What to do for a break this autumn in Ireland

With so many lovely places to stay in Ireland it's difficult to choose - these are three of my favourites and some places that you can visit while you stay there.

Cork and Fota Island Resort

I escaped to Fota Island Resort with my friend Cheryl and our daughters Nicole and Sarah a short while back. Our accommodation was a family room with large king size and single bed but with plenty of room for another pull out bed where my daughter had a very cosy sleep. There was plenty of room in the en suite with a large walk in shower and generous sized bath − a priority for the kids. While our daughters swam in the hotel pool, under the supervision of a lifeguard, it was time for Cheryl and I to explore the spa. The spa is well presented with good variety in the thermal and hydrotherapy suites. I was whisked into a treatment room by Kasa my therapist for a soothing Indian Head Massage. The bed was heated by an electric blanket and as Kasa worked her magic, the back-to-school-blues became a distant memory. After the hour long treatment I was brought to the relaxation room and served a passion fruit yogurt with fresh melon. Looking out of the relaxation room at a colourful garden of trees and grasses I almost forget that the kids were with us.

hydrotherapy pool at Fota Resort

Our little mermaids were so enamoured with the selection of shampoos and conditioners at the pool that they were showered and ready for the night before leaving the spa. The hotel offers kids clubs and it wasn't so long ago that our daughters would have needed that kind of attention to give their mother's a break. But at 11 years of age they wanted to dress up and with appetites whetted they could not wait to see the menu in the dining room. The sun came out and we had the option of sitting outside too.

The dining room welcomed with a piano in the corner. The steak was too mouth-watering to ignore so we ordered two while the kids opted for delicious homemade burgers from the children's menu. It isn't often that I refuse dessert but the main course was so satisfying and delicious I hadn't the room or inclination for pudding. Babysitting facilities are also provided so parents can get a real break. Cheryl and I settle into the bar safe in the knowledge that our mermaids were happy upstairs in the room. A passing waiter asks if we would like cocktails and we didn't want to appear rude so we agreed. As we sat back in our leather armchairs we sipped away any thoughts of making school lunches the following week.

My daughter Nicole loved the baby cheetahs

Next morning, after a long and colourful breakfast that includes, waffles, pancakes and plenty of fruit, the girls insist on another swim before check out. The skies clouded over in typical Irish fashion and it starts to pour as we drive our short trip to the wildlife park. Fota Island Resort offers free entry into the park with special packages, so this is worth checking out on booking. Surprisingly the sky clears and we see the tigers and rhino in the Asian sanctuary at leisure. This is a lovely sized park where the animals are happy and have the choice to hide away or come see the spectators if they choose. A little train runs around the rim of the park taking passengers to the reasonably priced cafe. The highlight for our daughters is the two new baby cheetahs, they send the girls into a frenzy as they frantically post pictures on their Instagram accounts. We realise on our return that we have taken so many photos of the animals we have almost none of the girls.

Taking a right out of the park brings us to the historic town of Cobh, only five minutes away. This town is a huge treat for kids who are fascinated by the Titanic story and the museum is a must see. The great thing about Fota Island is the variety of family friendly activities so close together. There are three golf courses on the resort and a stately house with one of the finest art galleries outside the National Gallery in Dublin. As we set off home on the long road back to Dublin we all agree that one night on Fota Island just isn't enough!

Fota Island Resort is an oasis with lovely facilities and a zoo close by. Terrific for couples or families.
There is a FOTA Wildlife Park Package - Prices for midweek for 2 adults and 1 child start from €235.

Current prices for Two Nights B&B with Dinner on one evening start from €685.

Prices for a self-catering lodge for 2 adults and 2 children start from €485.

Cobh is close by so why not bring the kids to the Titanic Experience - they will love it!
find out more here http://www.titanicexperiencecobh.ie/

Belfast and The Culloden Hotel

The Culloden is the jewel of Hastings Hotels in northern Ireland and being only ten minutes from Belfast city centre you can really enjoy all that the city has to offer. Listed are prices for a stay and some fun things to see or do this autumn including the CS Lewis tour which I took with my daughter last year.

