Narnia isn't all that far away - it's in Belfast!

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.

I'm surprised the girls enjoy the educational part of our trip so much but it's time for something completely different. We Are Vertigo is an adventure zone with trampolines and ski to keep kids busy on a rainy day. All that jumping gives the girls huge appetites and we are ready to taste some of the best cuisine in Belfast. Graze restaurant on the Newtownards Road is a gem with a menu to suit all tastes. The girls opt for a steak and mini burgers while I'm sent to nirvanha as the scallops melt in my mouth. Graze has a really good wine list and they play excellent music too.

We spend the night in the Hastings Stormont Hotel on plump pillows and mattresses. After our hearty breakfast, where I pop a drop of Bushmills in my porridge, we set off for W5. The girls scale the new Climbit exhibit a little too quickly but they have to be dragged out of the Go exhibits. If you're thinking of taking the kids up to Belfast for the day to see the Titanic or W5 I recommend staying the night and finding the other attractions unique to the city. The Mac at St Annes Square is another cultural experience which just might surprise and you won't go wrong by eating in 4th Wall − a funky restaurant with great service, it's good for lunch and only across the square from the MAC. But the real takeaway is that the girls want to call to the library on the way home to find a certain book!  

Michelle Jackson is the author of Six Postcards Home published by Poolbeg Press. For more information see www.michellejackson.ie follow @mjacksonauthor

To experience the CS Lewis Tour visit www.authenticulster.co.uk ,

For activities see www.wearevertigo.com, www.w5online.co.uk Follow the Northern Ireland tourist @DiscoverNI  or see www.discovernorthernireland.com

Go on spoil yourself - holiday like a Celebrity!

Celebrity Cruises News

I'm a massive fan of cruising and was lucky enough to travel on this 

glorious ship in 2014. Celebrity Cruises offer something different - 

a larger ship with more amenities but maintains privacy and luxury. 

It is a true five star brand and worth saving up for that special occasion. 

Check out the wonderful destinations on offer too on their website below. 

Celebrity is branching out with amazing destinations that include Alaska 

and Asia and I for one would love to take the middle eastern cruise 

across the Indian Ocean to Goa.

Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool,
contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where
the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the
amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to
provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers’ precious time.
In addition to offering vacations visiting all continents, Celebrity
also presents immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska,
 Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America.
One of the fastest-growing major cruise lines, Celebrity is one
of five cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). Celebrity Cruises’
 fleet currently consists of eleven ships, including the brand new
 Celebrity Reflection. In Celebrity we have found one of the best cruises.

Although every passenger onboard a celebrity cruise receives
premium customer care, Celebrity have recently gone above and
beyond the call of duty and launched a 'Suite Class experience'

Discerning guests who desire the very best in modern luxury
holidays are now able to indulge in Celebrity Cruises' new
'Suite Class' experience. This will be fully introduced on Celebrity
Cruises' state-of-the-art ships during April 2015. With exclusive
new benefits including a suites-only restaurant, VIP lounge,
 complimentary premium drinks and more, the newly launched
 Suite Class is designed to create the ultimate luxurious experience.
Guests will enjoy incredible service from the moment they arrive with
their personal butler taking care of every detail. This is the only way to travel.

From the one-of-a-kind Reflection Suite, with its jaw-dropping ocean
views and unique cantilevered shower, to the stylish Sky Suites,
Celebrity Cruises' exceptional Suite Class experience is designed
to set the standard in modern luxury holidays around the world.

The new Suite Class will include:

Private dining – A dedicated private restaurant reserved exclusively
for all Suite Class guests will be available morning, noon and night.
Each meal will feature unique menus that offer sumptuous dishes
not available anywhere else onboard. Guests can truly immerse
themselves in the local culture with specially crafted menus inspired
by the local destination, and enjoy the world's best ingredients.
Memorable and inspiring dishes will be served, from locally caught
seafood, to the freshest pasta. The Suite Class chef can provide a
tailor-made experience to suite guests and prepare a dish to their
liking, and the Cellar Master - Celebrity Cruises' head sommelier -
will select from more than 450 wines to provide the perfect pairing.

