Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Fitness Blog: Muscle Myths


Today’s Blog is focused on distinguishing the fictional information out there about our Muscles versus the actual facts. Building muscle can be done with weight training and cardio. Developing your muscles can form sleek, defined & toned look without all the massive muscles. It’s all about controlling your work out and weigh training. We have all heard the myths such as muscle is heavier than fat, so today we will explore what is fact and what is fiction.

The first myth we will tackle is “Muscles help you burn more calories than fat”. Well this is actually a fact, you will be glad to hear. Muscle does burn more calories at rest than those with a higher fat percentage. This is because muscle needs more energy to maintain than fat does.
The second myth we will look at is “Muscle weights more than Fat”, and I can tell you now this is just fiction. The truth is that the same weight of muscle and fat weigh exactly the same. The thing that does actually differ is the density and volume as muscle is more dense than fat as it takes up less space. You may lose inches from your waist and look slimmer but the weighing scales may not tilt in your favour. Measure your success by how you feel and by the inches you have lost rather than your weight on the scales. Many people get disheartened when they have worked out for a few weeks and week one they lost 5 pounds but week two they haven’t lost anything (in weighing scale terms) but don’t give up, measure the inches you have lost from around your hips, stomach and chest and you can really measure your success.

Myth number three, “Muscle needs a lot of Protein to be built”, and this is partially fact & partially fiction. You do need protein in your diet to ensure muscles grow properly and rebuilds. However if you consume too much protein it is broken down and excreted, so do not go on a protein shake only diet. If you enjoy a protein shake, it must be part of a balanced diet. Protein aids muscle recovery and is needed but don’t overdo it!
The forth myth of today is “Muscles are built quickly”, this is a good piece of fiction. It is not an easy task to build muscle and it takes time. It is a slow process but worth it once you start seeing the results. Over time through your workouts you will start to see gradual increases in aesthetics and strength. Muscles are built in our Leisure Centre but maintained through workouts and a healthy diet. There is no quick and easy method, only hard work and dedication.
The fifth and final myth of the blog is “Women shouldn’t strength train”.  Woman are turned off from lifting weights as they are thought to believe they will have more muscles than the Hulk himself! The truth is, lifting weights is beneficial for women and men. Women do not have the same high levels of testosterone as men, which are required for “getting bulky”. So women find themselves getting stronger, losing fat and looking and feeling better.
Now that you know the fact versus the fiction, start turning your fat to muscle. Why not look at joining Killashee Leisure Centre who have a comprehensive weighs section to the gym along with a 25 metre swimming pool, weekly aerobic fitness classes, free fitness evaluations, personalised programmes & a state of the art gymnasium and leisure area.

Information for the blog was sourced from the Killashee Leisure Centre Facebook Page.https://www.facebook.com/killasheeleisure. Follow us today on Facebook or follow the Leisure centre for more useful tips on Facebook

Thursday, August 7, 2014

County Kildare: A Further Look at what we have to Offer


This week’s blog takes a little look into the arts by covering the Moat Theatre in Naas, The Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge, the Kilcock Art Gallery & The Crookstown Craft Village. This is just another look at all county Kildare has to offer and blog 4 in the series of Kildare Blogs.

Abbey Street, Naas, Co. Kildare


The Moat Theatre is located in the cente of Naas town on Abbey Street. The Moat Club was formed in the early 1950’s. The main aim of the club was to provide facilities for both drama and tennis table. The building was the first Penal Days Church in Naas and was bought by the Moat Club in 1960 as the building had been a recently vacated Christian Brothers School. The Moat Theatre is now a huge part of the culture & arts around Naas Town. The theatre has stage with retractable seating and a fly tower, 200 seater auditorium and also has 2 rehearsal rooms, 2 changing room (female & male) and a coffee shop & bar area.

The upcoming events are:
-          Rossa and Friends (29th August)

Main Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare


The art centre is located on the main street in Newbridge and is very accessible. The Centre opens Monday to Friday from 10am to 5.30pm. Thye close for lunch from 2 to 2.30pm each day. Saturday the centre is open from 10am-1pm. This Centre is the home to many art forms from kids camps, shows, drama & art. To find out more information on the Riverbank visit their website or call in to chat to any of the staff member.

The upcoming events for August are:

School Street, Kilcock, Co.Kildare


The Art Gallery was established by Breda Smyth in 1978. It was opened by George Campbell R.H.A., and ever since has been dealing in Prints, Fine Paintings and Sculpture by all the leading names in Irish Art. The gallery is celebrating its 36th year in business this year. The gallery is located in Kilcock Village. This gallery is such a friendly, warm and welcoming place to visit. It really is worth a visit.








