Mother's Day, Afternoon Tea ideas and more...

Mother's Day is coming up and I've been searching for some nice ideas around the country to take the Mum in your life for a special treat. I will be chatting about these on the Midday Show on TV3 next Tuesday 1st March. There will also be a special prize of spa and afternoon tea on the show so don't miss out!
Afternoon Tea is favourite treat of mine and Mother's Day it is also a good excuse to spend with your beloved Aunt, Granny, God-mother, daughter or Sister. So, maybe take the special lady in your life to one of these lovely venues suggested below.

DELECTABLE AFTERNOON TEA

TANKARDSTOWN HOUSE, CO.MEATH

I took my mum to the royal county of Meath to check out the Restaurants at Tankardstown House. Tucked in behind the main house, the courtyard houses two restaurants and a tea room. We choose a sparkling afternoon tea with glass of prosecco and open finger sandwiches. The desserts were delicious with the usual favourites of macaroons and chocolate brownies. We drank endless cups of tea in the cosy atmospheric stone buildings which have been tastefully decorated with old-world charm.

It is advisable to book if you want to visit any of the restaurants or to have afternoon tea.

Afternoon Tea is €40 for two and make it sparkling with prosecco for €50

special offer of Bed and Breakfast with Afternoon tea €110pp

www.tankardstown.ie 

Mother’s Day in Northern Ireland 2016

 Why not take your Mammy or all the special ladies in your life to Belfast for the day! With Northern Ireland's Year of Food and Drink 2016 now in full swing, this is the year for all food and drink loving mums, from indulgent afternoon teas to top quality eateries, there are plenty of options to spoil your mum. Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink 2016 is a year long celebration of everything delicious about this place. The epic landscapes, traditions and people that make our food heritage so unique. With 366 days of foodie experiences, there’s no better time to visit and enjoy a true taste of Northern Ireland. Some nice ideas below...

Surely one of the best ways to spoil someone special is with a relaxing break at one of Northern Ireland’s top hotels. In the mood to squeeze the maximum amount into your break? Come to Belfast. This compact capital city is buzzing with musical, cultural and foodie goings – on. It has it all – shopping, award-winning, restaurants, countless hotels, bars, museums and more. Best of all, belfast is a cultural melting pot with phenomenal theatres and galleries, quirky events around the clock. Don’t miss the icons; the epic Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol, St George’s Market, take a black taxi tour and spend the evening in the cobbled Cathedral Quarter.

Europa Hotel, Belfast

Located in the heart of Belfast’s business and shopping district and beautifully restored, this popular international hotel offers spacious elegance and has been the choice of ex US President Bill Clinton. The Europa’s March Madness offer includes luxurious overnight accommodation, … read more complimentary cocktail on arrival, Full Irish breakfast in the morning  and complimentary WIFI from £95 per room per night.

Culloden Estate & Spa, Co. Down 

Perfectly located in the Hollywood Hills overlooking Belfast Lough, is the 5* Culloden Estate & Spa. With luxury bedrooms, sumptuous soft furnishings, quality dining, and not forgetting the fantastic spa facilities and treatments on offer, this hotel is the perfect retreat. Relax on a spa break with overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast and your choice of a 55 minute Spa treatment from £155 per person sharing.

Ramda Encore Belfast
This modern city centre hotel is in close proximity to Victoria Square Shopping Centre and the vibrant Cathedra Quarter with a great selection of restaurants and bars on the doorstep. Winter Warmer offer including overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast, VIP hamper, £20 food/drinks voucher for SQ Bar & Grill from £44.50 per person sharing.

Clayton Hotel, Belfast
The Clayton Hotel is a stylish and contemporary hotel within walking distance of shopping, restaurants and nightlife with a current special offer of two nights bed and full Irish breakfast and dinner on one evening from £99 per person sharing.

Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast
Situated near the cosmopolitan shopping haven of the Lisburn Road, the Wellington Park Hotel puts you in the heart of one of Belfast’s finest areas. Current special offer for a Spring mini-break for a two nights accommodation with breakfast each morning and dinner on one evening from £79 per person sharing.

  

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Titanic Belfast

Treat your Mum to a special Afternoon Tea at Titanic Belfast in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite featuring the stunning replica staircase!

Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service as you enjoy our luxurious menu featuring a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, classic scones with Cornish clotted cream, mouth-watering cakes and exquisite éclairs and French Fancies!

Children can choose from a special Afternoon Tea menu for those aged 2-11.

No Afternoon Tea would be complete without the tea itself and our guests can choose from a selection of blends, including our luxury loose leaf Thompson's Tea, served in replica White Star Line crockery.

Alternatively why not add a little fizz to your day by including a glass of Prosecco or Champagne as you take in the atmosphere of our live jazz band!

• Afternoon Tea - £25pp
• Afternoon Tea including a glass of Prosecco - £30pp
• Afternoon Tea including a glass of Champagne - £35pp
• Children's Afternoon Tea - £10ppEvery Mother attending will receive a special Gift from Titanic Belfast, so please advise how many Mother's will be dining in each party at the time of booking.

For more information, or to book, visit www.titanicbelfast.comTreat your Mum to a special Afternoon Tea at Titanic Belfast in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite featuring the stunning replica staircase!  Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service as you enjoy our luxurious menu featuring a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, classic scones with Cornish clotted cream, mouth-watering cakes and exquisite éclairs and French Fancies!

No Afternoon Tea would be complete without the tea itself and our guests can choose from a selection of blends, including our luxury loose leaf Thompson's Tea, served in replica White Star Line crockery. Alternatively why not add a little fizz to your day by including a glass of Prosecco or Champagne as you take in the atmosphere of our live jazz band!

Afternoon Tea from £25 per person and every Mother attending will receive a special Gift from Titanic Belfast, so please advise how many Mother's will be dining in each party at the time of booking.  For more information, or to book, visit www.titanicbelfast.com

The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour – Rembrandt’s Self Potraits at the Ulster Museum, Belfast

Rembrandt (1606–1669) is perhaps the best-loved and most admired painter of the seventeenth century.  Rembrandt produced some 80 self-portraits – paintings, drawings and prints- over the course of his 40-year career. No artist before Rembrandt, and only a very few since, have made self-portraiture such a significant part of their life’s work. Self Portrait at the Age of 63, painted in the final year of the artist’s life, is among the very last works he finished. This magnificent late Rembrandt self-portrait is hung with a small group of seventeenth-century Dutch paintings from the Ulster Museum collection. Rarely on display, these paintings are by artists whose work Rembrandt would have known and so, when viewed together, there is sense of entering Rembrandt’s world. Rembrandt (1606–1669) is perhaps the best-loved and most admired painter of the seventeenth century. Born in Leiden, he spent most of his life in Amsterdam, where he worked for a wide circle of wealthy and influential patrons. Rembrandt’s reputation was built on his skill in producing ambitious and dazzling biblical scenes, history paintings and portraits, yet it is through a remarkable series of self-portraits that we feel closest to the painter’s inner thoughts and character.

Rembrandt produced some 80 self-portraits – paintings, drawings and prints- over the course of his 40-year career. No artist before Rembrandt, and only a very few since, have made self-portraiture such a significant part of their life’s work. Self Portrait at the Age of 63, painted in the final year of the artist’s life, is among the very last works he finished. This magnificent late Rembrandt self-portrait is hung with a small group of seventeenth-century Dutch paintings from the Ulster Museum collection. Rarely on display, these paintings are by artists whose work Rembrandt would have known and so, when viewed together, there is sense of entering Rembrandt’s world.

Enjoy an afternoon at a Cookery School

No ‘foodie’ should leave without exercising their culinary skills and using our local produce at one of Northern Ireland’s cookery schools. Spread across the region the cookery schools all have their individual specialities from seafood caught metres away from where it will be prepared to classes in traditional home baking. The Belfast Cookery School is open to all levels of experience and is designed to reawaken, enliven or revitalise a passion for cooking with fresh ingredients and the best quality produce. The Cookery School at James Street South (also in Belfast) is another ideal location to participate in practical cookery classes or demonstrations.

If you are in the South of the country Hayfield Manor in Cork has some ideas for mother's Day.

My favourite place to visit in Cork is the English Market but you could always take your mum to this lovely hotel and spoil her rotten for the entire weekend.

