Some novel travel suggestions for summer reading!

There's nothing like a good book to take you away somewhere and holidays are often the only time many people get to read these days. With so many books to chose from often many good reads join the long list of 'to be read' while we are distracted to read the newest books on the shelves. That's why I've picked three books that have been around for a while. They have been made into movies but there is a different experience to be enjoyed from flicking through the pages of a novel and conjuring up images in your own head.
I've picked three books set in three different destinations that are popular all year around and even if you are not going to these places, reading these books may well inspire your next trip.
We discussed these books on Midday on Tuesday 26th July and you can see the clip here Midday TV3 discussing Novel Travel

Parc Guell Barcelona

First up is Barcelona and the book I chose to give a reader that sense of place is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruis Zafon.

Set in post civil war Spain the main character Daniel Sempere is brought to an old library called the cemetery of forgotten books by his father where he is allowed to take only one book. The book inspires the young boy to find out more about the author and it brings him on an adventure where he finds love and danger but it takes the reader to many of Barcelona's great sights.
There is a fully guided tour available which will give fans of the book a chance to relive Daniel's footsteps. /The-Shadow-of-the-Wind-Walking-Book-Tour-in-Barcelona
Barcelona is a great city to take the kids to visit. A big hit with my son was the Nou Camp stadium, home to Barcelona FC. Another treat for all the family or romantic couples is Parc Guell. The Spanish architect Gaudi is responsible for much of the magical architecture around the city and it will amaze even the most reluctant sightseer.

My son, Mark in Nou Camp

If you have time the red bus tour takes about two hours and really gives a sense of the enormity of this city and will help to get your bearings. But if you would rather just relax then a stroll along the ramblas and stop off for churros and hot chocolate - the kids will love you for it.

Las Ramblas

A landmark restaurant in the Gothic Quarter that will transport you to a cultural feats is 4 Cats where artists like Picasso and Gaudi hung out in the early twentieth century.
If you are heading to one of the popular resorts close to Barcelona then it is worth even taking a day trip to this beautiful city.
For more information see Spanish Tourist Board
Barcelona pops up in my novel Six Postcards Home - in fact it opens in a scene in the Placa Reial - if you would like to take a read it's available on amazonSix-Postcards-Home

Few places capture the imagination like Rome with all its romance and ceremony. I've picked a book that has been around a long and time. Dan Brown has certainly had his critics over the years but he did something similar for books as JK Rowling did with the Harry Potter series and got people reading. Any author that has people turning pages rapidly is incredibly talented.

 Angels and Demons is the second in the Robert Langdon series and I think one of the best reads to find your way around Rome.

Vatican city , St Peter's Basillica

The plot takes readers at break neck speed around Vatican City, The Castel San Angelo and The Piazza Navonna which is easily my favourite place to people watch in Rome. If you have plans to visit there is so much to do with incredibly food and the best handbag shopping you will ever find.

Piazza Navonna

Rome has so much to offer the lover of art and culture and must sees include the Colloseum and Trevi Fountain mean that you can be busy running around the city trying to fit it all in - much like Robert Langdon. I recommend taking a slower pace and leaving something to return to for next time.

Trevi Fountain credit FOTOTECA ENIT.

CARACALLA THERMAL BATHS OPERA SEASON IN ROME

Rome 22 Jun – 10 Aug 2016

www.operaroma.it

This year the Caracalla Opera Season will present a rich programme of opera and ballet in the magnificent Caracalla Thermal Baths in Rome. The spectacular backdrop will enhance the enjoyment of operas such as: Nabucco, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Madame Butterfly and ballet such as Nureyev tribute and a recital by the acclaimed dancer Roberto Bolle. Performances by the Chinese pianist Lang Lang, and legends like Lionel Ritchie and Neil Young are also in the programme.   This year, with the MyCaracalla initiative it is also possible to combine a guided visit to the Caracalla Thermal baths at night and a gourmet aperitif before an opera or ballet of your choice.

My last novel is set in Rome and if you would like to read a sample click here amazon.co.uk/7-Wishes-Rome-Irish-Fiction

For more information about visiting Italy go to http://www.italiantouristboard.co.uk/

My final recommendation is a book that isn't one of my favourites but the premise is similar in theme and style to many of the great women writers we have produced in Ireland, if this book had been writing by Maeve Binchy or one of the many other strong women writers such as Melissa Hill or Colette Caddle it may not have had such literary recognition. But it is a good story about a very real time in our history and a character that will resonate with many readers who have experienced emigration. It takes the reader back to Wexford too which is still a popular summer destination for those who holiday at home.