Crookstown, Ballitore, Co.Kildare


Crookstown Craft Village and Tourist Information Point in County Kildare contains a unique cluster of craft shops and calligraphy, studios selling pottery, giftware, cards, paintings, jewellery, lace, candles, soaps, home ware, garden items and much more. It is located just minutes from the M9 (exits 2 and 3). It is an outlet for Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate too. 'Therapeutic Healing' located at the craft village offers Leah Products (oils and creams) and Holistic Treatments in a beautiful therapy room. A new addition is “Peace of Art” & this addition sells antique art, furniture and jewellery. The craft village has a quirky and idyllic setting & even has picnic facilities. There are classes run all year round for both adults & children. Make sure to make this a place to visit in 2014 when in County Kildare. 

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Summer Wedding Evening

Summer Wedding Evening

Wednesday 30th July 2014
From 5:00pm to 9:00pm


We are very excited about our Summer Wedding Evening Showcase. We are showcasing both our fabulous wedding Venues. The ThompsonSuite & the Original House Venues will be fully dressed and decorated for the evening giving our future Brides and Grooms the opportunity to see the venues full set, meet our decicated team & taste the treats that they can have at their special day.

The Thompson Suite boasts eight exquisite chandeliers which frame the fabulous high ceilings to add the aboslute WOW factor when ending the ballroom. This room can only be described as timeless elegance. The ballroom can cater for weddings from 120-250 guests and this suite can be extended to cater for a wedding party which exceeds 250 guests. One of the main benefits of the Thomson Suite is the distinctive separate dance floor which includes a stage that may be altered to accommodate of bands of any size. The stylish surroundings are enhanced by tables set with white linen & tall Calla lilies centerpieces. The dimensions of the Thomson suite can accommodate almost any style of top table.

The Original House Venue is our smaller, more intimate Weddings from 40 guests to a maximum of 99 guests. This venue offers the feature of a private period property with mondern aspects. The venue also has a private entrance through the iconic house porch entrance of the Hotel. The house is decorated form the porch roght through with tee lights & fresh flower. The reception rooms lends itself to a cosy, snug atmosphere with open log burning fires for the winter months. The Origianl House Venue has the beauitufl Butterfly Gardens which includes a paved patio, gazebo & large Roman Set. With this venue you also get 12 individually decorated bedroom suites in the Original House.

We will have some of our dedicated & recommended suppliers at the hotel making it easy for couples to start the planning of their big day.

Here are some of our top suppliers are (please note not all will be attending this wedding evening)

&       Killashee Villa Spa



&       Dream Day Production


&        Geraldine our Killashee Florist


&       Sugar & Spice


&       Creative Cakes


&       Finesse Weddings

&       Helens Paperie


&       Pro DJ’s


&       Instyle Wedding Cars 



&       Richie Whelan-Menswear


&       Truly Bridal 



&       Ciara Home Style


For further details please contact any member of the Wedding Team on
Ph: 045 879277 or Email: weddings@killasheehouse.com


Friday, July 11, 2014

Kildare the Home to Horse Racing


Today’s blog is all about Kildare’s love for the sport and industry that is horses. This is our 3rd Kildare Blog of the Series. 

As a Hotel in Kildare and close to the top race courses in the county, we take a special interest in the business. Kildare has long been regarded as the finest location to bred high-class bloodstock. Kildare has three major race courses in the county. The Curragh, Punchestown and NaasRace Course. All of which are on our door step here at Killashee House Hotel. There are officially 98 studs in county Kildare. So if that doesn’t scream “WE LOVE HORSES & EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THEM” nothing will! The stud farms local to ourselves at Killashee House Hotel is Irish National Stud, Rathaskar Stud, Sally Mount Stud, Kennycourt Stud Farm, Morristown Lattin Stud, Ragusa Stud & Kildangan Stud, plus many many more but we could be
 
Gilltown Stud

Sallymount Stud & Gilltown Stud are both owned by The Aga Khan. They are located in Brannockstown, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare. Gilltown is home to the stallions; Dalakhani, Azamour & Sea The Stars. Sea the Stars is a champion Irish Thoroughbred race horse. He has won the 2,000 Guineas, the Eclipse Stakes, the Epsom Derby plus many more.
 