Premium 'all in' benefits - Premium drinks, dining across all specialty
restaurants, unlimited internet access and a private bar with water,
soft drinks and beers will all be complimentary for guests staying in
Royal, Penthouse and Reflection suites.

VIP lounge - A private VIP lounge, Michael's Club, will be available
to guests staying in Celebrity, Signature, Royal, Penthouse and
Reflection suites. A dedicated Concierge service and unique food
and beverage experiences by Celebrity Cruises' James Beard-featured
chef will be provided to guests.

"Our guests are accustomed to exceptional quality and service,
and for those wishing to further indulge in the very best while
onboard we have launched 'Suite Class', specially designed to
appeal to the most discerning holidaymaker,” said Michael Bayley,
President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “We know that suite guests
value privacy, personalised service, exclusive access and flexibility,
and providing them with their own unique benefits, such as a dedicated
restaurant with a dining experience like no other, is just another way that
we are significantly elevating the guest's holiday with us."

Suite guests will also continue to enjoy a large number of 
benefits including:

The Celebrity 'Suite Class' welcome - Guests will receive
priority check-in and embarkation

Legendary butler service - From unpacking guests' luggage to
 booking the best destination experiences on land, the Suite Class
butler will be on hand 24 hours a day to ensure seamless, dedicated
and personalised service.

The Suite Class experience will also include a daily high-end 
afternoon tea service served in the guest's spacious and
beautifully designed suite.

Luxurious stateroom amenities and benefits –
As well as enjoying spacious suites with balconies that
showcase sweeping ocean views, guests can indulge in a
variety of luxury amenities including deluxe Bulgari bathroom
amenities, plush robes, premium bedding and an indulgent
pillow menu. A host of other extras will also be provided
during the guest's stay including reserved theatre seating
for all Suite Class guests.

For more information or to book call 
1800 932 611 or visit Celebrity Cruise 
www.celebritycruises.ie

Cannery Row in Monterey....

Old sardine factory now converted

Cannery Row in Monterey is no longer a stink, as the author John Steinbeck portrayed this once important centre of sardine fishing. Steinbeck's novel Cannery Row is 70 years old this year and this part of Monterey was the source for his own literary inspiration. I'd been warned that Cannery Row is over commercialised without a trace of the world that Steinbeck immersed himself so many decades ago but I have to say in my excitement that I wasn't disappointed.

Monterey Bay and Cannery Row

The strip of road that is now maintained with comfortable hotels and bijou eateries and boutiques is peppered with atmosphere. Maybe it is the romantic in me that easily conjures up images of John Steinbeck and his friend the marine biologist, Ed Rickets shooting the breeze over the cool blue bay.

Steinbeck statue

Formerly Wang chung market

One of my favourite stops is the souvenir store formerly called Wang Chung Market - I picture Steinbeck's character Lee Chong behind the counter serving out some 'old tennis shoes whiskey' but in his place could well be his pretty Asian great-grand-daughter selling crystals and incense.

The stench that Steinbeck wrote about has wafted across the bay and is replaced by the smells of chocolate, warm waffles and creamy chowder. My children are fascinated by the ice cream store and want to explore the Aquarium. It's a spacious building that draws us gently through the history bit and in to the real action. The sea otters, sharks and touch pools abound and it's a place where the whole family get lost for an hour.
We dine at Lover's Point and our host at the Beach House restaurant informs us that the lovers who came here in the nineteenth century were Christians who choose this spot to praise the Lord. The view is spectacular and food of the high standard we have come to expect as we have travelled up the Pacific Coast Highway.

