Halloween Deals to get away in Ireland

If you're hoping to get away for Halloween here are some great travel deals to some of Ireland's nicest hotels from the Novel Traveller

Terrifying tales & ghoulish fun this Halloween at Castlemartyr Co. Cork

Who knows what ghostly tales might lurk in the dramatic ruins of an 800 year old castle? Why not take the family on a bewitching break to find out this Halloween at Castlemartyr Resort in East Cork.

The stunning five-star resort, with castle ruins on site, is offering two nights enchanting accommodation in one of the luxurious family rooms, a delicious full Irish breakfast each morning and dinner for the family on one evening in our Italian restaurant, Franchini’s, on an evening of your choice.

There will be plenty of daily activities for the younger guests with a Halloween Kid’s Club packed full of ghoulish fun and games over the midterm period (28th October – 7th November) that is sure to give them a scream. Meanwhile, the adults can escape to the spectacular wellness, spa and fitness centre where the wrap-around glass frontage surrounding the 20 metre swimming pool and Water Room gives unbeatable views out over the country estate.

The family Halloween break is available from €270 per night based on 2 adults and 1 child sharing under 3 years. To find out more visit www.castlemartyrresort.ie or call 021 421 9000.

Castlemartyr Resort,

Castlemartyr,

County Cork

T: 021 421 9000

www.castlemartyrresort.ie

Trick or Treat in Tralee with The Rose Hotel

Family time is precious time and at The Rose Hotel family fun is taken very seriously indeed!

From big, comfortable family rooms to complimentary Kids Club activities during the midterm, family passes to the Aqua Dome right next door –one of Ireland's largest indoor water worlds –to an autumnal walk in the Town Park, The Rose Hotel helps make unforgettable family memories every year.

During Halloween break, Kids Teas are served at 5.30pm just before the Kids Devilish Club opens with a different exciting activity every evening including a broom pumpkin race, Halloween arts and crafts and a fancy dress disco!

Let the little devils enjoy the kids club while the grownups relax and enjoy dinner in The Park Restaurant or a drink in the warm and inviting surroundings of Dott’s Bar.

Free Car Parking, Wi-Fi and access to our gymnasium are also included during your stay.

Halloween Family Room packages start from €174 for 2 adults & 1 child including breakfast, dinner, Kids Teas and Devilsh Club.

For more information: 

The Rose Hotel, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry

T: 066 7199100 

www.therosehotel.com

Get ready for mystery at Fota Island Resort this Halloween

It’s all getting a little spooky at Fota Island Resort this Halloween! Gather up the mini witches and wizards and whizz the whole family to Fota Island Resort for spook-tacular two night stay in a comfy and spacious room and enjoy all that this private island has to offer. Take a stroll in the woods, if you’re brave enough and keep your eyes peeled for any ghosts and goblins that may be lurking around before attending the spine-chilling Halloween Event… What happens is a mystery that will be unleashed on those that are courageous enough to attend! Family Halloween breaks to Fota Island Resort are available from €200 midweek and €240 at the weekend for a family room that accommodates 2 adults and 1 child, an extra bed can be added at a supplement of €25 (can be arranged with Reservations ahead of your stay).

Fota Island Resort, Fota Island, Cork, IrelandT: 021 488 3700   www.fotaisland.ie

Halloween in the City at The Kingsley

There is plenty of spooky discoveries to be made in Cork City and The Kingsley is the perfect base from which to explore them! Located only minutes away from the bustling city centre and an array of activities waiting to be uncovered. If your little ones are brave enough, surprise them with a guided evening tour through the spooky halls of the Cork City Gaol and experience the eerie atmosphere of this famous landmark. Halloween breaks including overnight stay and breakfast to The Kingsley are available in a deluxe family room for 2 adults and 1 child from €162 midweek and from €187 on weekends, classic family rooms for 2 adults and 2 children are available from €187 midweek and €212 at the weekends.

The Kingsley, Victoria Cross, Cork

T: 021 480 0555 

www.thekingsley.ie

A Cosy October with your Lil Lodgers at The Lodge at Ashford Castle

There is a special family focused package available at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, perfect for the little ones, called Lil’ Lodgers.