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn is one of the five Burroughs that makes up New York city. Traditionally the Irish have a history of congregating around mid-town Manhattan for our weekend visits but here is so much more to see and if you are taking a second or third bite of the big apple then make some time to explore one of the other Burroughs. One of the best views of Manhattan is from Brooklyn, framed by the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge. The Bus tour from Manhattan is a great way to cross the Hudson River and see the area from best advantage.

Beautiful Brownstone houses in the Cobble Hill district

This time of year is lovely in New York and it is also NYC Restaurant Week. If you are in town why not try out 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.

Coney Island is part of the Burrough of Brooklyn and home of the New York Aquarium and Luna Park fairground.

Coney Island Beach

One memorable scene in the novel is when Eilis goes on her first trip to Coney Island and see the world through her new sunglasses while sporting her swimsuit. It's difficult to imagine what life was like for her but it is easy to be transported back in time in this popular beach resort where the locals come to swim in the sea. Take time out on one of the fairground rides at Luna Park.

Luna Park Fairground Coney Island

 If you would rather a more sedate activity then the Botanic Gardens are beautiful and well worth a visit, especially in April and May when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. 

For all you need to know about visiting Brooklyn or any of the New York suburbs go to NYCGO.com

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Some great deals with Tour America at the moment include a stay at the hotel Beacon which is my favourite place to stay in Manhattan touramerica.ie/packages

Probably my favourite book baby is Three Nights in New York - written in 2008! .amazon.co.uk/Three-Nights-New-York-

Northern Spain special, Bilbao and the Camino

Northern Spain is a different World - fun with the kids in Bilbao!

Spain is always a popular destination for Irish Tourists and this summer it is more so than ever with a predicted increase to 1.4 million in 2016. But when we think of Spain all too often we choose popular destinations like Barcelona or the Costa Del Sol but Northern Spain is having a Renaissance for a number of reasons and I've been checking them out.

I recently returned from Bilbao nestled in Basque country and close to the other jewels of the region, San Sebastian and Pamplona.

With the kids in tow we arrived on a Wednesday and checked into the Gran Hotel Domine in Bilbao, set across the road from the glorious Guggenheim Gallery. I didn't know about Puppy, the lovely doggy covered in flowers who sits outside the gallery - an incredible living sculpture that children especially will love to touch. We spent our first day cycling around the city on bikes with a guided tour - it was three hours long and I wondered if my teens would be giving out but on the contrary they adored seeing the city while doing an activity. Next day we took the unusual perspective of seeing the city from the river. Once the most polluted in Europe it is spotless and full of fish after a massive cleaning that cost the city millions. It was money well spent as we were able to kayak freely up and down on our two hour trip.

Any activity like this works up an appetite and Bilbao is a wonderful city for food lovers.

I'd recommend it for couples or girlie weekends and my kids adored the pinxtos which are a different kind of tapas to the usual you will find around Spain.

The transport system is excellent and shopping condensed in the one area which was perfect for my 12 year old daughter to get to see all her favourite stores. Bilbao is a masterpiece in design and layout. In the seventies many of the ugly industrial buildings that hugged the river were demolished and the infra structure was developed to a high aesthetic and working standard.

San Sebastian is only an hour away by bus and a beautiful city - why not do the coastal route and creep along the unspoilt beaches that hug the Atlantic. Another popular activity that has brought millions to Northern Spain is the Camino. Most pilgrims walk the final section of the 800 mile pilgrimage which is over 110km and get their passports stamped along the way in various hostels and guest houses. It seems to be a wonderful experience and life changing from anyone that I have spoken to who has done it. I've put together some deals below from Irish Tour operators and links to the Bilbao Tourist Board and the beautiful Gran Hotel Domine Where we stayed in Bilbao. 