At the Beach House Monterey

The Monterey Bay area is filled with places to pay respects to the great author John Steinbeck and only a twenty minute journey from Salinas, the town where he was born and spent a much of his life. The main street is now home to the Steinbeck centre which is well worth a visit with artefacts that the author owned. Including the truck that he used in his travels across the country with his poodle Charley. The house where he was born is now a restored and much loved restaurant run by dedicated local people who give their time freely to ensure its continued upkeep. The food is delicious and the family are wrapped up with nostalgic mementos that we will be able to take with us back home.

The room where Steinbeck was born

Steinbeck House and restaurant

Steinbeck house

The land around Salinas is known as the salad bowl of america. Fields stretch into the manicured yonder ending at the lilac tinted mountains in the distance. It's still very much the beautiful rural land that attracted so many from the dust bowl in the thirties. The curator at the Steinbeck Centre tells me that his grand-father came from Oklahoma during those years as we pass by the display for the Grapes of Wrath. California is in its fourth year of drought and this year heralds another very dry summer. Steinbeck's thought provoking novels and messages appear to be just as relevant today and they were when he wrote them. It is wonderful to see his legacy respected and accessible for literary fans who chose to visit from all over the world.

Taking the kids to the Steinbeck Center is the perfect way to bring literature to life.

For more information visit the The Monterey Visitors Bureau at this website see monterey
The Beach House restaurant website http://www.beachhousepg.com/
Don't miss out - visit The Steinbeck House - http://steinbeckhouse.com/
The visitors centre is on Main Street Salinas http://www.steinbeck.org/

My first Carnival in Cologne 2015

This is my friend Martina, who invited me to Cologne for Carnival this year!

The German city of Cologne was buzzing this weekend with preparation for the massive Rose Monday Parade, the highlight of Carnival. But festivities started on Thursday with ladies Carnival Day. The theme this year was Social Jeck and I got my own carnival themed badge from my friend and local girl Martina who showed me and my husband who to do Carnival in style.

We were whisked off to Peters Brauhaus which was hopping on Friday night with all the usual traditional music and a bit of 90's dance music too. After several Kolsch beers from the deceptively tiny glasses we were linking arms with the locals and getting in to the swing of things.

Our very friendly bar tender!

My other half with Marcus from the BlaueFunken
(the group who lead the Rose Monday parade every year)

Day one was spent finding our costumes for Ghost night on Saturday but of course we couldn't roam the streets in our regular clothes so Martina brought us to the dress up shop in the old town to get sorted. We then set off over the Rhine via the famous Hoohenzollernbrucke bridge.

It is famous for holding the locks to many hearts.

Being Valentines Day I took the opportunity to give my husband a good kiss with the spires of Cologne Cathedral in the background. 

On the other side of the bridge Martina brought us to the tallest tower to get a panoramic view of the city.

Then we went to the wonderful Cubana Latino restaurant

for a couple of Mojitos and some lunch!

at Cubana Latino

We were back in Carnival mode for a Kolsch in Lomir which is a must visit bar in Koln and as it is on the other side of the river and not in the Altstad (old town) it can easily be missed.

The smell of traditional cutlets was mouthwatering even after we had eaten.

Lomir bar was full of Carnival fun.

A short tram ride back over the Rhine and we were in the thick of it again with incredible samba bands and performers around the cathedral. We took a picture of a couple of mermaids standing at the water's edge. There were so many colourful characters to chose from an amateur photographer could have had quite a day.

Mermaids.

It was time for another kiss in the Altstad before heading back to our friend's house in Widdersdorf. Koln is a nice sized city and very accessible with plenty of public transport options. Around Neumarkt was packed with entertainment options and a funfair. The entire city buzzes for the week in the run up to Ash Wednesday. In fact right up until the Nobel (stuffed doll who is held responsible for the sins of Carnival) is burned at midnight on Tuesday, the town is a hive of action and none stop parties. This ends with a fish supper on Ash Wednesday when the natives and visitors who have indulged in the full festivities nurse their heads for another year.

Belfast is great for a mid-term break and only up the road!

