Ho Ho Ho Santa is hitting the high seas with Stena Line for Christmas!

Ireland’s leading ferry company, Stena Line, is getting a Christmas makeover this year complete with a historic name change to Santa Line – what else! - across its European Network. 

They also celebrated by giving one of their ships in Gothenburg a festive new look for the day and are introducing a fun app which customers can use to win prizes as they journey across the Irish Sea.

What’s more, customers can enjoy great value fares from as little as €89* single for car and driver and the widest choice of routes and sailings on the Irish Sea.  And as there are no baggage restrictions they can bring all the gifts they want in their car.

Airports at Christmas are synonymous with fun-sapping queues, followed by a journey in a confining seat which can be stressful, especially when travelling with kids. Stena customers, however can enjoy a quick check in process, lots of space to relax or explore as well as great onboard entertainment that even Santa himself would love.

The fun continues onboard with delicious dining options, free festive movies and WiFi and other onboard activities. Kids will love our brand new Christmas Treasure Hunt, they simply need to download the ‘Stena Line Treasure Hunt’ app, then find the Christmas gifts onboard before collecting their prize in the onboard shop.

For more information or to book your very own Santa Line trip log onto www.stenaline.ie or https://www.facebook.com/StenaLineUKIE/ or call 01 204 77 77. Follow Stena Line on Twitter @StenaLineIE

There's no place like home...Kansas!

The Wizard of Oz usually springs to mind at the mention of Kansas but this summer I set off with my Dad who is passionate about the Wild West to discover what the Sunflower state has to offer the discerning traveller. We found an enchanting destination with a call of the wild!

Our Kansas adventure started the moment we landed at Wichita airport. Regarded as the airplane capital of the world and home to names like Cessna, Beech and Boeing makes it a must for aviation enthusiasts. We flew from Dublin with United Airlines via Newark and after a short transfer into Wichita city my arrival was cushioned by a warm welcome at the Ambassador Hotel. After a delicious dinner we were just in time to see the lighting of the lamps at the iconic 'Keeper of the Plains' statue. This 44 feet statue of an Indian Chief stands majestically at the meeting of the Arkansas Big and Little Rivers. Every night at sunset flames shoot from the urns at the foot of the keeper for fifteen minutes, dramatically lighting the night sky. As we arrived the confluence was buzzing with visitors and locals to see this almost spiritual experience.

Next day we swung by Old Cow Town, a perfectly reconstructed Wild West village which whet my appetite for my stay at the Moore Ranch in Bucklin. This ranch is where the famous advert for Marlboro Cigarettes was shot in the 1980s. Long horn Texan cattle abound the mid-grass prairie and hosts Joe and Nancy Moore immediately make their guests feel like part of the family. That includes dining at the family ranch and helping with the chores like feeding the orphaned lambs and calves. It's a job that proved a joy for a city slicker like me and my Dad being a lover of the countryside felt right at home.  

Morning means time to check on the cattle and their calves. My choice of horse for the chore was a steady white who was kind and despite my nerves carried me out to the fields with confidence. This is not a dude ranch, this is the real deal. Joe set off next day to Colorado to sell a dozen head of cattle and while we rode the range there were fences to fix. Accommodation is chalet style and set about 100 yards from the main house. Each chalet is equipped with an en-suite and air conditioning. But to truly enjoy the experience forget the luxuries of a mint on your pillow, what the Moore's offer is something unique and missing from the generic experiences we have become accustomed to in mainstream hotels. www.moorelonghornranch.com

Nancy Moore and my Dad holding down a steer

Feeding the calves at Moore Ranch with Will the ranch hand

The guest cabin at Moore ranch

My dad was in his element at the Long Branch Saloon

With great reluctance we left the Moores after two days and promised to return for a week next time. It was a forty mile drive to my next destination, Dodge City. The town's motto is 'Get the heck into Dodge' and it was a great chance to explore real cowboy history. The main street has been reconstructed as it was in the 1840s. Once a major stop off for the cowboys who herded the cattle from one end of the country to the railroad in Abilene and the Sante Fe trail, it is now a city of 50,000 that holds firmly to its cowboy heritage. It is also great fun. The Long Branch Saloon, made famous in the popular TV series Gunsmoke, hosts a nightly show with a staged gunfight on the street outside followed by a performance from the legendary Miss Kitty and her Can Can dancers. See www.visitdodgecity.org for more details of this fun town.

