Kirk Ireton, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Kirk Ireton is a quiet and peaceful village near Ashbourne
In the heart of the beautiful Derbyshire Dales and in the midst of lovely countryside, Kirk Ireton is a charming, unspoilt little village, dating back at least as far as the Bronze Age. It boasts a lovely old church dating from the 12th Century, a small traditional village school, tiny but very well stocked village shop, and the famous Barley Mow Inn.
Heather and Honeysuckle Cottages are ideally placed at the head of the village with far reaching views down the village and over to the hills beyond. Set in pretty cottage gardens, they each have private off-road parking and secluded and private terraces to the rear each with their own hot tubs! Perfectly situated to explore the myriad of local footpaths and country lanes, wander around the churchyard, chat to the locals or simply hide away, relax and enjoy the tranquility.
The village is quite secluded, in a delightful rural setting, yet only a short drive from Ashbourne, known as the ” Gateway to the Peak”, and a few minutes away from the small market town of Wirksworth. A little further afield is the spa town of Buxton with its famous Opera House and Bakewell with its celebrated puddings. Within walking distance of Kirk Ireton is Carsington reservoir – sailing, walking, cycling, eating and shopping in a stunning setting – what more could anyone possibly want?
Wakes
Early summer is a good time to enjoy a bit of local culture in Derbyshire. and if you decide to come and stay in one of our luxury self-catering cottages in the beautiful village of Kirk Ireton during their Wakes Week, you will be in for an absolute treat! It is immediately apparent that the local people have worked their socks off to provide a riot of colourful entertainment ….and all you have to do is sit back and soak up the atmosphere! If the sun is shining, why not take a glass of something bubbly out into the front garden and enjoy front row seats at Wakes!
Originally a religious celebration, and later, during the Industrial Revolution, a time when local industries closed down for maintenance, giving the workers a chance for a holiday, wakes weeks have largely died out – but not in Kirk Ireton…
Kirk Ireton wakes week consists of a whole variety of quaint village events that take place all along the wide main street as well as in the beautiful church, village hall, and on the sports field. The wakes commence with a procession of high spirited villagers, led by a brass band, from the Barley Mow Inn to Holy Trinity Church for Thanksgiving. Then the fun really starts events vary from year to year but have included wheel barrow racing, darts competitions, home-made go-cart racing, fancy dress, football matches, hen-racing, fun runs, music, face painting, cake stalls…. I could go on! Feel free to join in, if you wish to expend some energy, or simply stroll through the village taking in the colourful sights and watching the procession of carnival floats and the village school children dancing round the maypole.
Before retiring to your luxury cottage for the night, pop into the Barley Mow Inn for a pint of real ale. Entering this beautiful Jacobean listed building with its tiled floors, roaring fire and beer served from a jug is like stepping back in time. It’s the polar opposite of today’s modern gastro pubs!
The entertainment goes on all week, with very little effort required on your part!