·         Fans of Game of Thrones are also in for a treat when they visit the Causeway Coast, and they will find several locations used in the filming of the series, such as The Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Dunluce Castle and Cushenden Caves to name but a few.

The Culloden Estate and Spa is located in a prime position for anybody who wants to get out and about during their stay to see all that County Down has to offer. Here are five of the main picks:

·         Mount Stewart is a stunning country house next to Strangford Lough, with beautiful gardens and rooms to explore. In particular, if you’re around for Jazz in the Garden which takes place in the grounds one Sunday a month, this is a great day out. You can bring a picnic and enjoy the great music in the picturesque settings.

·         The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra is a fun and educational day out for all the family. Both museums in the complex offer a real feel of stepping back in time, with the Folk Museum bringing you back to past ways of life in the early 20^th century, and the Transport Museum hosts impressive displays of transport from over the years.

·         Pickie Family Fun Park in Bangor has been a summer favourite for many generations, and is just as much so now. Kids can enjoy the train, the swings or the swans and their accompanying parents can have the added nostalgic value of days spent there when they were younger.

·         Those of an active inclination can visit the Mourne Mountains for a day. All the peaks, including Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s tallest mountain, are reachable in a few hours, so it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. Those who take on the climb are rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views at the top.

·         Finally, the long-awaited reopening of Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry arrives in August. Exploris is a great interactive opportunity to get up close and personal with the array of marine life in Strangford Lough, and a fun and educational family day out. Exploris will re-open on August 15.

A Voyage of Discovery in Belfast with CS Lewis

Nicole with the searcher statue dedicated to CS Lewis, do you spot a certain wardrobe?

Every city has its literary giants and Belfast is no exception. Authentic Ulster promotes a tailormade CS Lewis tour which takes a fascinating three hours.  While my 11 year old daughter, her friend and I enjoy the wisdom of our entertaining guide Sandy Smith, we discover that the mountains at Cavehill provided the inspiration for one of the most famous giants in literature. 

Cavehill is visible from several parts of the city and resembles the profile of a giant lying on his back. Sandy informs us that while Jonathan Swift was visiting Belfast and looking at the same mountain he found inspiration to create the character Gulliver. It's the perfect start to the tour, as we stand at the site where the young Clive Staples Lewis spent his early childhood. My daughter is already enthralled without the need of a flashing screen or interactive exhibit. The Chronicles of Narnia is undoubtedly the series that CS Lewis is best known for and Sandy is quick to question the children in our group about The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe. He then takes us to Lewis's Grandfather's house which was the rectory attached to St Marks Church. 

We stand at the front door and see that the young Lewis would have been at eye level to the beautifully moulded door knob − the head of a lion. The wardrobe story is next and we are taken to Belmont Tower which is only around the corner. A permanent exhibition holds all the information needed to become proficient in the CS Lewis story. Here we learn it was Lewis's other grandfather, who worked at the Harland and Wolfe shipyards, that crafted the famous wardrobe where he used to play hide-and-seek as a child.
To experience the CS Lewis Tour visit www.authenticulster.co.uk ,

Dublin and the Marker Hotel

The Marker in Dublin has some exciting packages if you are looking for a weekend in our capital city

Room only €219 per room per night

Breakfast inclusive €249 per room per night

Other packages we would do –

·         Bord Gais Energy Theatre package (tickets not included) – overnight stay with pre-theatre menu & complimentary glass of bubbles and breakfast the following morning – from €319 per night

·         Luxury Lie in & Le Drunch – stay on a Saturday night, complimentary late check out the following morning and then Le Drunch (which is our late lunch / early dinner offering on a Sunday) in our Brasserie – from €279 per night

·         Food Fetish – dinner, bed and breakfast – from €319 per night

·         Urban Escape – dinner, bed and breakfast and two one hour spa treatments – from €519 per night

·         Sumptuous Stayover – overnight stay with breakfast and two 30 minute spa treatments – from €399 per night

One of the great new attractions in Dublin which opened this summer is Epic.