Travel Tuesday on TV3's Midday chat about Bilbao - click here for link Bilbao on Midday 

Aer Lingus operates a daily service from Dublin to Bilbao with up to two flights on Saturday. One-way fares including taxes and charges start from €49.99 including taxes and charges

www.aerlingus.com

http://www.bilbaoturismo.net/BilbaoTurismo/en/tourists#

http://www.hoteldominebilbao.com/

http://tournebilbao.com/en/

http://www.bilbobentura.com/

www.madmuseum.es
www.spain.info

Most popular package - Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago

This is the most popular Camino route known as the French Way. This trail captures the perfectly captures the essence of the Camino de Santiago. You will meet fellow pilgrims, discover local traditions and enjoy the unique atmosphere walking through Galicia's green countryside. This route finishes in the historic town of Santiago where you will collect your pilgrim certificate. 

Price: A 6-night self-guided tour on the French Way from Sarria to Santiago starts from €560 per person sharing for 6 nights. More details here: French Way

Another popular option is the last section of the Camino Portugues from Tui to Santiago

The Portuguese Way is the second most popular route among pilgrims to Santiago but you don't have to trek all the way from Lisbon to discover this classic Camino trail. 

Start from the town of Tui in Galicia, separated from Portugal only by the River Minho, and walk to Santiago in just a week. Tui is home to a wonderful historic centre and spectacular medieval cathedral-fortress. On your way you will reach the coast in the fishing village of Arcade, where you should taste the famous local oysters.

Price: A 7-night self-guided tour on the Portuguese Way from Tui to Santiago starts from €746 per person sharing. More details here:Camino Portugues

All prices include: Half-board accommodation, luggage transfers and holiday pack with route notes and practical information.

Price does not include:

Flights, transport, travel insurance.

www.caminoways.com

tel: 015252886

Final Stage – Camino Frances (8 days)

Weekly departures from April to October

Sarria to Santiago (8 days), the full and final stage of the Camino Way…

All inclusive price                                                                             Special Offer

     Flights                                                                                        From €775 

     B&B                                                                                       per person sharing

     Luggage transfers

     Pilgrim passport

www.maptravel.ie

tel: 01878311

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.

Getting married next year? Check out The InterContinental in Dublin

‘SAY I DO’ AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL DUBLIN WEDDING OPEN DAY

SUNDAY 26 JUNE, 2016 FROM 1.00PM – 5.00PM

InterContinental Dublin, Ireland's finest Five Star Hotel (formerly Four Seasons Hotel), renowned for its timeless elegance and contemporary style, located in Ballsbridge, an unrivalled location for a city resort wedding, is delighted to announce its first Wedding Open Day on Sunday 26 June, 2016; from 1.00pm - 5.00pm,  since completing refurbishments of its luxurious Ballrooms.

The InterContinental Dublin Wedding Open Day is the event to attend for the most fashionable wedding couples looking to plan a celebration that is truly unforgettable with expert assistance from InterContinental Dublin’s own expert team of Wedding Specialists.

Prospective couples will get a glimpse into the top-tier services the Hotel has to offer and will be among the first to see its newly refurbished Ballrooms and event spaces. InterContinental Dublin is the only Five Star Hotel in the city to offer a choice of two Ballrooms - all luxuriously decorated with gold and muted elegant tones flowing onto beautifully landscaped Terrace and Inner Courtyard Garden.

Enjoy champagne and delicious canapés on arrival where couples will be invited to a private consultation of its stylish spaces featuring sets from formal, to informal, showcasing the huge flexibility that its wedding spaces can offer for a bespoke wedding whether you are looking for formal or informal celebrations.

Couples are invited to register for a personal invitation to confirm a private consultation on the day with one of its expert wedding specialists.

To request an invitation, please email weddings@icdublin.com 

Get two holidays for the price of one! #Travel Tuesday on TV3's Midday Show!

Jackson Family at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai on way home from Australia

Tuesday 24th May 2016
How do you squeeze an extra holiday into your main holiday and delay the going home process? Taking a long-stopover or breaking your journey is a wonderful opportunity to ease jet lag and get to see somewhere else for a small outlay and sometimes make savings too!
With so many people visiting family in Australia the most popular route is now through the middle east and both Emirates and Etihad offer daily flights from Dublin. The hub airports of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are only an hour apart by taxi and if you break your journey with an overnight it is possible to see both cities.

Family Day at the Viceroy Hotel in Abu Dhabi

Shopping is a must in both and this is an opportunity to see middle-eastern culture and decide if you like it that you might come back for a longer time. If your stay is over 24 hours long you can book a hotel and bring light carry on bags for your overnight stay.



But be wary that flight schedules can change very quickly so if you really want to make a stop over book a multi-city trip and sometimes this will work out the same price.