I've been to Belfast a few times in the last couple of years and it's a great place to bring the kids. 
This article was published in 2013 in the Sunday World, The whole family visited the Giants Causeway and carrick-a-rede bridge but I'd wait until the weather warms up before going so far - there's lots to do in Belfast and the Titanic and W5 are a must with the kids!

Like many southerners, I used to think that Northern Ireland was somewhere you went to get cheap booze before Christmas. However, after our holiday plans were changed I needed to find a good destination for a last minute family break.

And after packing in a lot of family activities on our whistlestop tour, our abiding memory is the sheer beauty of the place.

We had packed up the car and took the short journey from Dublin up the M1 to Belfast.  stop was at the Titanic exhibition set in the Harland and Wolfe quarter of the newly revamped docks. 

I was on to a winner with my nine-year-old, Nicole, who loves anything 

to do with history and lapped up the gory details. There are plenty of buttons to press and interactive exhibits to keep the kids moving at a steady pace through the exhibition without getting bored. 

Our first stop was at the Titanic exhibition set in the Harland and Wolfe quarter of the newly revamped docks. This is truly a wonderful experience and do not go to Belfast without visiting it.

We continued with the theme a few meters away on board the SS Nomadic and if you are taking the trip to the Titanic Quarter the Nomadic is a must see. 

Admission is £22 for a family of two adults and two children. It is the actual vessel that took the first and second class passengers from the port of Cherbourg before they boarded the Titanic.

There were period clothes and uniforms for the kids to dress up in and the staff were very hands on and keen to impart information.

We finished the day off in W5 which is an interactive science museum that will amuse kids of all ages for hours. However after our trip to the Air and Space museum in

Washington earlier this year my twelve-year-old son was hard to impress but Nicole had to be dragged out the door with Dad in tow at closing time! At £23.50 for a family of four you could fill an entire day here.

About twenty minutes outside the city, the family run LaMon Hotel and Country Club was the perfect place to relax after a busy days sightseeing. The friendly staff cater well for kids and the food was excellent and reasonably priced.

We had two other must sees on our bucket list next day and we headed for Portrush, a busy seaside town. 

Our hotel was the Ramada set on the main street and in a great location for all that the town has to offer. We had just missed the 

International Police and Fire games on the beach the previous day – but we had more pressing commitments – we had to go see a giant. 

The causeway interpretive centre is designed to blend into the natural landscape and built using local materials. 

The Giant left his shoe behind at the Giants Causeway

My son and I had to hurry the other pair along as they got caught up colouring at one of the many exhibits. Entry into the centre is £21 for a family ticket.

We took audio guides but you can get a real 3D person if you want and the causeway guides are famous for their navigating skills and wit over the centuries. These rock formations have become mystical and the inspiration for stories and legends as the years have passed. 

We lunched on homemade soup and scones outside the centre in ‘The Nook’ which is a converted schoolhouse, then took the winding road to Carrick-a-Rede. The scenery became more stunning with each mile and it was easy to see why this route is classified as one of the most beautiful in the world. 

The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, like the Giants Causeway, is part of the national trust and the staff were all local and genuinely welcoming.

 A family ticket is £14 and took us on a long walk through beautiful scenery – there were lots of steps to negotiate before reaching the rope bridge to the fishing island so not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. The bridge was flimsy on first impressions, but the crossing was exhilarating leaving us all feeling a great sense of accomplishment. 

Once on the tiny rock island it became clear what all the fuss was about. Below, the water was a crystal turquoise and with stunning chalk-cliffs in the distance we could have been on a film set. 

And to think that it was up the road from us in Dublin all this time made us wish we had visited our northern friends sooner.

for more information visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/

Where are you going for Valentine's Day?

If you fancy a sweet escape somewhere in Ireland for Valentine's here's a host of great offers!

