"Terrific food and outstanding hospitality"
GEORGINA CAMPBELL

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HUGO ARNOLD, LES ROUTIERS

Delphi Shooting Parties

Delphi organises six woodcock shoots each winter, three in December and three in January. These are semi-driven shoots for 8-10 guns, with teams of beaters and dogs. They are run over three days each, in association with a houseparty in Delphi Lodge.

Non-shooting wives or companions may also join in the houseparty at preferential rates. Parties of fifteen or more people are given exclusive use of Delphi Lodge for the weekend.

The minimum cost of a shooting party is €9,400 (€1,175 per gun) plus E395 per non-shooting companion. The minimum charge is applied even if less than 8 guns actually shoot. Up to two extra guns may be added for €1,175 each.

Strict conservation standards are applied and the extensive forests and woods owned or leased by Delphi are never shot more than twice in a season (and often only once). Delphi is a supporter of the Irish Woodcock Association and assists with research into these wonderful migratory birds.

Strict safety standards are also applied and all guns must have lengthy shooting experience and comprehensive personal insurance. Because extensive walking and fence-crossing may be involved, the Delphi shoots are not suitable for the elderly or infirm.

The European woodcock population is in a very healthy state, but the numbers that migrate to Ireland will vary from year to year and from week to week, according to the weather. The number of birds shot each day will also vary widely and those who want to shoot guaranteed large numbers of birds should look elsewhere.

The Delphi shoots are for those who love winter in the west of Ireland, who enjoy the camaraderie of a great houseparty in a beautiful location with great food, and who relish the unique opportunity to partake of an ancient pasttime, seeking out a very special bird while accompanied by hordes of spaniels and retrievers in their natural element.

Picnic lunches are taken "on the hoof" and each day is rounded off with a pint or two in front of a turf fire in the local pub, followed by a delicious dinner at Delphi and a most comfortable night's sleep.

The shooting parties are very popular and are generally re-booked year after year by the same groups. We operate a waiting list for those who cannot immediately secure a slot.