Mum-Time at Hayfield Manor

 

This Mother’s Day, give the gift of that most elusive of treasures…time! Shared experiences are the theme for Mother’s Day at Hayfield Manor this year. With busy lives and full calendars, we’re encouraging some decadent down time to create some special memories.

There are many gift options ranging from luxury overnight stays, Mother’s Day Lunch and Spa packages to choose from.

Mother’s Day Luxury Break

What better way to show you’re appreciation than treating your mother to a wonderful weekend at Hayfield Manor. This package is designed for two people to share the experience, perhaps she may be kind enough to invite you too!

We will ensure that she is utterly pampered with 2 nights of luxury accommodation including full Irish Breakfast each morning and a 4 course dinner on one evening in either Orchids, Hayfield Manor’s signature restaurant, or Perrotts Garden Bistro.

This package is specific to Mother’s Day dates.

Price: From €248.00 per person sharing.

For more information on this unique package, please click here.

To Book:

Phone: +353 21 4845900

Email:               enquiries@hayfieldmanor.ie

Mother’s Day Lunch

Celebrate this Mother’s Day with all the family and enjoy Hayfield Manor’s traditional Mother’s Day Lunch, served in the contemporary glass walled Perrotts Garden Bistro. Indulge her with a delicious four course menu for €42.00 per person. To view the Mother’s Day lunch menu, please click here.

To Book:

Phone: +353 21 4845900

Email:               enquiries@hayfieldmanor.ie

Gift Ideas

The Beautique Spa Signature Package

Treat your mum to a day of ultimate relaxation & temptation at Hayfield Manor with a combination of The Beautique Spa’s Signature Package and delightful Afternoon Tea. This offer commences with an Aroma Foot Ritual, followed by a Back of the Body Massage and an Anti-Aging Booster Facial, preceded or followed by Afternoon Tea in the beautiful surrounds of Orchids Restaurant.

Price: €149.00

To Book:

Phone: 021 484 5900

Email: beautiquespa@hayfieldmanor.ie

HUNTER'S HOTEL, CO.WICKLOW

Hunter's Hotel is Ireland's oldest coaching inn located in County Wicklow. With a long-standing tradition of friendliness, hospitality and good food, its picturesque gardens along the banks of the River Vartry are a delightful setting for a delicious Afternoon Tea.

Make Mother’s Day extra special this year at The Lodge at Ashford Castle

Overlooking Lisloughrey Quay, with enchanting views of Lough Corrib, The Lodge at Ashford Castle is the perfect location for a relaxing afternoon of pampering and spoiling the special lady in your life. 

Take some time out with your mum, enjoy an overnight stay and indulge in all the little extras included in the fabulous Lounge at the Lodge package. Check in to the luxurious surroundings and kick-start the relaxation as you and your mum will enjoy a Mini Dermalogica Facial or Deluxe Manicure in the capable hands of resident beauty specialist Debbie Murphy. From the relaxing experience in The Beauty Rooms at The Lodge, continue your time out with a delightful Prosecco Afternoon Tea overlooking the stunning views across Lough Corrib.

Lounge that little bit further in the Quay Bar with a complimentary cocktail and enjoy dinner by the fireside - the perfect space in which to sit back and admire the sweeping views of the Ashford Estate and to enjoy some hearty Irish cooking prepared with the finest local produce. Take some time the following morning and relax with a complimentary late check out. The Lodge at Ashford Castle is the ideal destination for those seeking to enjoy some quality time this Mother’s Day.

The Lounge at the Lodge package is available for €305 and includes an overnight stay with breakfast, Prosecco Afternoon Tea, a treatment per person at The Beauty Rooms and dinner with a complimentary cocktail in The Quay Bar - the perfect treat for your Mum this Mother's Day.

www.thelodgeac.com  

T: 094 954 5400 

Sugar and spice and all things nice at The Twelve Hotel for your Mum

Famed for its fabulous food and wine offering, this year The Twelve Hotel have won numerous awards for their wonderful food and wine in West Restaurant. So if superb food and wine are your Mum’s top loves, there couldn't be a better boutique bolt-hole for a Mother’s Daybreak with your Mum than The Twelve Hotel in Bearna, County Galway.

