Visit Hogwarts for Halloween

 Ireland's Ashford Castle turns into Hogwarts for Halloween.

Universal Studios' World of Harry Potter is bound to make a big deal about Halloween but wouldn't it be better to spend the night in an 11th century castle that resembles the famed wizardry school, complete with secret rooms, hidden alcoves and mystical surroundings?

A lot better if the castle is Ireland's Ashford Castle on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong, a spectacular facility ranked Best Resort in Ireland by Conde Nast Travelers's 2011 Gold List and a Trip Advisor Top 10 pick for European castle hotels.

Halloween at Ashford is costly but what price a lifetime of magical memories?

Two Hogwarts packages are being offered.

Oct. 28, 30, Nov. 1, 3 or 5:
noon- "Forbidden Forest" treasure hunt for the whole family
3 p.m. - A visit to the hiding place of Dingle, the castle's resident owl (supervised)
4 p.m. - Afternoon "Chamber of Art" painting class (supervised)
5-6:30 p.m. - Kids' dinner in the Ardilaun Suite (supervised)
6:30-9 p.m. - Harry Potter movie evening (supervised)
From 7 p.m. - George V Table d'Hote dinner for Mom and Dad


Oct. 29, 31, Nov. 2,4 or 6:
noon - "Hidden Garden" treasure hunt for the whole family
3 p.m. - "House Elves" cooking class (supervised)
4-5 p.m. - Afternoon "Chamber of Witchcraft and Wizardry" (supervised)
5-6 p.m. - Kids' dinner in the Ardilaun Suite (supervised)
6:30-9 p.m. - Harry Potter movie evening (supervised)
From 7 p.m. - George V Table d'Hote dinner for Mom and Dad

Costs: The one-night package approx. US$709; the 2-night package approx. US$1,361, for two adults and two children under the age of 12 in a Deluxe Family Room; approximately US$122 per night for each additional child.

To book: Go to www.ashford.ie.