Hidden Ireland

Kilmokea Country Manor

Valentine’s at Kilmokea Country Manor

Beautiful Kilmokea Country Manor and Gardens in Campile, Co. Wexford is a luxurious retreat in which to enjoy a relaxing and romantic St. Valentine’s weekend. Fall in love with the 7 acres of spectacular heritage gardens, the Italian loggia with peacocks, the stylish bedrooms with smart antiques, gym, jacuzzi, sauna and meditation room, tennis court and croquet lawn at this handsome Hidden Ireland property. And everyone loves the delicious homegrown food, some from the organic walled kitchen garden, and eggs from hens that graze the pretty apple orchard!

The Kilmokea Valentine’s experience includes two nights B&B in one of the Superior double rooms with table d’hôte dinner on one night, and a His & Hers private Jacuzzi session for €220 per person sharing. Valentines at Kilmokea also includes organic breakfast served in the main Regency dining room, and afternoon tea on arrival.

Hiddenireland.com

Kilmokea Country Manor

Hidden Ireland

Lorum Old Rectory

Valentine’s special offer at Lorum Old Rectory

Elegant, relaxed and homely, Lorum Old Rectory is a mid-Victorian cut stone granite rectory in County Carlow, built in 1863, and a delightful setting for a romantic Valentine’s weekend.

Set in the rich Barrow River valley at the foot of the Blackstairs Mountains, the area around Lorum Old Rectory is renowned for its beautiful scenery, a picturesque backdrop to a Valentine’s break.

Lorum Old Rectory itself has a well-deserved reputation for delicious food, as owner Bobbie Smith, a member of Euro-Toques, the European Community of Chefs and Cooks, creates imaginative home cooking incorporating mainly local and organically grown produce.

The sound of the 18th century grandfather clock welcomes guests with its comforting chime, and the glow of fresh flowers is reflected in the mirrors, added to the aroma of turf and wood fires to create an instant sense of welcome. Beautifully furnished and very comfortable bedrooms have lovely views over the gardens and surrounding countryside and guests have dinner at a handsome long mahogany table, where wonderful breakfasts are also served.

An ideal base for exploring the lush south-east of the country, and a relaxed and cosy venue for an enjoyable Valentine’s stay, Lorum Old Rectory is offering 10% discount on two night’s accommodation with dinner on one evening for Valentine’s weekend, see hiddenireland.com

Lorum Old Rectory

Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone

Surprise your Valentine with a Bright Blu Rose this February

Don’t wait until Valentine’s Day to spoil your loved one, surprise them with an early gift this year that will see love blossom in County Westmeath! Quickly becoming the destination for comedy and music gigs, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone plays host to Irish sweetheart, Mary Black on the 13^th of February. Woo your significant other with an early bird dinner in Elements Bistro before enjoying a pre-concert tipple in the bustling Quayside Bar and Lounge. Following a leisurely dinner and drink, lovebirds can make their way to the Marina Suite for what promises to be an evening of well-loved folk classics from the wonderful Mary Black whose success keeps going from strength to strength. Enjoy this intimate gig with your Valentine and sing along to hits like No Frontiers, Sonny and Bright Blue Rose. Pop back to the Quayside Bar and Lounge for a night cap or simply retire to your comfortable room overlooking the Shannon. Wake on Valentine’s Day to a sumptuous Super Buffet Breakfast before celebrating all over again on the 14^th of February!

Channel your inner-cupid this February with an early Valentine’s break to Athlone. Enjoy an overnight stay, early bird dinner in Elements Bistro, tickets to Mary Black in concert and Super Buffet Breakfast the following morning from just €199 per couple. Tickets available at reception or on ticketmaster.ie

For more information on this and other concerts at Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone visitradissonblu.ie/hotel-athlone

facebook.com/radissonathlone

The pool at the Radisson Blu Athlone

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

Curl up at Cupid’s Castle this Valentine’s Day

At the brow of Killiney Hill, overlooking Dublin Bay, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is the perfect destination to celebrate Valentine’s Day this February. Check in and leave your worries behind as you and your sweetheart enjoy the comfort and elegance of this impressive castellated mansion. Despite its size and grand style, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel has a relaxed and cosy atmosphere. From the light-filled lobby, the characterful Dungeon Bar in the original castle vaults to the cosy Library Bar with its clubby leather seats.