Start your two-night Pampering break with something sweet – freshly-baked cupcakes from the homely hotel’s on-site bakery, which will be in your Splendid Guest Room on arrival along with a bottle of Prosecco and delectable chocolates. Next enjoy a back, neck and shoulder massage, or submerge yourself in a Seaweed Bath using the award-winning Voya range of seaweed products, all in the comfort of your own room. Also included is a three-course dinner on the evening of your choice in Upstairs@West. After a lovely sleep each night, awake to a cooked to order breakfast the following morning and, before you head home feeling relaxed and pampered!

From €165 per person sharing on Sunday 6th March and Monday 7th March (higher rates will apply for Friday and Saturday nights). 

www.thetwelvehotel.ie 

Tel: 091 597000 

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

Other travel deals:

For more great travel deals check out - www.itaa.ie/offers

Royal Caribbean are teaming up with the World Wildlife Fund

It's good to see a travel company working with the environment. This is a positive step in sustainable tourism. Well done Royal Caribbean!

The partners will set measurable and achievable sustainability targets that will reduce Royal Caribbean’s environmental footprint, raise awareness about ocean conservation among the company’s more than five million guests, and support WWF’s global oceans conservation work. 

The targets announced today focus on supply chain sustainability and emissions reductions through 2020. Royal Caribbean and WWF are also working together to develop targets aimed at strengthening the company’s sustainable sourcing strategy and its destination stewardship and sustainable tour operations platforms.

“Our mantra at Royal Caribbean is ‘Continuous Improvement,’ and this partnership with WWF represents a great opportunity to make a big step forward in meeting our special responsibility to protect the oceans,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “It is also gratifying to see that our determination to make a meaningful difference is shared by our employees and our guests. This new partnership aligns all of us at RCL with WWF’s mission to conserve the world’s oceans. Together we are setting aggressive goals and together we will start implementing them right away.”

“The threats that are facing the ocean are greater than ever – in the last 30 years, some ocean wildlife populations have declined by nearly 50 percent. If we are going to reverse the downward trends, we must take serious steps to repair, restore and protect the oceans,” said Carter Roberts, WWF-US President and CEO.

“This initiative centres on two core concepts: first, committing to specific and measurable targets to reduce carbon emissions, increase sustainable sourcing and build destination stewardship; and second, comprehensively engaging their millions of travellers to learn about the ocean and then act to help save it."

Royal Caribbean Cruises and WWF jointly developed new 2020 environmental sustainability targets for the company that include:

Carbon Emissions 2020 Target:

·         Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2020.

Sustainable Seafood 2020 Target

·         Responsibly source 90% of its wild-caught seafood by volume from MSC certified sustainable fisheries, fisheries in full assessment for MSC certification, comprehensive Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), and/or sourced from International Seafood Sustainability Association (ISSA) member companies.

·         In North America and Europe operations, responsibly source 75% of its farmed seafood by volume from ASC certified responsible farms, farms in full assessment for ASC certification, and/or comprehensive aquaculture improvement projects.

·         In addition, by June 30, 2016, RCL will set specific traceability goals with targets for obtaining MSC and ASC chain of custody.

In addition, Royal Caribbean and WWF have agreed to develop and announce new targets by June 30 that will address destination stewardship. As part of this, WWF and RCL will collaborate to strengthen RCL’s destination sustainability assessment and selection process.

Royal Caribbean also will financially support WWF’s global ocean conservation work through a $5 million philanthropic contribution during the partnership, and will collaborate with WWF to build global awareness about ocean conservation issues among its millions of passengers.

The organisations made their announcement at an event in Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines that is home to a model community-based ecotourism program. At the event, RCL also made a separate, $200,000 donation to WWF Philippines in support of conservation programs in the Donsol area.

Short Break ideas to the USA with Tour America

Short Break ideas to the USA with Tour America

It's that time of year when the January Blues set in and summer seems too far away. That's why a short break can sometimes lift the spirits in more ways than one. It can even be educational as I found when I took my son to Boston recently. I've been sent some really good deals and great ideas for packages to Washington, New York and Boston. I've been to all three of these cities with my son and they each have so much to do with teens and tweens - food for thought for a mid-term break too!