Miss Kitty dancers at Long Branch Saloon

At Boot Hill Cemetary Dodge City

Dodge is also home to a spectacular casino for those who fancy a flutter. It is next door to a Hilton Hampton hotel where we conveniently stayed before setting off for Great Bend the next day. Great Bend is a large town next to one of the states greatest treasures − The Byways and Wetlands. Our wildlife adventure started at Cheyenne Bottoms, a massive marsh land hosting flocks of pelicans, terns and unusual seabirds that use the area as a stopover on their journey from coast to coast. The area is well signposted for tourists but it is a good idea to pay a visit to the Wetlands Educational Centre beforehand to know what to look out for.

At Cheyenne Bottoms

The great salt lakes of the prairie make up Quivira national park where we spotted deer frolicking and a mischievous coyote out for a gander. Binoculars are a must on this excursion and ornithologists will find a little bit of heaven as Cormorants, Herons and Hawks soar past. Close by we enjoyed a spectacular lunch at Heartland Farm which is run by a group of Dominican Sisters. The sisters keep Alpacas and serve delicious home grown organic food. They offer incredible budget accommodation in a wonderful setting and for a true retreat from a technology busy world this place is perfect www.heartlandfarm-ks.org.

Our visit to Kansas was perfectly timed to fit in the Symphony in the Flint Hills annual festival. In its tenth year the theme this time was 'Grasslands of the World' and the Flint Hills can proudly be named as one of these. Home to the greatest expanse of grassland in the United States, where the buffalo roamed freely until their demise in the 1870's, the Flint Hills can best be described as lush green countryside with gently undulating green hills that beckon to be discovered on horseback. It compares admirably to the Mongolian and Patagonians grasslands and dare I suggest even the Serengeti. The wildlife may be more subtle than the species found in Africa but the sense of freedom and air of majesty was comparable. 

The Symphony in the Flint Hills - the cows gathered from surrounding prairie to listen to the music

The headline act for the tenth festival was Lyle Lovett, better known perhaps as ex-husband to Hollywood actress Julia Roberts. The music flowed with orchestral arrangements of Out of Africa and Silverado, finished off with the Grammy award winner's country tunes. In the distance herds of cattle gathered around the stage to show their approval and had to be ushered away from the stage. Another truly unique experience in this land filled with surprises.

Heading west to east we drove through the picturesque town of Lindsborg. Populated by Swedish immigrants in the 1800s it is as much a piece of Sweden today as the land that the immigrants left. Blue flags with yellow crosses wave from poles along the main street in unison with the Star Spangled Banner. This town is extremely desirable to live in with beautiful art galleries and studios. The award winning National Geographic photographer, Jim Richardson, shows his extraordinary work in the Small World Gallery and studio. It sits beside the lovely dala horse shop where the souvenir wooden horses are sculpted in all sizes and painted by hand in a traditional and unique fashion. Check out www.lindsborgcity.org for more details.

Giant Dala horse in the Swedish style town of Lindsborg

Dad and I were fascinated by this jewel of a town in the middle of the prairies

The Sandzen Gallery

I continued on my journey east and a short ten miles from the university city of Lawrence is the delightful Circle S Ranch. This haven is home to a herd of buffalo and long horn cattle, but it is also a very desirable County Inn which hosts wedding parties all year around. Each room is themed and I was led to the exquisite 'blue and white room' which boasted four windows and a Victorian free standing bath in the corner of the room. At night the fireflies put on a show, dancing like fairies from branch to branch in the surrounding fields. Dinner was good enough to be given a Michelin star with creamy mash, Mediterranean veg and marinated beef that didn't require chewing. I was overall impressed with the choice of eateries in Kansas and the option to find quality rather than the usual preference of quantity in the mid states. See www.circlesranch.com for more details.