The all-important Lil’ Lodgers themselves receive a separate check in and registration, with a Kids pack waiting for them on arrival that includes a colouring book with colours, and an Estate map so every day’s excursions can be closely planned and followed. There’s a Kids Turndown with milk and cookies to look forward to on both evenings too.

The grown-ups enjoy uninterrupted dinner in Wilde’s at The Lodge at Ashford on one night, and the blissful peace of mind that their Lil’ Lodgers are off having a great time under the supervision of professionals (additional babysitting charge applicable)

The Lil’ Lodgers package also includes Corrib Cruise tickets, a fantastic lake adventure on the M.V. Corrib Queen or the M.V. Isle of Inisfree, the two handsome vessels sailing this family-run passenger boat service on Lough Corrib daily.

There are additional local activities that can also be enjoyed, including the remarkable Hawk Walk at Ashford Castle with Ireland’s School of Falconry, the oldest established falconry school in Ireland, which specialises in one hour private excursions where you fly the hawks – now that’s something exciting and unusual to do on your summer holidays!

The Lodge at Ashford Castle provides a warm welcome to guests of all ages. The Nintendo Wii Room is a fun place to spend time together, and there are plenty of outdoor activities in the area including fishing, cruising on the Corrib, nature walking, archery, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding as well as falconry. At The Lodge at Ashford Castle the whole family will be entertained indoors and out, no matter what the season.

Lil lodgers Family Package

Two night stay including breakfast for the whole family in a Duplex Suite. Enjoy some alone time with dinner for two in Wilde’s, while your children are being looked after by the most experienced babysitters, they will enjoy a special Lil Lodgers meal of their own. On day 2 enjoy a day trip on the Corrib Cruiser. Milk & Cookies on arrival the little ones.

Package from €599.00 per stay based on two adults & two children.

For more information:

The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo

T: 098 413 4418 

www.thelodgeac.com

It's New York Theatre week again!

NYC & COMPANY ENCOURAGES THEATERGOERS TO SAVE DURING NYC BROADWAY WEEK^SM WITH TWO-FOR-ONE TICKETS ON SALE TODAY

—Nearly 20 Broadway Shows Participate from

September 5 to 18—

New York City (August 18, 2016) — NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, is encouraging theatergoers to purchase two-for-one tickets for the next iteration of its biannual program NYC Broadway Week. Tickets will go on sale to 19 of Broadway’s top shows starting at 10:30am today at nycgo.com/broadwayweek for performances taking place from September 5 to 18.

“We are thrilled NYC Broadway Week returns to give theater fans the chance to see the world’s best talent at an amazing value,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “This year, we have brand-new shows and long-standing favorites participating in the program, so there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy the popular theater promotion.”

“Broadway Week is a wonderful time for both New Yorkers and visitors to take a break from the summer sun to sit in a cool theatre to enjoy some of our hottest shows,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League. “Thanks to NYC & Company’s innovative 2-for-1 ticket offer, two people can see a Broadway show for the price of one, so savvy theatre fans who love plays and musicals can see twice as many!”

Shows participating in NYC Broadway Week:*

·         Aladdin

·         An American in Paris

·         Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

·         Cats**

·         Chicago The Musical

·         Cirque du Soleil Paramour**

·         The Color Purple

·         Fiddler on the Roof

·         Holiday Inn**

·         The Humans

·         Jersey Boys

·         Kinky Boots

·         The Lion King

·         Matilda the Musical

·         On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan

·         The Phantom of the Opera

·         School of Rock

·         Something Rotten!

·         Wicked

*Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.

**New NYC Broadway Week participants

Consumers can enter the Official NYC Broadway Week Sweepstakes, powered by Audience Rewards, for the opportunity to win dinner at Becco and tickets to a Broadway show for the winner and five friends.

Since its launch in January 2011, NYC Broadway Week has cumulatively sold 842,593 tickets, generating $56.4 million in revenue for Broadway. NYC Broadway Week is produced by NYC & Company in partnership with American Express, Amtrak, Audience Rewards, The Broadway League, NBC 4 New York, Telecharge and Ticketmaster, and with support from AARP.