Find a comfy couch by the fire to relax and unwind together, take some fresh air hand in hand in the lush landscaped gardens, dotted with some remarkable specimen trees and shrubs planted by one of the earlier castle owners during the 19^th century or enjoy a short stroll to the beautiful heritage village of Dalkey.

Return to “Cupid’s Castle” for the evening and spoil your loved one with the perfect table for two, a candlelit dinner in The Grill at the Castle. Finish your evening of romance with heart-shaped cookies and a decadent hot chocolate in your room before drifting off to sleep in your luxurious bed just for two! Awake the next morning and plan the rest of your romantic weekend over breakfast in bed. Take the DART to the city in just twenty minutes or lounge in the luxury of Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel until check out, the choice is yours!

The Cupid’s Castle package at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel includes overnight accommodation with breakfast, candlelit dinner in your room, heart-shaped cookies and hot chocolate and breakfast in bed from €160 per person.

For more information on this and all the wonderful offers at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel visitfitzpatrickcastle.com

Knockranny House Hotel

Valentines:

Handmade Local Chocolates, Valentines Cocktail or Mocktail in Brehon Bar, Candlelit Swim in Spa Salveo

Along with:

Dinner, B&B from €125pps

2BB1D from €185pps

3BB2D from €265pps

www.knockrannyhousehotel.ie

Knockranny House Hotel

Dunboyne Castle Hotel 

Romantic break includes Dinner, Bed and Breakfast along with a chocolate and rose petal turndown and a glass of bubbles with dinner

From €220 per couple

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa,

Dunboyne, Co Meath

www.dunboynecastlehotel.com

The Kingsley, Cork

Romantic Valentines Getaway Available 13th & 14th February

Enjoy a night of luxury accommodation in one of our gorgeous bedrooms and indulge in a gourmet dinner in the romantic ambiance of Fairbanks restaurant. The next morning, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. Available 13th & 14th February

From €185 per room per night

The Kingsley 

Victoria Cross

Cork

+353 21 4800555

www.thekingsley.ie

This Valentines say I love you in the heart of the midlands at the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore

For a way to say you care that’s a little bit different, why not take a romantic spa break at the luxurious 4 star Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore? Enjoy a luxurious two night stay with breakfast, a four course evening meal and a visit to the gorgeous Spa & Beauty @ The Bridge House, where you’ll indulge in a one hour treatment in the spa, and a session on the Egg or the Alpha Lounger in the Relaxation Chamber. From rose petals scattered on your bed and strawberries and cream in your room on arrival, to the atmospheric bar and cosy restaurant, to the hotel’s great location in the bustling midland’s town of Tullamore, the Valentine’s Romantic Spa Break is available for only €189 per person sharing. To book call 057 932 5600, email info@bridgehouse.com or visit www.bridgehouse.com.

Bridge House Hotel,

Tullamore,

Co. Offaly

Tel: 057 932 5600

www.bridgehousehoteltullamore.ie  

The Lodge at Ashford Castle

Love at the Lodge

Enjoy a romantic stay at The Lodge at Ashford Castle this Valentine’s Day.
Your stay will include dinner in the award winning Wilde’s Restaurant, Bed & Breakfast, two glasses of Prosecco and a romantic turndown with strawberries & petals. Celebrate this Valentine’s Day at The Lodge at Ashford Castle and it’s breath-taking view to Lough Corrib from €269 per room.