On Top of the Rock in New York with my tween boy in 2013
See www.nycgo.com

Washington when Mark was the same height as me
www.washington.org

My boy has grown so much but he still likes to get away with his mum!
www.massholidays.ie

Go to the Tour America website to see more package deals and ideas

www.touramerica.ie Dublin on 01 8173500 or Cork on 021 242 9222
Boston 3 nights March €795New York 3 nights February €679 Washington 3 nights February €609


Tour AmericaBoston & Salem from €795 per person
Includes
Direct return flights with Aer Lingus to Boston, All taxes and charges
2 Nights accommodation Hilton Boston Back Bay
1 Night accommodation Salem Waterfront Hotel
Date of departure: March 2016
Our reference: 501490

New York fr€679 per person
Price Includes
Return direct flight from Dublin - JFK with Aer Lingus
3 Nights accommodation The Hotel Metro including free continental breakfast
Based on 2 sharing
Date of departure: 26 Feb 2016
Our Ref: 504003

Washington fr€609 per personPrice Includes
Return direct flight from Dublin - Dulles  with United Airlines
3 Nights accommodation The Embassy Row Hotel
Based on 2 sharing
Date of departure: 26 Feb 2016
Our Ref: 504008

Boston Mum and Son trip!

Boston ticked all the boxes for our perfect mum and son bonding trip. 

Education is a hot topic in our house with the Junior Cert Exam looming for my son next June. I'm a believer that nothing broadens a young mind better than travel and use this mantra to justify taking him away from his books for a few days.

Boston is a city that has grown into itself culturally and aesthetically since the big dig twenty years ago. When the clever city planners decided to put the busy highways in tunnels under the city, they left a beautiful mile-long stretch of parkland running through its heart and dedicated it to Rose Kennedy, the ex-president's mother. Across from the financial district on what used to be a parking lot is the city's rejuvenated district and our hotel for the next two nights, the Envoy. A smooth glass exterior surrounds a very cool and hip place to stay, with one of only three roof top bars in the city. Our room is spacious and trendy just like the rest of the hotel and one of my favourite features is the usb charger in the wall! With a huge shower and Netflix on the smart TV my son, Mark, gives the room the thumbs up too. Breakfast in the Envoy is a real treat and we opt for the Lobster Benedict and Maple Pancakes both mornings. See www.theenvoyhotel.com

We spend our first night in Boston at The Charles Theatre to see The Blue Man Group. Each performance involves a variety of media entertainment including art, music and mime. It's perfect for kids of all ages. The show moves quickly and there isn't a dull moment, especially at the climactic ending when giant size balloons and confetti fall on to the audience. For more information see www.blueman.com/boston.

We wake early next morning and head for the Boston Tea Party Ship for our first lesson. Our guide, Mr Condy, wears full period costume from this key time in eighteenth century American History that eventually led to the declaration of American Independence. Mark nods nonchalantly as we are invited to partake in a meeting with Samuel Adams who protests about the taxes on tea. "We did this in history a couple of weeks ago," he says. We move from the museum on to the schooner 'The Beaver' where the kids get to throw the box of tea overboard in a re-enactment of the Tea Party which involves shouting 'huzzah' and banging our feet on the deck. I hope that this period of American history is now firmly etched in Mark's memory before his exams next summer. See www.bostonteapartyship.com for more details.

Travelling with a teen I sense it's time to do something more active. At Urbanadventours on Atlantic Avenue, we are provided with helmets, water and bicycles. Our guide, Greg, takes us in a small group of five around the rim of the North End. We cycle past the new flagship Converse world headquarters, and the TD Gardens where the city's Basketball and Hockey teams play. Boston is a maritime city and the Charles River meets the Atlantic at a damn which was built to maintain the water level of the river. 

It's lined with an incredible array of trees that turn every colour of yellow, gold, burnt orange and red in the autumn. The pathway is flat making it easy for me to keep up with Mark and bringing us past college boat houses and more reminders of the city's foundation on education.

As we pull up at Fenway Park, Greg tells us that Baseball is a religion with most Bostonians. The effigies of four famous Red Sox players stand at the stadium gates and I ask Mark if maybe he's going to be a sports star. He just grunts at me! We set off again along the city's Emerald Necklace − a green area in the centre of the city where locals tend to their vegetables and sit in private allotments rented from the city.