NYC RESTAURANT WEEK RESERVATIONS OPEN TODAY FOR DINING DEALS AT A RECORD-SETTING 387 RESTAURANTS

—NYC & Company’s Signature Dining Program Returns
July 25 through August 19—  

New York City (July 11, 2016) — NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, encourages diners to book now for NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2016 at one of the 387 participating restaurants. In its 24th year, NYC Restaurant Week takes place this summer from July 25 through August 19 and features 49 new restaurants. For menus, photos and reservations visit nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

“With nearly 400 participating restaurants to choose from in over 40 neighborhoods serving more than 30 cuisines, there are more options than ever for diners to eat up in the dining capital of the world,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “Supporting one of NYC’s most important industries, NYC Restaurant Week boosts business during a typically slower season while providing diners the perfect reason to experience new restaurants or return to their favorites at a fraction of the cost.”

NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2016 by the numbers:

• 3 course prix-fixe lunches for $29*
• 3 course prix-fixe dinners for $42*
• Record-setting 387 participating restaurants
• 30+ cuisines
• 49 new restaurants and 338 returning restaurants
• More than 40 neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island
• 26 days (July 25–August 19)
• More than 29,000 posts on Instagram using #NYCRestaurantWeek

                                                           *(excluding beverages, gratuities and taxes)

Among the restaurants participating in NYC Restaurant Week for the first time are Alfredo 100, Almond Tribeca, American Cut Midtown, Bagatelle, Beaubourg at Le District, Becco, Black Barn Restaurant, Bobo, Bocca Di Bacco in Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen, Brasserie Séoul, Bull and Bear Prime Steakhouse, Buttermilk Channel, Capri Ristorante, Charlie Palmer at the Knick, Chazz Palminteri Ristorante Italiano, City Crab Shack, Club A Steakhouse, Craft Restaurant, Danji, Empire Steak House East 50th Street, Frankie & Johnnie's Steakhouse West 46th Street, Goggan, Il Postino, Il Riccio, Irvington Bar + Restaurant, John Dory Oyster Bar, Kingside, La Chine, La Pecora Bianca, Lincoln Square Steak, Megu, Mulino a Vino, Osteria Laguna, Perrine, Reserve Cut, Rowland's Bar & Grill, Sabbia at Birreria, Strand Bistro, Sushi Seki Bar & Oysters, The Breslin Bar & Dining Room, The Clocktower, The Shakespeare. Tuome, Vandal, Vaucluse, Virginia's, Wollensky's Grill and Zero Otto Nove.

The first and largest dining program of its kind, NYC Restaurant Week welcomes back longstanding participating restaurants such as 21 Club, Delmonico’s, Shun Lee Palace, Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, Nobu, Tribeca Grill, Tavern on The Green and the Russian Tea Room.

“Summer is a festive time in NYC, and our culinary community provides an engaging setting for our guests and their families, friends, and colleagues to have a meaningful dining experience. We look forward to providing the quality, variety, and hospitality that makes New York City the dining capital of the world,” said Tracy Nieporent, Chairman of NYC & Company’s Restaurant Committee.

Returning this summer is an exclusive offer for American Express® Card Members. Card Members can enroll any eligible American Express® Card, use their Card to spend $35 or more at any participating restaurant and get a $5 statement credit up to four times. To learn more and enroll in this offer, visit www.americanexpress.com/nycrestaurantweek. Terms apply.

NYC Restaurant Week is promoted through exclusive content on nycgo.com; out-of-home media in the five boroughs; print and digital advertising, including promotion through media partner Time Out New York; commercials running in NYC taxicabs and on Toshiba Vision in Times Square; and through social media posts using #NYCRestaurantWeek.

About NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For more information, visit nycgo.com.

Classic Collection Holidays have some lovely villas with great value in Europe this summer!

  Luxury Villas and Larger Apartments

To compliment the large selection of 4 and 5 star hotels on offer from Classic Collection Holidays the luxury tailor made specialist now has a range of specially selected villas and larger apartments available throughout the summer and winter seasons in a range of different destinations.  

