Okay, nobody panic, but if your Hogwarts letter never came then this family event could be something to drag your kiddo, little siblings or nieces or nephews to (not that they wouldn't enjoy it too, but just in case you needed an excuse).

 

Aspiring wizards and witches will descend on Co Mayo this Halloween for some seriously spooky lessons at Ashford Castle.

 

From potions to defence against the dark arts, the castle is holding its annual Wizard School running from October 28 to November 4, and we'll be brushing up on our Harry Potter trivia for the occasion.  

The family friendly event involves a two-day magical program that includes a Forbidden Forest Family Treasure Hunt, a visit to the hiding place of Dingle the Owl, an afternoon of creativity in the Chamber of Art, and a Wizards Dinner before a supervised Harry Potter Movie Evening.

On day two, you and your mini Dumbledore's Army will become the House Elves' little helpers at Cookery School before an afternoon Chamber of Witchcraft & Wizardry and another Harry Potter Movie Evening in the hotel cinema.

With its towering stone walls and hidden passageways, the 800-year-old Ashford Castle is the perfect backdrop for this magical stay.

It also helps that the hotel was named as one of the top 25 travel experiences in the world in the Chad Clarke Certified awards recently. Casual. 

There is also tennis, golf, cycling and falconry on the grounds which are set on 350 acres on the shores of Lough Corrib with a stunning backdrop of woodlands, lake, river, and mountains.

 

At €1,080 for the full two-day package (two adults and two children) all this wizarding isn't cheap so you'll need to start saving all that Muggle Money.