Epic Visitor Museum at CHQ Building Custom House Quay

Open 7 days per week 9am-6pm

There's an Epic new attraction in the CHQ described as Dublin's newest immersive visitor museum. I brought along two pre-teens, to see how Ireland's Diaspora changed the world, and was surprised and impressed at how the interactive displays kept them busy.

Getting passports at emigration

On entering the fully accessible building, we were handed our passports, which instantly gave the girls something to do. The adults seemed just as amused with the task of stamping their passports as they completed each section of the exhibition.

Stamping passports as we passed through the museum

The ambience and initial imagery is unmistakably celtic, and I did wonder if this was going to be fun for the kids, Our island's tragic history makes gloomy reading and the story of emigration even more downbeat and ever cyclical. However, the constant stamping got the kids through the initial horrors of famine, destitution and poverty without determent, and the girls had their phones out from the initial display. Using their cameras and social media is as much a part of an experience for this generation as the exhibits, and because the displays became more fun and interactive as we passed through each section the girls stayed longer to find out more.

The layout of the exhibition is cavernous which neatly blocks the themes of music, arts, sport and literature into tidy separate sections that are easy to navigate.

I was especially impressed by the books in the literature rooms which recounted tales from various classic novels when pulled from the shelf. The guides were especially helpful in this part of the museum and eager to show off the novelties.

Those Diaspora who had achieved acclaim on the silver and small screens were recorded especially well and I was so engrossed that I lost the girls at that stage. They were more amused by the sports room and found a place to make better use of snapchat and instagram.

The images taking me through Italia 90 made me quite reminiscent of our innocence as a nation and I was even emotional watching the pope in the Pheonix Park in 1979. Although, I'd imagine the JFK speech will impact largely with the American Visitors to the museum.

The girls were getting into the swing of the museum by the time we reached the sport room

I was genuinely astonished to see the Irish Diaspora's contribution to science and astronomy and this particular display was the most innovative with fluorescent light effects.

The room of notorious Irish was possibly the most fun for the girls and they were educated about historical facts while they partook in the interactive quiz. I have to admit that I danced around from option A to B a couple of times myself. Every bit of space is used with the displays in all the rooms making the floors, walls and free standing surfaces equally interesting and informative.

We did spend over an hour at the museum which made the entry fee of €16 for adults and €8 for kids good value.

With plenty of opportunities to see their names in lights the girls got involved with the personalised postcards and twitter feeds. If you do visit this summer be sure to use the hastag #epicireland to see your tweet in lights. Some heavyweight social media experts like @tedrubin have been to visit here already! It's good to see a top quality attraction like this in Dublin. With the range of healthy eating options upstairs at the CHQ I really hope that visitors are directed to this attraction this summer and it will put in an interesting afternoon for those living in Dublin or visiting from the rest of Ireland too.

Another new attraction to open this summer in Dublin is The Witness History Exhibition at the GPO

Struggling to keep the kids entertained this summer? Come explore the GPO Witness History Visitor Centre

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting day out the whole family can enjoy, why not stop in and check out the GPO Witness History visitor centre this August. Located in the historic GPO building on O’Connell Street in Dublin, the centre is a great place for the whole family to learn more about the seismic events that shaped Ireland’s modern history.

The centre uses timelines and artefacts to show visitors the circumstances that led to the Rising, including the cultural revival and struggle for Home Rule. There is something for everyone to see and enjoy no matter if you are a tourist or a local. The extensive list of things to do and see is sure to captivate people of any age. View an original copy of the Proclamation, and learn the interesting story of how it was printed. See one of the Mauser guns used by the rebels during the Rising, and learn about Ireland’s complicated relationship with Germany at the time.