Abu Dhabi racetrack Viceroy hotel

Abu Dhabi Do!
I took my daughter to Thailand in February and we had a 14 hour stopover. After a very early morning flight we arrived at 12pm and set about spending 12 magical hours getting to know the place. Yas Island is one of Abu Dhabi's five regions and specialises in things to do with kids.

abu dhabi nights

We checked in at the Viceroy Hotel, which straddles the Formulae One raceway.The Viceoy hotel often has rooms for as little as €128 if you book through booking.com or trivago. and it is perfectly located close to every attraction with free bus transfers. Here we swam in the pool enjoyed the food and took in the top attractions - Ferrari World and Yas Shopping Mall, the second biggest in the UAE.

Ferrari World boasts the biggest rollercoaster in the world and if you want to see the scale of it take a look at it next to the grand prix circuit.

copyright Eamonn Blaney Ferrari World from the air

The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is a wonder of the modern world and the largest. It is closed to non-muslims on Fridays and Holy Days but admission is free otherwise and it is an enthralling marvel of architecture - Free of Charge!

copyright Eamonn Blaney The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque

Stop off in the neighbours!
London is much closer to us and can be overlooked as a great destination to spend a day. With so many airlines and flights passing through Heathrow and Gatwick Irish Travellers often have to transfer to a flight through the London hubs and because of our familiarity with the city I'd forgotten how many new attractions and sights there are to see in London. My daughter had never been so travelling with her helped me to see the city with new eyes and of course there were lots of attractions like the London Eye and The shard that I had never been to either. We made a list of our top things to do in London but if you only have one day then the top new sights are on the South Bank opposite Westminster. Even if you only have a day to spend you can fit a lot in.

Buckingham Palace

We suggest a London Duck Tour and take in the Sea Life Aquarium and London Dungeon, all south of the river. This is overlooked by the London Eye and if you book your tickets beforehand online, you can easily go from one attraction to the other.

Shopping on Oxford Street is great fun and try take a black cab!

Brunch on the roof of the ME Hotel

Afternoon Tea is a quintessentially English thing to do and if you have time try and do Brunch on the roof of the ME hotel.

London Duck Tours are great fun and include a cruise up the River Thames

Going West!
If you are travelling west there are lots of great options for taking in a second city. Wow Air fly to Boston and Washington via Iceland and encourage passengers to stop off and see this remarkable island. Air Canada take many of their passengers through Toronto which is the hub not only to all of Canada but to the USA and the Caribbean also. Many of the US airlines offer connections through the hubs of Chicago and New York especially.

Talk to your tour operator and see what they advise about extending your next longhaul trip!
Or just go on skyscanner and you will be amazed by the flight options that will pop up. If you book your flight with an online website check with your airline or airport the day of travel that your flight is on time - sometimes flight schedules can change and your flight can actually leave earlier!

If you missed my appearance on today's Midday Show on TV3 catch it here on player www.tv3.ie/3player/

Win B&B and Dinner in the wonderful King Sitric restaurant in my hometown Howth by going on the Midday Show page facebook.com/TV3midday

Happy Travels
Michelle x

The Intercontinental Hotel Dublin is tops for Valentine's Day!

If you are planning on spoiling your loved one this Valentine's Day or if you are hoping your loved one has plans for you but needs a little help, then look no further. I've been busy researching three top romantic venues with pampering being a priority for this Valentine's Day. If you don't have plans to go away this weekend then keep these hotels in mind for your next escape in Ireland!

Top of the list is...

#1 The Intercontinental Hotel Dublin

A ten minute drive will bring you from Stephen's Green to Dublin's most desirable suburb, Ballsbridge, where the intercontinental hotel is nestled conveniently beside the RDS , the Aviva Stadium and a host of desirable bars and restaurants. Location is perfect for a weekend getaway and with Valentine's weekend around the corner I decided to check out this main stay of luxury accommodation which morphed out of the Four Seasons Hotel over a year ago. I was met by the courteous reception that you would expect from this Five Star establishment and many of the hotel's best features like the Ice Bar remain the same. But the building has been given a generous facelift and after a quick peek into Season's restaurant I couldn't wait for my lunch!

The Italian chef, Alberto Rossi, offered a wonderful a la carte menu with seasonal produce. I was very impressed by the different flavours he added to the menu and it was nice to see Teelings Whiskey being used so creatively in a starter. Even if you have a special lunch in mind for a friends or parents birthday it is incredible value at €34 for two courses and a meal that will stay in the memory for years.

