The Ice House with the Warm Welcome!

My daughter, Nicole, is making her confirmation soon so we decided to mark the occasion by doing something really special together and take a mini trip to the West. The Wild Atlantic Way has been a buzz word for Irish Tourism over the last couple of years and The Ice House in Ballina is the perfect hotel to stop off at while travelling the route from Sligo to Galway.

In Ireland most hotels have strict rules and only allow over 16's in the hot tubs or treatment rooms but we found a warm welcome for a mum and daughter at Chill Spa. In fact the small and cosy steam room and outdoor sauna were the perfect introduction to spa life for my daughter before we plunged into the main event, The Hot Tub.

The view from the Hot Tub is stunning and of course it didn't matter if the sky clouded over because we were toasty in the warm bubbles.
The Ice House hugs the River Moy and is a clever blend of the old and the new with innovative architecture design. The original building has a great story from the 1800's when it was used as storage for the ice to keep the salmon cold that was caught on the River. The massive vaults are now stylish ultra modern rooms and in a really nice touch the boutique bedrooms have names instead of numbers. Our room was called Bartra and overlooked the river. In fact every other room in the hotel enjoys a view of the water including the relaxation room in the spa and the restaurant and bar.
In the corner of our ensuite was a massive wooden bath and we had the option of a seaweed bath to relax in before going to bed for €25.

The Chill Spa use natural local ingredients made from seaweed in the treatment of guests. The range of skincare and creams is called Voya and is available in many of the world's top resorts, spas and airlines. I opted for a facial and enjoyed ninety minutes of complete pampering. When I joined my daughter in the relaxation room for my cup of herbal tea, she was already sipping hers with her perfectly painted toes in the air.

We spent in all about three hours in the spa and it went too quickly. We floated up to our room and dressed for dinner. I had heard that the food is delicious and we were not disappointed, in fact the bread was too delicious and if I have one piece of advice, make sure that you leave room for dessert because the chocolate medley is perfect for two and includes a unusual mixture of yummy textures and even a chocolate cone!

Our bed was high and we sank into the feathered under-down with intentions of watching a movie but I found myself asleep in minutes. I wasn't prepared for the spectacular view next morning as I woke early and caught the light shimmering over the water. It was then that I really appreciated how special our little night away will be in years to come.

Elizabeth, my daughter's teddy, has seen plenty of travels over the years and suffered the trauma of being almost left behind in Belfast and actually left behind for a few days in Athlone after one of our trips, But while she was in my daughter's sleepy clutch I realised that Elizabeth won't be brought along for much longer as spas become more important and teddy's less important.

We went for breakfast and Nicole was in her element scouring the buffet and comparing it to others. She has high standards but could not fault this one. The home made scones were a massive hit and she even took one for the car journey home.

But I wasn't allowed to mention home because Nicole had a plan to revisit the hot tub and relaxation room before our return to Dublin, which we did.
The Ice House is close to beautiful Belleek Castle and grounds which is a lovely spot for a walk in nature and Afternoon Tea. The drive home was a leisurely three hours and we stopped off for McDonalds on the way making it the perfect weekend. Elizabeth agreed it was perfect too.
I look forward to returning to the Ice House soon!

The Ice House is part of Ireland's Blue Book. www,icehousehotel.ie www.irelands-blue-book.ie

Special offers from The Ice House

CHILL SPA ESCAPE - OVERNIGHT & SPA TREATMENT

Description: Enjoy full use of the Thermal Suite including Steam Room and two Outdoor Hot Tubs, plus a 50 minute signature massage each from our Voya Organic Range. If a bath is not available on booking a complimentary file & paint will be offered.

Valid From: 01.01.2015 To: 31.03.2017

From: €115 Per Person

STAY & CHILL - 2 NIGHT SPA BREAK

Description: Enjoy full use of the Thermal Suite , plus a 50 minute Chill Spa signature massage each. Also included is Table d'Hote dinner on one evening as well as breakfast each morning. Voted Ireland's best boutique spa, and What's more we're proud to have Ireland's best spa therapist Alicija on our team, as voted at the 2014 Tatler Spa Awards.

Valid To: 31.03.2017

From: €215 Per Person

The Novel Traveller has some great news!

I'm chuffed and excited with the news that The Novel Traveller has been nominated for Best New Irish Travel Blog at the (click here) Travel Media Awards which will be held on 20th May 2016. 