The Aga Khan’s Irish Studs are made up of four different properties: Gilltown, Sallymount, Sheshoon and Ballyfair, formerly known as Brownstown. Gilltown is the Aga Khan’s public stud, currently home to Azamour and Dalakhani. Sallymount is adjoining Gilltown and houses the Aga Khan mares post foaling. The Gilltown Stud and adjoining Sallymount Stud cover an area of approximately 1500 acres in total. When the Aga Khan took over the studs from his father, his inheritance included six farms in Ireland, two being Sallymount and Gilltown. He then sold these two stud farms which he later bought back 18 years later. Gilltown and the adjoining Sallymount are surrounded by such an amount of history as the two studs are sites of two ancient forts dating back to Neolithic times (Gilltown) and Viking Times (Sallymount).
 
Sea The Stars 
A new stallion barn was built recently and was designed to meet the demands of a 21st century breeding establishment. This Gilltown Stud was built in a Georgian Style back in the 17th Century and is a typical Anglo Irish Estate. Today Gilltown and Sallymount are nature sanctuaries with a great variety of wildlife, flowers and rare mature trees. The Aga Khan thinks of these properties as part of Ireland's national heritage and a legacy for future generations.

 Another Brannockstown Stud is Kennycourt StudFarm. This Stud Farm is owned by Eugene McDermott and is spread across 550 acres. Eugene McDermott, the owner, expanded the stud and it now has a Mile long Sand Gallop, 2 Horse Walkers, 3 Lunging rings and 5 horse barns. It began as a National Hunt Stud and has now evolved into a fully operational stud for both flat and national hunt horses. They breed and sell top quality horses.


Irish National Stud  was purchased from the Fay family in 1900 by Colonel William Hall Walker.  Hall Walker became the most successful breeder of the age, enjoying his finest hour when King Edward VII led MINORU, born and raised at Tully, into Epsom's winner's enclosure following a famous victory in the 1909 Derby. 


In 1917 the farm and all its stock was gifted to the Crown and became The National Stud under the leadership of Sir Henry Greer. The success continued with the farm producing the winners of all five Classics.  In 1942 SUN CHARIOT, born and bred at Tully, earned herself an indelible place in racing history when landing the fillies' Triple Crown - the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St. Leger – for King George VI. Almost seven decades later, in May 2011, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II came to the Irish National Stud to see for herself where the winners of five Classics for her family were produced. Art Connoisseur, Big Bad Bob, Lord Shanakill, Invincible Sprint, Dragon Pulse are the stallions at the stud (to name just a few).
Kildangan Stud

Kildangan Stud is located in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare and covers approximately 1,500 acres. This stud is owned by the Kildangan Stud Unlimited. Who also own Ragusa Stud which is a 400 acre stud in Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare.
This stud was purchased in 1986 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who is the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also owns Darley which is a global thoroughbred breeding operation, which currently stands stallions in six countries around the world. Its headquarters are at Dalham Hall Stud, located within the historic home of racing, Newmarket. 
Ragusa  Stud Entrance 

The Kildangan stud is home to 9 thoroughbred stallions; Shamardal and Cape Cross, along with the high promising young stallions Teofilo and Iffraaj.

Rathaskar Stud is situated on 300 acres of land. At present we have five resident stallions; We have three top quality descendants of the great Danehill in Clodovil, Thousand Words and Fast Company. Their own addition to the stud in 2013 was Born To Sea. This stud farm is linked with top class thoroughbreds and heritage. Stallions have been standing in Rathasker since 1984 starting with Red Sunset. The Stud is owned by the Burns Family and we named one of our function rooms after the Rathaskar Stud I hope you enjoyed reading this blog on Kildare and the Studs we have locally. Start to follow the blog for more interesting topics about a wide variety of areas & interests. 
here all day if I was to go through them all.




Thursday, July 3, 2014

Midweek Family Fun Offer at Killashee House Hotel

 Killashee House Hotel  Naas, Co. Kildare is located just 30 kms from Dublin City Centre & just 2kms outside of Naas Town. Set amidst over 280 acres of historic & intriguing gardens, walk ways & parkland, with magnificent views over the Kildare countryside. A hotel that is timeless, natural & elegant where we understand space, fun & food. From family time to fun time, meetings to events and the gym to the spa, Killashee is the ideal retreat to relax & unwind for you & yours.