The villas and apartments featured by Classic provide exclusivity for small groups of friends or family looking to holiday together whilst still having their own privacy. With a range of properties on offer that covers everything from 1 bedroom villas right up to stand alone 5 bedroom villas with private pool, you will definitely find something to suit your taste with Classic. A villa holiday allows you the flexibility to do your own thing on holiday or, if having the facilities of a hotel close by are more to your liking, select one of the villas within a hotel complex.

Algarve Portugal

The range of destinations on offer from Classic includes Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Cyprus. In Spain, as well as offering the ever popular Costa del Sol, both Majorca and Tenerife are featured. Portugal’s Algarve coast is always popular, and here Classic has a wide range of villas to choose from. The island of Madeira is becoming more popular with Irish holidaymakers and is also available this summer.

Crete

Crete and Rhodes from the Classic Greek programme have an extensive range of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas to suit all tastes and budgets. Because Classic tailor make each and every holiday you can choose any departure date from any Irish airport and decide on the length of stay that suits you. 

All Classic Collection Holidays prices include flights, accommodation, private transfers and complimentary access to the Executive Lounge at Dublin Airport. Holidays are available from any Airport on any day for any duration.

For more details on these and many more offers contact your local travel agent or contact Classic Collection Holidays on 01 5413000 or visit www.classic-collection.ie  

Las Vegas in Dublin

Me with Caroline Coyle Snr Vice President of  Marketing LVCVB

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau swept into Dublin on May 9th just as Mercury was making its transit across the sun. They took me and many of the Irish Media for a wonderful lunch in Residence where the director Caroline Coyle told us about the new Las Vegas Virtual Reality Tour. It's easy to download the app http://VRtv.Vegas

New VR headset, just use a phone to sample a trip to Vegas

If you haven't been to Las Vegas this is a great way to get a feel for the amazing spectacle that makes this Luxury destination a favourite for so many. I loved Vegas so much that I was inspired to set my fourth novel there 4am in Las Vegas.

At lunch in Residence Stephens Green

If you are searching for a fun place to celebrate a big birthday or even a honeymoon, then Vegas ticks all the boxes. Fine dining, fun attractions, thrills of the Grand Canyon and entertainment that will not be beaten anywhere in the world check out http://www.lasvegas.com/

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are Family Ambassadors to New York

NYC & COMPANY AND NICKELODEON ANNOUNCE THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

AS NEW YORK CITY’S OFFICIAL FAMILY AMBASSADORS

—New York City Welcomed Approximately 17.5 Million Family Visitors in 2015, Increased by a Third Since the Launch of the Family Ambassador Program in 2009—

—In Time for Summer Travel, the First Phase of the Campaign Will Encourage Summer Travel to New York City—

What a brilliant plan by NYCGO.com My son loved the Turtles when he was little and New York is a great destination for all kids big and small. Read about it here...

New York City (April 20, 2016) —NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, together with Nickelodeon, announced the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are the newest Official NYC Family Ambassadors—part of a yearlong campaign to highlight New York City as a family-friendly destination. In 2015 New York City welcomed an estimated 17.5 million family visitors, a nearly two percent projected increase over 2014, and family travel to NYC is expected to continue to grow in 2016 to reach approximately 17.7 million family visitors. Since the launch of the Family Ambassador program in 2009, family visitation to New York City has grown by 32.6 percent and is currently 30 percent of total visitation to New York City. For kid-friendly NYC travel materials, guides and itineraries, visit nycgo.com/family.

“Last year we saw a record number of visitors here in New York City thanks to our various attractions and the art and entertainment that can be found around every corner of every street in every borough. Most importantly, however, are the 17.5 million family visitors who came to this city to expose their children and relatives to the diverse culture this City offers. Furthermore, the city’s public spaces and parks make it an ideal place for families to bond and strengthen their relationships. I invite all families to New York so that we can share with you all we have to offer,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“We’re excited to enlist the help of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, four dynamic and adventurous New Yorkers, to welcome family travelers to NYC,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “Known by visitors from around the world, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are the perfect guides to help families discover the vibrancy and excitement throughout the five boroughs.”

Families visiting NYC during the summer can take advantage of seasonal events including SummerStage Kids, Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, the US Open Tennis Championships and more. In addition, free and low-cost outdoor activities in NYC’s parks, along NYC’s waterfronts and beyond add to the attractiveness of visiting NYC during the summer.