GPO Witness History is interactive and engaging, with the centrepiece being an immersive 15 minute audio-visual experience which puts you in the midst of the action at various battles between rebels and British forces around Dublin, including inside the GPO itself. Feel the tension inside the GPO as the roof starts shaking under British bombardment, and watch as the rebel leaders make decisions that have impacted this country to this day.

A character in period costume roams the centre, happy to tell you all about his or her life in 1916 Dublin.

Children and adults alike may enjoy the various touchscreen games. Can you avoid British soldiers as you seek to deliver a message to rebel strongholds? Can you sort letters to New York, London and Galway faster than the rest of your family? There’s nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition!

See the conflict from both sides and through the eyes of the bystanders, with many eyewitness accounts available to enable visitors to draw their own conclusions on the events of Easter week. Video booths showing short interviews with some of Ireland’s most preeminent historians give balance to key themes from the Rising. Compare life for a wealthy child in Dublin at the time with the life of a child of the tenements, with mock-ups of both children’s living arrangements side by side.

After passing through the commemoration gallery, detailing how the rising has been remembered in the 100 years since, take some time to sit down and discuss your GPO Witness History visit over refreshments in the café, and don’t forget to find a memento from the shop, stocking a variety of beautiful Irish-made goods.

If you are interested in learning more about this unique exhibit of Irish history, visit the GPO Witness History website at www.gpowitnesshistory.ie to book tickets and to find out more about the GPO Witness History Visitor Centre. 

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 

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 Around Ireland

Are you stuck for somewhere to bring your loved one this Valentine's Day? Have no fear The Novel Traveller has been seeking out the some romantic deals countrywide and I will list my top three favourites picks on the Midday Show on TV3 this Friday 5th February so watch out for my next post...and the chance to win a special prize!

 - Europa Hotel Belfast - Valentine's Sensation Dinner, 

B&B at the Europa Hotel from £100 pp                                                                                                                        

Celebrate the magic of Valentine’s Day and treat your loved one to a romantic break at the luxurious Europa Hotel, Belfast. At the Europa Hotel we have created a very special range of Valentine’s Day packages that are full of the romance and magic required to help create a memorable occasion for you and your loved one!  The all-inclusive Valentine’s overnight package is valid from Friday 12th February – Sunday 14th February 2016 and includes:
- A romantic dinner for two in the Causerie Restaurant
- A glass of Prosecco on arrival
- A luxurious overnight stay
- Full Irish breakfast in the morning
- Hastings Welcome Love Slate and Love Duck in your room on arrival 

The Lovebomb at The Twelve Hotel


The Twelve boutique hotel in Bearna has a uniquely fun and quirky take on the world. It’s no surprise then that their attitude to romance is as generously dramatic and over the top as their approach to everything else, and the Valentine’s Lovebomb Surprise package from The Twelve is a loved-up treat, packed full of 12 different romantic elements! Beginning first with a gorgeous suite, with petals strewn across the bed and bubbles beside it, there are also two boldly red iced muffins from the Pins Bakery, a delicious packed picnic perfect for a romantic stroll inclusive of a bottle of pink prosecco, a candle-lit dinner in lovely West, pampering in-room spa treatments, Love Potion cocktails in The Pins bar, a discount gift voucher for Hartman’s Jewellers (just in case the need to drop to one knee suddenly presents itself!), a wrapped rose on checkout… And number 12 of the romantic notions squeezed into this Lovebomb package? Well that’s the wonderful Twelve itself and all that it entails! The Lovebomb package is available on February 13^th or 14th at a cost of €470 per couple, with the option of staying two nights for an extra €140 per couple.