From the hotels 141 beautifully appointed guestrooms to the indulgent services offered by the Country Club with a 25m swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and a fully equipped gymnasium and also the beautiful Villa Spa with 18 luxurious treatment rooms, there is much to pamper you and much to experience. An oasis of calm, the Villa Spa is the ultimate in sheer relaxation and it is the aim of the Villa Spa to bring you on a journey of total well-being for body, mind & soul. We also have Zing Hair Salon onsite open from Tuesday to Saturday.
 
The hotel boasts two Restaurants, TurnersRestaurant offers a fabulous fine dining experience overlooking the fountain gardens which is open every Friday & Saturday night whereas Jacks Bar & Bistro is open daily and offers a more casual dining experience from light snacks to extensive lunch, dinner & cocktail menus. There is also live music in Jacks Bar every Friday & Saturday night.

The Snug at Killashee House Hotel is a traditional Irish Pub where you can take a step back in time surrounded by open turf fires, admire the many trinkets, antiques and memorabilia from bygone days and of course enjoy an expertly poured pint of Guinness. The Snug is open to the public every weekend.
 This summer, there are so many activities on the beautiful estate of Killashee House Hotel including the woodland walking trails. Estate Maps are available at reception or why not borrow one of our bicycles which are complimentary to all guests. Take a relaxing stroll through the magnificent Fountain Gardens, Emma’s Butterfly Garden in association with DEBRA Ireland or the stunning new gated Jack & Jill Foundation Garden.

The Off Road Driving Centre in conjunction with Dynamic Events, offers you an amazing experience behind the wheel and gives you the opportunity to try conditions that seem impassable under the watchful eye of the expert instructor.
 Our Summer Killashee Kids Club will run from will run daily Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 12pm from Monday 7th July to the end of August, available for children aged 4- 12 years.

There is also so much to do & see in Kildare this Summer and Killashee is ideally located beside numerous fantastic golf courses such as the Craddockstown, Naas Golf Club & the PGA, to name but a few. For the Shoppers, there is Naas Town which offers an abundance of chic boutiques, Kildare Village Chic Outlet Shopping just 10 minutes’ drive away, NewbridgeSilverware & Museum of Style Icons and the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge. For unforgettable family days out, the Irish National Stud VisitorsAttraction & Japanese Gardens is a must, a picnic at the Blessington Lakes, a visit to Russborough House or Kilruddery House are just a few of the many fantastic places to visit during your stay.  Not to mention the many amazing horse racing fixtures at the Curragh & Naas Race Courses.


This bumper package includes two nights’ Accommodation for 2 adults and up to 3 children*, full Irish Breakfast each morning, Dinner on one evening in Jack’s Bar & Bistro for just €300.00 in total.
This package also includes a 10% discount card for Kildare Village, full access to our leisure centre and also 2 for the price of 1 access to the Irish National Stud Visitor Attraction Centre.
BOOK NOW with our Reservations Team on 045 879277

* Supplement of €25 for children over the age of 12years
*This offer is available Sunday to Thursday inclusive
*Babysitting service also available on request

Monday, June 30, 2014

Killashee House Hotel: Stay & Shop




It is hard to find special offers that really offer great to you as a whole. A lot have extras added in which are of no benefit to some people. Today, I can tell you, the perfect special offer for those who like luxury & shopping is now here. We have a Stay & Shop Offer that has not only a luxury hotel stay & dinner but also shopping discounts.

  • 1-Night Stay in a Deluxe Double or Twin Room En suite for 2 people sharing (2 Five Foot beds in the room)
  • Full Irish Breakfast the following morning
  • Dinner for 2 People in Jack Bar and Dining Area 
  • 10% discount card for Kildare Village
From 178 per night

When booking make sure to use the “Special Requests Box” to specify if whether you require a Double or Twin Room at time of booking.

KildareVillage, is one of the Collection of nine Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages by Value Retail. Founded in 1992, Value Retail is the creator and operator of Chic Outlet Shopping®, a unique concept in outletshopping. It is home to more than 900 outlet boutiques of the world’s leading fashion and lifestyle brands, the Collection offers an unrivalled luxury outlet shopping experience for discerning shoppers in Europe. The nine Villages, located close to some of Europe’s favourite cities, are tourist destinations in their own right.

The Village theme is brilliant and no matter how full the village is, you are never packed into shop & you always have room to move. There is discounts of 60% of World-leading brands and booking the stay & shop offer with Killashee House Hotel, you receive a further 10% discount card. The village is only 10 minutes drive form Killashee House Hotel and definitely worth all the hype.  Kildare Village is open every day from 10am and closes at 7pm (but on a Thursday & Friday it closes later at 8pm).