My beautiful room at Circle S ranch with a victorian bath behind the screen!

All set for a wedding at Circle S ranch

Kansas is also home to the pioneering adventurer Amelia Earhart and after travelling the state for a week I realised that I needed more time to see everything. There aren't too many references to Dorothy or the Wizard of Oz but the Museum of Oz is in Wamego and situated between Lindsborg and Lawrence. However I can now understand Dorothy's attachment to her homeland and see why she was so keen to get back there.

I clicked my heels three times and found myself on a United Airlines Boeing 757 with the comfort of extra legroom for a mere €60. Dining was refreshingly good for economy with three course servings and constant refreshments available throughout the flight. I was home with a fresh view of the Wild West and a rejuvenated spirit.

Published in The Irish Country Magazine October 2015, credit to Irish Farmers Journal publications.

Factbox

For more information see www.travelksok.ie

For packages see www.AmericanHolidays.ie or call Dublin 016994232

Flights

United Airlines offers a service from Dublin to Kansas City International Airport via its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport and Washington, D.C. hub, Dulles International Airport operated by Boeing 757-200 aircraft featuring 169 seats - 16 flat-bed seats in United BusinessFirst® and 153 in United Economy®, including 45 Economy Plus® seats with added legroom and increased personal space. Visit www.united.com or call 1890 925 252

Fares

Fare start from €970  incl tax for travel outbound between 1NOV - 17DEC and 25DEC - 31MAR

Fare start from €1050  incl tax for travel outbound between 23 AUG - 31 OCT and 1APR 24JUN

Fare start from €1293  incl tax for travel outbound between 25JUN - 22AUG

Fares are non-refundable and changes are permitted with a fee of €130 per transaction.

Going Wild in Fota Resort and Wildlife Park

I stood at the school gate recently with my friend Cheryl, waiting for our daughters Nicole and Sarah to appear as we reminisced about the odd sunny day that we had shared this summer. As the school bell rang we had a Eureka moment and hatched a cunning plan to escape the humdrum routine with a mini-break in Cork. My daughter had been doting about the new baby cheetahs that she had seen on Facebook at Fota. As we had never been to this wildlife park I thought why not satisfy all our needs with a spa break for mums and baby animals for the kids.

Reception at Fota

The M8 motorway from Dublin took us to the country's 'other capital' in less than three hours. It had been a few years since my last visit to the city centre and I was curious to check out The English market which seems to be constantly in the news since Queen Elizabeth's visit in 2011. The smell of exotic cheeses and fresh fruits greeted us from an array of artisan stalls as we climbed the stairs to Farmgate restaurant. The view down over the market is quaint and as covered markets go this had all the elements needed for a hearty and refreshing lunch. Cheryl and I would have loved to stay longer but the kids were keen to make the most of the pool at our hotel. 

Cheryl and Michelle this summer

A twenty minute journey brought us to Fota Island and once we drove along the tree-lined avenue to our hotel we were submerged in an oasis of calm. The Fota Island Resort is set in lush surroundings which whisper five star ever so subtly. The architecture is modern and streamlined with Celtic motifs throughout, this isn't a fussy hotel and it has a chameleon ability to turn from a business centre, wedding venue or family friendly resort with ease.

nicole and sarah in Cork

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!

