridal couples are tending more and more to reflect this in their entertainment plans. A full schedule could incorporate a gospel choir or a folk singer for the marriage service, a pianist for the drinks reception, instrumental during dinner followed by the ‘main’ wedding band and closed off with a DJ….phew! Whatever the choice make sure that you book your main act early! Some of the best wedding bands in Ireland can often be booked out years in advance.

10. Non Floral Centrepieces
Anything goes for table centrepieces these days, from a potted tree to a flowering plant. A budget friendly version would be to use bare branches and adorn with cheap and cheerful ornaments like sparkly jewels or crepe paper. Our beautiful candelabras are still proving popular for weddings at the Red Cow Moran Hotel.

So there you have it, there are loads more depending on which magazine you pick up or which website you google but these were our favourites and the best thing about them is all could be incorporated into your wedding reception at the Red Cow Moran Hotel.

Our Next Wedding Showcase is on Wednesday 17th February (5-8pm) so why don’t you come along. Admission is free and it presents a great opportunity for you and members of your bridal party to see our magnificent ballroom, chat to our team and get tips and advice from a host of experts on a whole range of wedding trends for your own Special Day!
www.redcowmoranhotel.com/weddings Email: redcowweddings@moranhotels.com

Christmas Spirit Dublin 2015

Christmas is such a crazy time of year with everyone rushing to get somewhere or do something so it’s important to take time to actually experience

some of the terrific Christmas festivities happening around this great city of ours.

Dublin is a hive of activity at Christmas and there’s something to suit all ages and tastes. For the kiddies a Santa visit is a must, last minute texts to Santa with wish lists are all very well but really the best medium for kids to deliver their own special requests is to talk to the man himself!

There are so many wonderful Santa experiences across Dublin but one in particular that we thought we’d highlight is the Airfield Estate Christmas Experience. A different dynamic to most Santa’s Visits; instead of individual trips into the Big Man which involve queuing and waiting, waiting and queuing, the group, which is kept quite intimate go in to meet Santa together. Sitting on the floor around Santa, he chats to each of the kids and asks them individually what they would like for Christmas. Then he calls out each child’s name and hands them a gift. It’s a really nice relaxed affair. After meeting Santa the kids can go and write their letters to Santa and elves are at hand to stamp and help post them. They can also visit the reindeers and Santa and Mrs Claus’ bedroom. Thumbs up for the Airfield Estate Christmas Experience.

Another great option for time-out during the Christmas Chaos is to do a spot of ice-skating. Certainly something a little different that is fun to do for a date night or with a group of friends. Dundrum on Ice have a great set up and there’s plenty of choice for places to go for a bite and a bevvie after.

Sadly the Christmas Markets didn’t happen for Dublin this year but there’s always Grafton Street for the obligatory stroll on Christmas Eve to soak up the festive atmosphere. Best done when you’re organised and have the shopping finished so you can observe but not have to partake in the chaos around you. It’s also lovely meeting up with friends and family for ‘one’ before you head home to the wrapping.

For a handy guide to what’s on in Dublin this Christmas visit our website www.redcowmoranhotel.com

Easter & Midterm Breaks in Dublin

Easter & Midterm at The Red Cow Moran Hotel  is approaching fast! It is a lovely time for family and friends to relax and take some time out. The evenings are getting brighter and everyone is getting that ‘spring’ in their step!

Dublin is the perfect location for a short break and family getaway. Perfectly located just off the M50, easily accessible, beside the red Luas line and close to Dublin city centre we are the ideal hotspot for your break!

Easter is a great time for kids! So many fun activities to do; Easter egg hunts, chocolatey treats and craft and games and at The Red Cow Moran Hotel we are delighted to share Easter with you and create that special family break. We have excellent family packages available.

Zoo Package From €129
Accommodation + zoo tickets
*offer based on 2 adults and 2 children

Tayto Park Package From €139
Accommodation + tayto park tickets
*offer based on 2 adults and 2 children

3 Nights Fun Package From €429
3 nights accommodation, full breakfast on 3 mornings, zoo + tayto park tickets PLUS a 2 course meal on the evening of your choice
*offer based on 2 adults and 2 children

EASTER & MIDTERM FAMILY BREAKS – BOOK NOW

City Breaks..

We also have excellent B&B offers for couples and friends looking for a City break! Visit the buzzing Dublin City, live music, funky and chic coffee shops all for you to explore.

B&B Easter & Midterm Special From €129
A nights accommodation + full Irish breakfast

BOOK YOUR CITY BREAK NOW

Enjoy & Happy Holiday

Bride of the Year Show

Have you recently got engaged?

Are you now looking for the perfect wedding venue?

Bride of the Year Show is on this weekend at the RDS Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th . It is on 11am to 5pm daily.

The Red Cow Moran Hotel will be at the show. Their wedding stand number is D16.

Visit our wedding stand and speak with our dedicated wedding coordinators at the show.

If you book your wedding at the Bride of the Year Show you will receive €1000 off our exclusive ‘Moon’ Wedding Package.

Red Cow Moran Hotel have three wedding packages on offer:

–The Sun

–The Moon

–The Stars

Check out our gallery for weddings at Red Cow Moran Hotel.

All other queries relating to Bride of the year Show check out their website here.

Southern Brides Wedding Show 2015 – Silver Springs Hotel Cork

Have you just got engaged over the festive season and are now planning your special Wedding Day?

The Southern Brides Wedding Show takes place this January in The Silver Springs Moran Hotel on 10^th & 11^th of January 2015.

The Southern Brides Wedding Show is the perfect place to meet with many wedding suppliers and services and listen to their advice while availing of some fantastic offers to save you money.

If you are planning your wedding or helping a friend this Wedding Fair will save you lots of time. Services such as Photographers, Cakes, Honeymoons and Bridal Wear are all in the one place, at The Silver Springs Moran Hotel.

It’s a perfect day out with your husband to be, wedding party or just family and friends. Don’t miss  the amazing fashion show with Bridal Wear & Menswear and Fashion. Glenda Gildon from Xpose & TV3 will MC on Saturday 10^th January.

The Silver Springs Moran Hotel is listed as one of the best wedding venues in Munster and one of the top wedding venues in Ireland. Having won the Southern Brides Best Business award this Cork wedding venue is the perfect venue for your special day.

The Silver Springs Moran hotel have some great all inclusive packages available starting from €45 per person – for more information click here or call us on 021 450 7533

The Silver Springs Moran Hotel will be hosting their wedding fairs on Sunday 18^th January & 4th October 2015 – for more information on these events, please click here