The Twelve Hotel
Bearna Village
Galway
Tel: 091 597000


www.thetwelvehotel.ie

-La Mon Hotel & Country Club - All You Need is Love B&B from £69pp

Treat your loved one to a little extra with an overnight stay at La Mon...All you need is love and we will provide the rest. Check into your Deluxe Bedroom which is dressed with rose petals on your king size bed and a treat of La Mon bubbly with chocolate covered strawberries to compliment. After some time relaxing or dining in the hotels facilities return to your room where your bed has been turned down and curtains drawn for the evening. Next morning enjoy a full cooked breakfast in bed at your leisure before checking out at 2pm. The perfect treat for your special someone.
http://www.lamon.co.uk/

- City Hotel Derry – Valentine’s Overnight Package of £140 per couple

·         Celebrate the magic of St Valentine and treat your loved one to a romantic break in the Walled City of Derry. This special offer includes overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast, a candlelit dinner, a bottle of bubbly and chocolates in your room on arrival for £140 based on 2 guests sharing. Relax and enjoy our Health & Fitness club with swimming pool, gymnasium, Jacuzzi and steam room. Upgrade to one of our Superior rooms for £15 supplement per night or a Junior Suite or Executive room for an extra £50 per room per night. Live music in Coppins Bar on Fridays and Saturdays.

http://www.cityhotelderry.com/index.html

Enjoy a Starry-Eyed Break with your loved one this Valentines at 

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

Enjoy a twinkling, sparkling, starry break with your loved one this Valentine’s at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. The stunning setting of Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa overlooking the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful beach of Inchydoney, makes the perfect romantic backdrop in itself for your Valentine’s break, and the good folks at the hotel have added in plenty of extras to ensure an unforgettable getaway: A beautiful guestroom with your own private balcony with sea views; A candlelit dinner in The Gulfstream Restaurant overlooking Inchydoney beach; An evening kayaking adventure together under starlight in Lough Hyne; a Diamond and Gold Skin Revival Facial for the ladies and a Sensual Elemis Back Massage for the gents as well as Afternoon Tea for two. This break costs from €359 per person sharing.

There’s plenty more to do in the hotel – snuggle up in the lounge with a drink in front of the fire, take a walk hand-in-hand on the beach, or enjoy a swim in the heated seawater pool and allow the jets and bubbles to massage your muscles. Inchydoney is a place for people who value time together, so let it work its magic on you and you’re both sure to leave starry-eyed.

·      2 nights bed and breakfast in a guestroom, with a private balcony overlooking Inchydoney beach

·      Candlelit dinner in The Gulfstream Restaurant

·      Starlight kayaking with Atlantic Sea-kayaking

·      Afternoon Tea for two people

·      Diamond and Gold Skin Revival Facial for the ladies and a Sensual Elemis Back Massage for the gents

·      From €359 per person sharing www.inchydoneyisland.com

Delphi Resort a destination for romance

this Valentine’s Day

A truly unique place, set amongst some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery, Delphi Resort is one of Ireland’s most stunning venues. With incredible views across the surrounding landscape and a beautiful property etched into the picturesque mountains, Delphi Resort invites couples to spend some quality time together away from all the distractions of modern living, in truly breath-taking surroundings.

This Valentine’s Day treat your special someone to a romantic escape, they’ll never forget. Enjoy a one or two night stay in one of the beautiful bedrooms overlooking the majestic Mweelrea and Twelve Bens mountain ranges.  Spend your day hand in hand exploring the landscape, unwind together in the luxurious Delphi Spa with a range of luxurious VOYA treatments to choose from while taking in sweeping views of the landscape from the relaxation room or simply cosy up together in front of the fire over a crossword. Home to delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, make some memories over a 3 –course dinner by candle light in the hotel’s 814 Brasserie or for an added €15 per person treat yourself to a unique dining experience with a  5-Course meal in The Chef's Table by Stefan Matz.

Nestled among the beautiful Delphi Valley, within 300 acres of forest, from the moment you arrive at Delphi Resort, you’ll feel as if it is just the two of you. Romance will be in the air with a trail of romantic gestures from Delphi Resort including a red rose on your pillow, delicious chocolates and luxurious robes and slippers laid out in your room. With complimentary late check out, you can savour your romantic escape for a little longer!

http://www.delphiadventureresort.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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