Article First Published Sunday 31st October 2015 Irish Mail on Sunday

Fact file

Fota Wildlife Park Package - Enjoy an overnight bed and breakfast at Fota Island Resort in one of their luxury rooms and receive complimentary tickets to Cork’s wildest attraction, Fota Wildlife Park. Located on a beautiful private island Fota Wildlife Park has reported record visitor numbers in recent years, with numbers growing due to its continued efforts for conservation. Home to a variety of species including Cheetahs, Tigers and now even Rhinos! www.fotawildlifepark.ie

It has been listed as one of Ireland’s Top Ten visitor attractions and is the most popular family tourist destination in Cork. The perfect package to relax in luxury and explore the wild. From €154 midweek or from €192 per room per night or for detailed information on all packages see the website www.fotaisland.ie or call + 353 21 4883700.

World Tapas Day

I love Tapas and was delighted to hear that today is World Tapas Day so hurry up and get yourself something yummy and why not wash it down with a nice glass of Rioja! Even better why not visit Spain and get some winter sunshine too!

Tapas is a hallmark of Spain. Both for its unique design, small and varied portions, as well as for how it is consumed, usually standing and sharing the same plate. In every town and city in Spain there are bars and pubs –sometimes even whole neighborhoods–specialising in tapas. Another advantage of eating tapas is that they enable you to sample a different selection of local dishes in each region of Spain. These delicious combinations of miniature culinary delights cater to all tastes and budgets.

More than just food tourism, it is a means of discovering towns and cities by exploring the culture that is revealed in their kitchens –because in Spain, good food is a way of life. Gastronomy is an essential element of tourism in Spain. The term "Tapa" itself is a concept that identifies Spain internationally. Food in Spain is not simply food – it is a combination of cooking styles shaped by regional differences, traditions and customs.

Spanish gastronomy is up there with the most renowned of food cultures in the world According to the statistical data of European Baseline study, Spain is the world’s leading tourism country that ranks first as European country for gastronomical tourism. The Mediterranean diet of the East coast of Spain combined with the elements of traditional Moorish cuisine in the South, a great variety of gastronomic styles of central Spanish regions, the New Spanish cuisine led by the pioneers of molecular and new-age gastronomy, and the New Basque cuisine famous for delicious meat and fish specialities.

Spain is commonly known as one of the largest producers of high-quality wine, olives and cold meats. It also owes its fame to its “pica-pica” culture that implies having a meal consisting of finger foods accompanied by a glass of wine or beer and a spontaneous conversation. Spanish food not only meets a growing demand for “foodies” but it also complements the destination for all tourism products. The Spanish Tourist board want to promote tourism through culinary experiences. And there’s no better way to get a taste of Spain wherever you are than through its excellent tapas. A day of tapas is a unique experience to discover Spanish culture and savour the atmosphere of its bars and restaurants. Going for tapas is a habit that is lived intensely in all towns and cities in Spain where tapas are an exquisite, varied and select part of popular gastronomy. The great taste of Spain in one meal!

If you’re looking for an authentic tapas experience, but happen to not be in Spain, there are of course numerous Spanish tapas bars and restaurants all over Ireland… Join us on World Tapas Day (22nd October) and travel to the Taste of Spain!

Madrid's lovely Tapas spots - watch the video here Madrid Tapas

Come and visit Dublin

Dublin a breath of fresh air!

Tourism Ireland has made a wonderful video about my home town Dublin and I thought I'd share it with you. Click on the picture to view it.

Go to the Bronx and live like a local - New York!

NYC & COMPANY ENCOURAGES VISITORS TO EXPLORE THE BRONX’S ARTHUR AVENUE AND BELMONT

—Documentary Film Provides Visitors with an Insider’s Guide to the Italian Enclave and Neighbourhood Cultural Gems—

NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organisation, today announced its most recent effort to increase tourism in the Bronx with a neighbourhood spotlight on Arthur Avenue and Belmont as part of its NYCGO Insider Guide series. Featured in short-style documentary as part of the promotion, Arthur Avenue and Belmont offer visitors everything from authentic Italian delicacies to bucolic gardens to an animal oasis. To view the documentary and neighbourhood highlights including a map, visit nycgo.com/insiderguides.

