Tayto has you covered...
IF the kids can do it so can we,’ said Liz. ‘Yes, you’re right,’ I replied. ‘Easy peasy.’ It was Friday the 13th, we reminded ourselves, and as we stood posing for a photo in the blazing April heat, a collective nervous chuckle soon gave way to eerie silence.
Overhead, soaring high into the sky in an intricate lattice of wooden dips and peaks, the spectacular Cú Chulainn Coaster hurtled around the tracks.
Minutes later, as we were secured into our seats, ashen-faced with fear and impending dread, our inner child was suddenly a lot less plucky.
We had decided to go to Tayto Park in search of a ‘girlie night away with a difference.’ Liz, who lives in Dubai, was home for a brief visit and we wanted to do something fun. No facials or massages we decided. So there we were, two thirty-something’s, scared senseless and contemplating death instead of drinking champagne in a Jacuzzi.
Opened in Tayto Park just over a year ago, the Cú Chulainn Coaster is Europe’s biggest inverted wooden rollercoaster, with eye-watering stats to prove it.
During its construction, more than 800,000kg of yellow pine was imported from South America to make the frame and 100 tonnes of steel and 700,000 nails and bolts were used.
Having experienced the dizzying exhilaration first-hand, it’s safe to say this is one amusement ride that isn’t for the faint-hearted. The coaster reaches speeds of 100km per hour and the drop zone is 31 metres. At one point, you’re looking down from a height of 32.05 metres.
I don’t know if it was through nerves, fear, or enjoyment, but when we finally got out we laughed our heads off.
It was just the tonic we needed, the kind of belly-aching laughter that is food for the soul.
The park experience itself was a welcome surprise. Far from being a family-only destination, Ireland’s biggest theme park has something for everyone.
Besides the rollercoaster, we went on The Rotator (a ride that spins and swings you around and upside down in the air) and the high ropes course.
In between, we ate ice-cream and had a good natter in the picnic areas while watching the world go by. For younger kids there is a playground, an animal park, a zip line course and a few other amusement rides.
Pricing for the Park works in two ways. You can pay the entrance fee and pay per attraction or you can pay the entrance fee and pay for a wristband that allows for unlimited access to all the ‘paid for’ attractions.
Amusements aside, a trip in to the Lodge Gift Shop, even just for a look, is a must.
The range of merchandise available of things you never knew you wanted is astounding — from Tayto sized pencil cases to t-shirts, and of course the inimitable crisp which really does taste nicer ‘at its home’ than anywhere else you might buy it. There is even a range of Mr Tayto dolls.
On exiting after a day of thrills, we stopped off at the Crisp Collection Hut – where we happily collected our complementary bag of Tayto crisps and skipped on to the bus.
FROM there we made the short journey to nearby Dunboyne Castle, the overnight location for part two of our girlie retreat. Nerves still shattered from the Cú Chulainn, we headed to the Terrace Lounge and settled ourselves with a few Al fresco G&T’s while basking in the last of the evening sun.
Afterwards it was on to The Ivy Restaurant for an evening of fine dining beautifully prepared by executive head chef John Nagle.
My choice of West Coast Scallops with salt baked heritage carrots, liquorice purée, buttermilk gel and milk crumbs for starters, was mouthwatering.
The restaurant, which is part of the original castle, was packed with diners, giving it a busy yet intimate atmosphere.
For my main course I had roast rump of Wicklow lamb & confit of neck with spinach & pancetta purée, Butternut squash crisp and gratin potato & lamb jus.
With just enough room to squeeze in a dessert, I opted for the rhubarb and ginger crumble. From start to finish the food was incredible, with special attention to presentation and design that added quality to the experience.
Suitably stuffed, we retired to the lobby for a nightcap. The following morning, after breakfast, we gave in to temptation (and our inner adult) and spent a relaxing hour in the Seoid Spa.
With a rooftop Jacuzzi and not one Mr Tayto in sight, we congratulated ourselves on a catch-up to remember.