Make sure to book your package today with Killashee House Hotel & experience designer shopping & luxury! 

Monday, June 23, 2014

Killashee Hip Hop Summer Camp

Hip-Hop Summer Camp - with Vicky Barrys School of Dance


Enjoy a week long camp of Hip-Hop, brake-dance, commercial and jazz dance classes. 
The week will also include group singing, acting, performance classes, as well as games, fun, outdoor activities, movie days and party’s.

Vicky Barry is a highly trained dance teacher who has studied all types of dance including Hip-Hop, Jazz, commercial, Modern Contemporary, ballet and also Acting and Singing in both Dublin (The College of Dance) and London (Millennium Performing Arts) after receiving a scholarship to study full time. Having been trained by the some of the best teachers in the world Vicky is now passing on her training to the children and teens of Kildare. She runs the Vicky Barry’s School of Dance in Kildare Town, Clane and Allen.

Calling all boys and girls aged from 4-12years!!! This week long summer camp promises that every child will be dancing their socks off while having plenty of fun along the way!!

Venue: Killashee House Hotel, Leisure Centre

Date: 30th June-4th July - CAMP 1
          18th-22nd August - CAMP 2

Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm each day.

All places must be booked in advance so please email or call now to avoid disappointment.


PRICE: €80

Killashee House Hotel & its History



The History of Killashee House Hotel 

From the introduction of Christianity to Ireland to the present day, Killashee has been the home to many interesting events and people.

One such event relates to the founding of the church at Killashee, located on the adjoining land to the hotel, by St. Patrick in the fifth century. Indeed, Killashee (alias Killosy or Kilussy) derives its name from St. Auxillius, an early missionary to Ireland and possibly a nephew of St. Patrick, who completed and governed the church at Killashee until his death in 459.

Throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Killashee was home to the Belling and Graydon families. Alexander Graydon settled in Killashee in 1711, when he leased the lands from Sir Richard Belling. He was sovereign of Naas in 1730 and probably built the original Georgian House at Killashee.


The Moore family, descendants of the earls of Drogheda, commissioned Thomas Turner to design a country house for them in 1861, and this is the building in which the hotel is situated. When Thomas Turner was commissioned to design the house, he was at the height of his career as Architect to the wealthier members of society. Killashee House is essentially a Victorian Jacobean hunting lodge. 

Photo by David McClelland (www.davidmcclelland-photography.com)

There is generous smattering of the Moore coat of arms both inside and out. Over the front door is the motto “Except the lord build this house, their labour is but lost that built it”.

The house took form in 1863 and was a sizeable country house and estate set on over four hundred acres of prime Kildare Stud farmland. Pipers Hill Stud House was the stewards’ residence.

The Moore family settled well into the life of country squires and although they felt the ill effects of the famine such a sizeable estate generated quite a lot of employment and prosperity to the area.


At the turn of the century the estate was thriving under the owner Judge Moore. The unfortunate judge found things too much and committed suicide. Lt. COL Moore inherited the estate and it continued to thrive. In 1921 when Richard Moore died his son of the same name inherited the estate.

The son who was still in the army decided to rent the house to Mr Lockwood who was the master of the hounds for Killashee. After about two or three years a Captain Ainsworth rented it and it was while he was living there that disaster struck.

A fire, which engulfed the stables, was curtailed before it reached the main building. In 1927 Major Moore decided to sell the house and land to the La Sainte UnionNuns, a French order, with many houses in England and one in Athlone.

When the estate was sold the major did not forget about the old estate workers and a sizeable house next to the main road was to be the stewards and another was given to the blacksmith. All the labours got a pension of IR1.00 per month and a ¼ ton of coal per month.



La Sainte Nuns started a preparatory school for boys but the estate was very big, too big as far as the government was concerned and the land commission broke it up between 1930 and 1931 giving land to certain families. The Convent was left with 85 acres, which was rented out to neighbouring farmers for cattle rearing. Since 1927 the school did well and it was open to day pupils and boarders both boys and girls and it attracted students from all over the world.

Great interest was shown when in 1961 it was offered for sale. The government offered to buy it for use as woman’s prison. However a group of concerned parents got together and bought it. It was bought with the provision that it would continue to be run by the La Sainte Nuns with the backing of the board of directors.

Killashee House was eventually sold in 1998 to its current owners.