The Lodge at Ashford Castle

Cong

County Mayo

T: +353 94 954 5400

E: reservations@thelodgeac.com

W: www.thelodgeac.com

The Lodge at Ashford Castle

Relax and Rejuvenate with your sweetheart at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway this Valentines
I love this hotel and read my review by clicking here http://schooloftravel.blogspot.ie/2014/04/galway-with-granny-and-granddad.html

The newly refurbished Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway is perfectly located on Lough Atalia, just a short stroll from the centre of Galway city, presenting the best of all worlds. With scenic views of Galway Bay, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway offers the ultimate in luxury following the extensive refurbishment with lavish accommodation, great food, excellent leisure facilities and the glorious spirit one spa, making it the perfect haven for a romantic and tranquil spa retreat this Valentines.

Enter a world of complete relaxation with that someone special at spirit one spa at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway where time is left at the door and you begin a new journey far away from the pressures and pace of everyday life. Enjoy a luxurious two night stay in the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway with a Super Buffet Breakfast on both mornings and a choice of one of the following glorious treatments (55 mins):

Elemis Full Body Massage
Or 
Elemis Pick me up Facial

Make the most of your stay with complimentary access to the Leisure Centre & Thermal Suite where you can take a dip in the pool, a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi or simply sink into a lounger in the Relaxation Room allowing both body and mind to slip into an oasis of calm.

The Two Night Spa Break at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway is available from €210 per person sharing. To book call 091538521 or email reservations.galway@radissonblu.com .

Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Galway,

Lough Atalia Road,

Co. Galway,

T: +353 91 538 300  

E: reservations.galway@radissonblu.com

Romantic Couple’s Retreat at Castlemartyr Resort offers the perfect escape to any couple!

A great retreat for couples or a group of like minded friends! Read my review of Castlemartyr here
http://schooloftravel.blogspot.ie/2014/05/kim-and-kanye-love-castlemartyr-and-so.html

Spend some quality time with your loved one at glorious Castlemartyr Resort this Valentine’s Day, and enjoy this fabulous 5 star country house hotel in the best company – each other. The Couple’s Retreat includes a luxurious two night stay with a freshly prepared breakfast delivered to your room on both mornings and a delicious 5 course gourmet meal on one evening of your choice in the opulent and sophisticated surroundings of the Bell Tower Restaurant. Make the most of your stay with a glorious 50 minute aromatherapy massage each in The Spa atCastlemartyr Resort – a peaceful haven where you can allow your body, mind and soul slip away into an oasis of calm.

Romantic, elegant and picturesque, Castlemartyr Resort makes the perfect backdrop to a Valentine’s to remember – where there is great food to be had, walks to be strolled, a village to be explored, golf to be played, newspapers to be read over pints in the bar, afternoon tea to be taken, with swans on the lake, horses in the paddocks, dogs to be walked and all right with the world…! The Couple’s Retreat Package as CastlemartyrResort is available from €309 per night. To book call 021 421 9000 email reservations@castlemartyrresort.ie or visit www.castlemartyrresort.ie.

Castlemartyr Resort
Cork
Co. Cork
T: 021 421 9000
www.castlemartyrresort.ie

Howth: My Hometown in Dublin Ireland

I've been travel writing for over two years and I realise that I have been neglecting to write about my own country, especially the place that I am most passionate about in the world - my home town of Howth. It is not far from Ireland's capital city, Dublin.

Howth Harbour photo @Eamonn Blaney

This peninsula is more than a picturesque fishing village. It is home to several varieties of seabirds and a large family of friendly seals that frequent the harbour and sound between Ireland's Eye and piers. Howth has an historic and cultural heritage. It is one of the most important destinations that Leopold Bloom visited during his walk on June 16th 1904 in Joyce's famous novel Ulysses. in the nineteenth century the great artists Orpen and Osbourne were known to come here to paint and seek inspiration. One of Orpen's loveliest portraits in the National Gallery features a woman standing on Howth Head.

Gorgeous Dublin Bay from Howth Head photo @Ann Dunne

A short walk from howth harbour along the serpentine start of the cliff walk is a house where the poet WB Yeats lived for three years. 

