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Burns Night at the Redcastle

Posted Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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Burns Night

I had attended a Burns Night once before in Moville. In fact I'd run it myself. It took place in Gulladuff House a few years ago.

I had wondered whether 6 haggises would be enough for it as there would be a good few people coming. As it turned out one would have been more than enough.

I was thinking of doing another one this year but I saw that the Carlton in Redcastle was doing one - and at €20 for a three course meal plus entertainment it seemed a bargain. Even Scotch people couldn't complain at that price.

So, I took along my two children to their first Burns Night. There were well over a hundred people there so it was well marketed. Not bad for a Monday in January during a severe downturn.

I noticed a few local people there but most of them I didn't know. I had been told that there was a very good new chef at the Carlton who was schooled by Gordon Ramsay. My children were worried that haggis would be the only thing on the menu but I assured them that there would be a choice. I did tell them in the taxi down that I just told them that to get them there and that haggis would be the only thing on the menu - before reassuring them that this was just a joke (I didn't want them jumping out the taxi onto the Derry Road).

As we came in the door of the hotel the piper in foyer started up. It was a sound to behold. As there were more than a hundred guests he must have have pretty good wind to start up as each came through the door.

We were shown to our tables. There was Scotch Broth and Cullen Shank (a seafood soup) as starters.

The main courses were Haggis, Donegal Salmon, Chicken, and Vegetarian Haggis of all things - presumably not cooked in a sheep's stomach. I quite like the taste of haggis. It's like a more spicy, more bready burger. If I didn't know the ingredients I think I'd quite like it.

However, I had the salmon instead - and very nice it was.

The dessert was creme brulee with whiskey and a piece of shortbread.

One would have thought that they would have spelt it Whisky on Burns Night.

It was very tasty though.

Throughout the evening there was story telling, jokes, and both Scottish and Irish music and the obligatory Johnny Cash. John Canning of The Dubliners played amongst others.

The audience were told that Burns' song Auld Lang Syne was the second most sung song in the world. I had asked at one of my quizzes recently what was the best sung song in the world and I saw the owner of the establishment where I asked the quiz leaning forward and mouthing to the others on his table the answer to that one (Happy Birthday). He seemed quite happy when this was immediately confirmed by the MC. At least someone listens to me.

I wasn't sure how many of the audience were actually Scottish or of Scottish descent but when everyone was asked to join in the singing of Flower of Scotland the uptake was distinctly patchy.

My guess was that it was mainly Irish people out for a good night out - and the accents seem to say as much.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable night out and I wished that I didn't have to leave so early as next day was a schoolday. I could have spent at least another hour there and quaffed at least another drink, listening to the music and the stories.

The food was good, the music and the poetry great and the staff were both friendly and helpful - and I bet there wasn't much else happening in Moville itself on a Monday night in January.