“As native New Yorkers, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are the perfect choice to encourage visitors from around the globe to find their own adventures in the city that never sleeps,” said Pam Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer and President of Consumer Products, Nickelodeon. “We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with NYC & Company, which leverages our beloved characters to showcase the best of what New York City has to offer for kids and families.”

Currently in its fourth season, Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is seen in over 170 countries and territories and translated in 50+ languages. The series follows four mutant turtles—Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo—trained in the art of ninjutsu by their mutant rat sensei, Master Splinter, who teaches them to battle evil from the New York City sewers. The series’ executive producers are Ciro Nieli and Brandon Auman, and it is created at Nickelodeon Animation Studios in Burbank, California. Additionally, this summer the turtles will once again defend the streets of New York City in Paramount Pictures’ highly anticipated theatrical movie Teenage MutantNinja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, which arrives in theaters June 3.

The Official NYC Family Ambassador campaign will be promoted through out-of-home media in the five boroughs, Boston, Chicago, and 23 shopping malls in America; social media engagement using the hashtag #nycgofamily; TV commercials running in NYC taxicabs; and additional activations throughout the year.

The Family Ambassador program was created in 2009 to help position New York City as a welcoming family-friendly destination, encourage families to visit year-round and invite those who have already visited New York City to return and enjoy all of the new attractions the City has to offer. The Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles are the eighth Family Ambassador after Dora and Friends in 2015, Curious George in 2014,Where’s Waldo? in 2013, The Muppets in 2012, The Smurfs in 2011, Dora the Explorer in 2010 and Sesame Street in 2009.

For more details on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ambassador campaign, visit nycgo.com/family. Follow @nycgo_press on Twitter for the latest information about New York City travel

and tourism.

The Novel Traveller has some great news!

I'm chuffed and excited with the news that The Novel Traveller has been nominated for Best New Irish Travel Blog at the (click here) Travel Media Awards which will be held on 20th May 2016. 

I hope that you find my news and articles entertaining and please tweet me with any travel questions that I can help you with.

Lot's more to come over the next few weeks!

News From Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus invites you to ‘step inside’ its new Business Class

Take a virtual seat on airline’s new Boeing 757 Business Class with Google Maps

Aer Lingus is giving you the opportunity to experience Business Class as if you were sitting on the actual aircraft via a Google Maps virtual tour. This marks the launch of the airline’s new and improved Business Class Experience that is being rolled out across its Boeing 757 fleet.

The introduction of fully lie flat seats across Aer Lingus’ Boeing 757 aircraft provides Business Class guests with similar levels of comfort, storage and space to that available on the A330 fleet since last year.

The inaugural flight of the newly-fitted 757 was made in February from Shannon to Boston and a total of their additional aircraft will be fitted with the new business class cabins by mid-May.

To capture the unique 360 degree experience, thousands of high-resolution digital images were taken using a specially rigged DSLR camera and carefully stitched together to create a seamless virtual experience.

Online users can experience walking up to the plane, climbing the steps and walking through the aisle of the B757 Business Class Cabin.

The virtual tour also features ‘The Revival Lounge’ at Dublin airport which offers Business Class guests arriving into Dublin from North America the opportunity to refresh before departing the airport. The lounge offers a range of facilities upon arrival including premium changing and shower facilities, steam pressing of shirts on request, Wi-Fi, refreshments and a waiting area with TV and newspapers.

Declan Kearney, Director of Communications, Aer Lingus said: “We’re delighted to extend our Business Class experience to our Boeing 757 fleet that will cross the Atlantic from both Dublin and Shannon. Using Google maps to create a virtual tour gives everyone a chance to really see inside an Aer Lingus Business Class cabin and get a taste of what it’s like to fly Business Class with Aer Lingus.”

To take your own virtual tour, simply click on the link:

Aer Lingus Business Class Cabin - https://goo.gl/YjXiP4

Step on board Aer Lingus - https://goo.gl/f9t1Fv -

Aer Lingus Revival Lounge - https://goo.gl/mSoev0

Aer Lingus partnered with photographer Oliver Murray to create the virtual tour using Google images. Oliver is also the only Irish recipient of the Annual Google European Awards for trusted partners.