 The Bronx

Click on this link to catch the video

“Affectionately known as New York City’s ‘real Little Italy,’ Arthur Avenue will make any visitor feel like they are in Italy with Italian shops, restaurants and specialty stores lining the streets,” said Marty Markowitz, NYC & Company’s Vice President of Borough Promotion and Engagement. “With nearby world-class attractions like the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden, we’re encouraging visitors to spend a day exploring the culturally and culinary rich Bronx.”

“Everyone knows that New York’s real Little Italy is in The Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “We have the best cannoli, world-class pizza and the most authentic Italian food, bar none. Arthur Avenue is one of the shining gems of the borough and is close to wonderful attractions like the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden. I welcome any tourist, from our great nation or from abroad, to come visit this wonderful neighbourhood and experience one of the great neighbourhood of New York City.”

Experience Arthur Avenue and Belmont Like a Local

• Attractions: The 265-acre world-famous Bronx Zoo has more than 6,000 animals that are housed in re-creations of their natural habitats. In addition to the year-round exhibits like the sea lion pool and African plains featuring lions, zebras and gazelles, this October the zoo celebrates Halloween with special Boo at the Zoo programming. Featuring more than a million plants on their 250-acre campus, The New York Botanical Garden is a favourite spot of New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world. On view until 1^st November 2015, Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life showcases Kahlo’s work and provides a look into her childhood garden.
• Bakeries and Cafés: For traditional Italian baked goods, DeLillo Cafe & Pastry Shop sells homemade Italian desserts, including cannolis, sfogliatelle and biscotti; and Madonia Brothers Bakery is a Sicilian bakery that sells traditional Italian desserts and savoury breads in flavours like jalapeño, provolone and black olive.
• Dining: A family-style restaurant known for large portions, Roberto’s Restaurant serves country-style Italian dishes. The team behind Roberto’s also owns Zero Otto Nove, a rustic Italian restaurant around the corner. Nearby, Pasquale’s Rigoletto transports visitors to Italy with its colourful murals and authentic menu of fettuccine Alfredo, gnocchi Bolognese and more.
• Shops: The Arthur Avenue Retail Market is home to recently opened shops and third-generation establishments where visitors can find a wide selection of cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables and boutique goods. Nearby, visitors can find fresh pasta and ravioli from Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles; homemade cheeses at the official mozzarella supplier of the New York Yankees, Casa Della Mozzarella; an impressive selection of fresh fish and shellfish atCosenza’s Fish Market; and a vast selection of quality meats at Biancardi’s. In addition, Teitel Brothers is a wholesale and retail gourmet Italian deli, which sells its quality ingredients, including cheeses, roasted peppers and oils to restaurants around the country.

Visitors looking to experience the Bronx for longer than an afternoon can stay at the Opera House Hotel in the South Bronx. The historic Bronx Opera House, a storied entertainment venue dating back to 1913, has been restored as a boutique hotel. The property has spacious rooms and amenities including flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi, plus a continental breakfast. For the best available rates at hotels throughout the five boroughs, visit nycgo.com/hotels and reserve through NYC & Company’s exclusive hotel booking partner, Booking.com.

NYCGO Insider Guides: Get to know our neighbourhoods

New York City is made up of five distinct boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Formerly Neighborhood x Neighborhood, NYCGO Insider Guides, which debuted in March, spotlight a new neighbourhood each month. The video documentary series and editorial content take New Yorkers and visitors behind the scenes to introduce them to the character and characters that define some of New York City’s most fascinating neighbourhoods.

To view B-roll and photos of Arthur Avenue and Belmont in our media library, visit nycgo.com/press. Follow @nycgo_press on Twitter for the latest information about New York City travel and tourism.

Reasons to visit Kissimmee...there's quite a list!

Why Kissimmee should be top of your list for holidays next year!

This info graph says it all really. I would love to go hot air ballooning and check out the Rodeos!