It has a spectacular view of the harbour and the neighbouring islands and must have inspired him.

Howth is easily accessed by bus and the DART which is the Dublin Area Rapid Transit and as it is only thirty minutes from Tara Street in the centre of the city it is easy to visit in an afternoon. The basement of the station is a popular pub called 'The Bloody Stream' where turf fires burn all year round and good seafood is served. The history of the bloody stream goes back to the days of viking settlement one thousand years ago and it is said that the river ran red with the blood of locals as it travelled down the hill before coming to the sea. If you are searching for legends and folklore Howth has more than it's fair share. The legendary pirate Queen Grace O'Malley paid a visit to Howth Castle and home to the St Lawrence family and famously took their son hostage when she wasn't given hospitality. Legend has it that the child was returned under the promise that a place would always be laid at the table for any weary visitor that should call. As the descendants have opened a culinary school now in the castle it may well be worth knocking on the door and seeing if the promise still holds. 

April and May are especially nice times to visit the castle environs as the Rhododendrons are in full bloom.

Howth Lighthouse and Ireland's Eye photo @Eamonn Blaney

The length of the West Pier is home to wonderful restaurants including The Oar House, The Brass Monkey and the one with the best view in Dublin, Aqua.

The view from the bar is spectacular for a pre dinner drink and chance to look over the fishing boats and eclectic mix of houses in the village. The view from the dining area is perfect to watch the evening sun disappear below the horizon. The menu is divine and I challenge anyone to try it - especially perfect for a birthday or special occasion.

 The yacht club and marina is one of the best in Ireland and as there is usually a breeze expect the gentle sound of halliards tipping against each other as you stroll down the east pier.

During the summer you can watch boats racing from Monday to Thursday. The yachts race around Ireland's Eye which is also accessible by hourly boat trips that run from spring until the late autumn.
Ireland's Eye is a glorious oasis and it is difficult to believe that it is so close to the city centre. It's a perfect place to bring children for a picnic on a sunny summer day.

My daughter Nicole and her friend at the Martello Tower on Ireland's Eye with picnic

Howth has many ancient buildings and one of the oldest is also one of the most famous bars in Dublin. The Abbey Tavern is also a great place to eat and entertainment is on offer year round. Next to is is one of the first buildings that is as old as the ruins of the old abbey itself. The pub has a great history hosting musical acts like the Dubliners, Imelda May and Mary Coughlan over the years and the link to the site is here http://www.abbeytavern.ie/

There is nowhere nicer on a cold winters night than to sit in from of the turf fire with a hot port or pint of Guinness. The pub also hosts comedy clubs which are always a great night out.
The centre of Howth Village is crowned by The Church of the Assumption which is a Neo-Gothic building. Wander around the country market or go for a coffee upstairs or down the road in the popular restaurant House which often has an excellent art exhibition decorating the walls.

Great takeaway coffees and yummy delicatessen on offer if you are on the hoof!

I can't write a piece about my home town without mentioning The Kind Sitric restaurant at the start of Howth's East Pier as it is where I had my small and intimate wedding reception. It has since been developed with the addition of East Bar and Cafe downstairs which is a welcome addition to the host of other eateries.

The King Sitric and East Cafe

House Restaurant

The seafront has a playground which is ideal for those with kids and do pop across the road to Eileen's Cafe where you can get yummy Pooh Bear Icecream - your kids will love you for it. If you want to be healthy then Grass Roots offers smoothies and healthy drinks but if you just want coffee then pop into Il Panorama! Casually dining is catered for with the best fresh fish and chips from Cafe Ciara or Beshoffs take aways. The Howth Market will put in an hour at weekends and you can purchase hot crepes and fresh olives among lots of other things from the artisan bakery and crafty stalls.

I think I may have to write another post as my hometown has so much to offer I am running out of time so watch this space for another instalment and if you are in Dublin then come and visit us in Howth, we would love to see you!

See HowthisMagic.com for more...