Before the tour is over we ride past the Museum of Fine Art which houses the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside of the Musee d'Orsay in Paris. Reluctantly we pass by as Mark didn't take art as an option but even he's impressed by the graffiti and street art. In the distance, the John Hancock building is decorated with a gigantic art installation by French artist JR. A man stands on the edge of a pontoon and looks like he is about to jump into the blue skyscraper which amuses passersby.

I'm saddle sore by the time we reach Boston Common but Mark has enjoyed every bit of this excursion. We dine in the North End after returning our bikes and step into little Italy. Antico Forno is a well established restaurant and perfect for kids with everything from pasta, pizza and speciality dishes that include fresh seafood.

Next day we set off on The Freedom Trail, a self guided trek through the city's historic buildings and sites marked out by red bricks along the footpath, we deviate as we come to Quincy Market food hall. Mark salivates as we pass the food stalls and we settle for a bowl of Boston Chowda − spelt phonetically − this delicacy is a favourite for locals and visitors. Faneuil Hall has been a market and meeting place since the mid 1700's but these days top brands like Abercrombie and Fitch and Urban Outfitters can be found nearby. The Freedom Trail is a great way to walk through Boston and The Paul Revere house, the oldest in the city, is worth a stop off. Paul Revere was made famous by Longfellow's poem describing his historic ride from Concord to Boston to warn the revolutionaries that the British troops were coming.

Mark is showing signs of 'history overload' so I decide that it's time to catch up on Science. We take the T, Boston's over and underground train system to our next stop, The Museum of Science. Currently Disney Pixar are showing a new exhibit that will inspire any young animator or film maker, while a budding meteorologist or pilot will be enthralled in the west wing.

Harvard University is only a fifteen minute ride away and at the risk of being a pushy mum I insist that we take the 'Hahvad Tour' (again spelt phonetically), given by current Harvard Students. Our guide tells us secrets about the naughty rites-of-passage carried out by the college fraternities and advises us not to touch the toe of the John Harvard statue which is frequently rubbed for good luck by tourists as it's more frequently used as a toilet at night. At $9.99 this tour is good value and a great way to walk through the college grounds.

Quirky Russian chapel in Salem

I take Mark to Salem for our last night. This quirky bewitched town, where even the cop cars sport witches emblems, is only a thirty minute train ride from Boston. Made infamous by the witch trials of 1692 where twenty innocent people were put to death for witch craft, Salem has been a source of intrigue for writers for centuries. We stay at the Salem Waterfront Hotel which has a small and cosy swimming pool. It is also next to the delicious Fin's restaurant which offers incredible seafood.

Next day we take the Trolley Tour to get our bearings and pass the House of the Seven Gables, made famous by author Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is impossible to avoid references to the Witch Trials so we go to the Salem Witch Museum to get the full story. Re-enactments of the trials can be seen at the Witch Dungeon and even on the main street. Everything is close by in this pretty town with fine examples of federation houses and brownstones − each labelled with a date and name of the original owner. This is America where the smell of apples and cinnamon resonates through the wooden eaves of the buildings.

Don't leave Salem without eating in Turner's restaurant which also has an interesting story and great food.

There is only one more thing to do before we leave this centre of mystic and magic. My son has his palm read and is told to keep up the guitar lessons as they will make him famous some day. Delighted with the news of my son's impending fortune we return to Dublin with my mind at ease and consider that maybe he isn't going to need straight A's in the Junior Cert after all!

Fact box

For information on things to do in Boston and Massachusetts see www.massholiday.ie

Flights

Aer Lingus, the smart airline, operates two flights per day from Dublin to Boston with fares starting from €249 each-way including taxes and charges. Flights from Shannon operate daily with fares starting from €209 each-way including taxes and charges. For more information visit aerlingus.com

Packages

Tour America
4 nights in Boston from only €599pp. Price Includes: Return flights with all taxes & 4 nights 3* accommodation. Based on 4 sharing. Travel January 2017. Reference 511489. Visit www.touramerica.ie or call 01-8173562. or Cork on 021 242 9222