The spa at the Intercontinental is possibly one of the best kept secrets in Dublin. Offering the complete range of ESPA treatments I opted for a facial and was treated with essential oils of my own choosing. The ESPA range is carried in the best hotels around Ireland and a guarantee of quality. I was offered a head or arm massage to accompany the facial and my experienced Philipino therapist was kind and attentive throughout. There are four treatment rooms which means that although the facility is small it doesn't get crowded. The lap pool in the spa is accompanied by a generous Jacuzzi which can fit a multitude and looks out onto a pleasant courtyard. It is easy to forget that I am only a few minutes from Dublin City centre.

The newly refurbished bedrooms are generously sized with a bath that filled up in a couple of minutes. With all the usual mod cons in the room and unlimited WIFI this hotel had everything needed for a good night's sleep. Breakfast was a complete treat. Choice of buffet style or service the menu included smoothies and pancakes and the usual high standards of an Intercontinental Hotel but my favourite was the natural honeycomb on offer beside the porridge. It's one of the yard sticks I use to judge a perfect breakfast buffet.

It can be difficult to find parking in Ballsbridge but the Interconintental car park is convenient to all the must see venues in the area. I had a busy day ahead of me at Holiday World checking out new destinations to visit and write about but after such a wonderful stay in my own home town - I won't want to go anywhere else for a while. Even if you live in Dublin the Intercontinental is a perfect choice for a girls spa retreat or a romantic getaway with your loved one.

 L'Amore Valentines at the 5* InterContinental Dublin in Ballsbridge

Indulge and celebrate true love with our Italian themed Luxurious ‘L’Amore’ Valentines Package featuring;

• A luxurious one night stay in a Deluxe Room including sumptuous chocolate tasting plate on arrival
• Full Irish Breakfast served in Seasons Restaurant or why not breakfast in bed!
• Relax in the surroundings of The Spa including access to the pool, thermal suite (steam room, sauna), Jacuzzi or why not treat you and your Amore to a relaxing couples treatment with our expert therapists.
• That evening let your Italian inspired romance flow as InterContinental Dublin’s Executive Chef Alberto Rossi seduces the senses with an Italian inspired Menu in Seasons Restaurant. 

Package price: from €445 per Room/per Night (based on two sharing). Available Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 February, 2016.

For more visit: http: //www.intercontinentaldublin.ie or call 01 665 4000 or email; reservations@icdublin.com

#2 An indulgent Valentine’s Day escape for two at Faithlegg House Hotel and Golf Resort

If you are in the South of the country I highly recommend Faithlegg House for a touch of the Downtown Abbey but with all the cosy familiarity of staying in your favourite aunties! It's close to Dunmore East and Passage East and has a massive whirlpool where you can lose yourself with your loved one... 

Set in the midst of the beautiful Waterford countryside, Faithlegg House Hotel is the picture perfect setting for a loved-up break this Valentine’s Day. Whisk your other half away for a romantic Valentine’s celebration and enjoy a blissful two nights together in the heavenly surrounds of Faithlegg House Hotel.

Relax in to your romantic escape with freshly prepared handmade chocolates and chocolate dipped strawberries awaiting you in your room on arrival. Enjoy some uninterrupted time together with a walk in the picturesque woodlands, afternoon tea or a relaxing couple of hours catching up with your favourite book in the undisturbed company of your loved one.

The indulgent Valentine’s package includes a romantic, specially designed Valentine’s Day meal in the award winning Roseville Rooms restaurant prepared by head chef Jenny Flynn, a two night stay in one of the luxurious bedrooms at Faithlegg House Hotel, handmade chocolates and chocolate dipped strawberries on arrival and a freshly prepared Irish breakfast each morning, prices start at €175 per person sharing.

Faithlegg House Hotel is an ideal location for a romantic getaway for two, for more information visit www.faithlegg.com or call 051 382000. 

#3 Radisson Blu Hotel Galway

I stayed here with the family but I can recommend this hotel as a perfect spot for a romantic getaway, make sure to ask for a room with a view over the bay. The Radisson Blu is in the perfect location close to the train station and Eyre Square. 

The rooms have been refurbished and there are lots of lovely treats in this hotel like the salt grotto in the hotel's spa and the sushi restaurant. I especially loved the nespresso machines in the bedrooms for coffee lovers. So why not get romantic in Galway!

Dinner in Marina’s Grill for €45 euro includes a pre-dinner glass of bubbles with a strawberry and a sweet treat at the end of the meal and is available on the 13^th and 14^th February. 

B&B €159 per room 14th Feb only

Unwind Package Includes a choice of Elemis Full Body Massage 55 mins or Elemis Skin Modern Facial Also Includes 4 Hours Thermal Suite, Pool & Outdoor Hot Tub and a 2 Course Lunch All for just €99.00

For more information of to book visit http://www.radissonhotelgalway.com/

Valentine's Day Deals from Dublin...Fly to Lisbon, Paris and Prague.

Would you like to whisk your loved one off to one of Europe's favourite capitals for Valentine's Day? The ITAA have some great offers so snap them up quickly!

One of my favourite cities in the world
and possibly the most romantic
Perfect for Valentines Day

Valentine’s Day Deals

This week we have rounded up a selection of the best offers available

Luxury Valentine’s Break in Lisbon, 3 nights, 12^th to 15^th February, from €226 pps

Treat the one you love this Valentine’s Day with a luxury romantic break in Lisbon. Spread across steep hillsides, overlooking the River Tagus, the city of Lisbon has something on offer for all its visitors. With its Roman and Moorish ruins, white-domed cathedrals, narrow cobblestone lanes and grand plazas with sun-drenched cafes, it is the perfect place to plan a romantic getaway.

Take a tram up and down the steep hillsides, try some delicious freshly baked Pasteis de Natain (custard tarts) in Belem or listen to fado singers perform in Alfama's back streets. Portugal’s capital is the perfect mix of old and new, with it combination of beautifully maintained ruins and new bohemian bars, and is set to be a top city destination for 2016.

Price includes: 4* Accommodation and Return Flights. T&Cs apply. Subject to availability.

For more information on this deal available from Travelnet.ie visit:

http://itaa.ie/2016/01/27/valentines-break-lisbon

Sintra is a short bus ride from Lisbon and well worth a visit as a Unesco Heritage site.

Take a trip out to the Devil's Mouth only a short
 walk from the beautiful seaside town of Cascais

 

I love Lisbon here I am with Fernando Pessoa one of Portugal's best regarded writers!
He can be seen outside the famous coffee house A Brasiliera

Valentine’s City Break in Prague, 2 nights, 12^th – 14^th February, from €279 pps

ClickandGo.com has the perfect Valentine’s Gift for the special person in your life with this city break to Prague. Located right in the heart of Europe, Prague has been considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world since the Middle Ages. With its impressive architecture, magnificent cuisine and bohemian art scene, it is a diverse and vibrant city.

Under a minute's walk from a tram station, the stately, art nouveau style 4* Union Praha hotel is just around the corner from Charles Bridge and a short walk from Vyšehrad castle. It is the perfect spot from which to discover the city’s labyrinth of winding streets, majestic chapels, colourful markets and quiet bars. From the moment you cross the impressive Charles Bridge or step into the beautifully preserved Old Town Square, you are sure to fall in love with this amazing city.

Price includes:  2 nights’ accommodation with breakfast inclusive and flights

For more information on this deal available from ClickandGo.com visit:

http://itaa.ie/2016/01/26/valentines-break-prague

 If you do decide to go to Paris then make time for The Bateaux Parisiens for an unforgettable dining experience and great views

Valentine’s Day in Paris, 2 nights, 12^th – 14^th February, from €399pp

Escape to one of the most romantic, stylish and exciting cities in the world this Valentine’s Day. Hugging the banks of the River Seine, each district is distinct with a unique atmosphere and share of interesting attractions. From the medieval charm of Le Marais to the bohemian Left Bank, the quaint artists’ quarter of Montmartre to the ultra-fashionable Saint-Germain-des-Près, the blend of ancient and modern in this beautiful city is seamless.

From your base in the 3* Grand Hotel du Havre, discover the classical paintings of the Louvre, enjoy candlelit drinks in one of the many wine bars or take a boat ride along the Seine at sunset. The opportunities for romance in the City of Love are endless.

Price includes: 2 nights’ accommodation (room only) and return flights from Cork

For more information on this deal available from Dawson Travel visit:

http://itaa.ie/2016/01/27/valentines-break-paris

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