I hope that you find my news and articles entertaining and please tweet me with any travel questions that I can help you with.

Lot's more to come over the next few weeks!

News From Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus invites you to ‘step inside’ its new Business Class

Take a virtual seat on airline’s new Boeing 757 Business Class with Google Maps

Aer Lingus is giving you the opportunity to experience Business Class as if you were sitting on the actual aircraft via a Google Maps virtual tour. This marks the launch of the airline’s new and improved Business Class Experience that is being rolled out across its Boeing 757 fleet.

The introduction of fully lie flat seats across Aer Lingus’ Boeing 757 aircraft provides Business Class guests with similar levels of comfort, storage and space to that available on the A330 fleet since last year.

The inaugural flight of the newly-fitted 757 was made in February from Shannon to Boston and a total of their additional aircraft will be fitted with the new business class cabins by mid-May.

To capture the unique 360 degree experience, thousands of high-resolution digital images were taken using a specially rigged DSLR camera and carefully stitched together to create a seamless virtual experience.

Online users can experience walking up to the plane, climbing the steps and walking through the aisle of the B757 Business Class Cabin.

The virtual tour also features ‘The Revival Lounge’ at Dublin airport which offers Business Class guests arriving into Dublin from North America the opportunity to refresh before departing the airport. The lounge offers a range of facilities upon arrival including premium changing and shower facilities, steam pressing of shirts on request, Wi-Fi, refreshments and a waiting area with TV and newspapers.

Declan Kearney, Director of Communications, Aer Lingus said: “We’re delighted to extend our Business Class experience to our Boeing 757 fleet that will cross the Atlantic from both Dublin and Shannon. Using Google maps to create a virtual tour gives everyone a chance to really see inside an Aer Lingus Business Class cabin and get a taste of what it’s like to fly Business Class with Aer Lingus.”

To take your own virtual tour, simply click on the link:

Aer Lingus Business Class Cabin - https://goo.gl/YjXiP4

Step on board Aer Lingus - https://goo.gl/f9t1Fv -

Aer Lingus Revival Lounge - https://goo.gl/mSoev0

Aer Lingus partnered with photographer Oliver Murray to create the virtual tour using Google images. Oliver is also the only Irish recipient of the Annual Google European Awards for trusted partners.

Northern Ireland Brewing and Distilling Month

RAISE A GLASS TO BREWING AND DISTILLING MONTH

Northern Ireland is proud to be home to a number of excellent breweries and distilleries, all busy handcrafting some of the Ireland’s finest beverages. 

This year is the NI Year of Food and Drink 2016 and April is dedicated to brewing and distilling.  We are fortunate in Northern Ireland to have such a super collection of distilleries and breweries producing everything from the finest cider and whiskey to craft beers and gin.

Not only that, but there are many exciting drink themed events and happenings taking place all over the country including the not-to-be-missed Hilden Beer & Music Festival which takes place between August 26-28 in Hilden, Co. Antrim.

Tourism Northern Ireland has created a refreshing list of tours, events and happenings for you to enjoy on a short break so check their website for updates.

Raise a glass to the tour

Bushmills Distillery

Positioned on the beautiful North Coast, Bushmills Distillery is Ireland’s oldest working distillery. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour where they will learn about the 400 year history whilst taking in all the associated sights and smells, enjoy tutored whiskey tastings whilst being able to browse the gift shop. After enjoying a tour of this fascinating distillery visitors can explore all that the stunning North Coast has to offer including the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

Hilden Brewery

Hilden Brewery is Ireland’s oldest independent brewery and is located near Lisburn in the 19^th century courtyard of Hilden House.  Many visitors flock to the Brewery each year to discover its interesting history and heritage and to sample the award-winning cuisine. Hilden Brewery Beers are available at various bars and restaurants throughout Northern Ireland including Molly’s Yard Belfast, The John Hewitt, Belfast and the Dirty Duck in Holywood.

Rademon Estate Distillery

Rademon Estate Distillery in Crossgar Co. Down is the home of the recently launched Shortcross Gin. Gin lovers should keep an eye out for the estate’s new visitor experience centre which is set to open this year and will take guests on a fascinating journey of how this hand bottled award winning gin came to be.  Whilst in the area make sure to visit the Irish Linen Centre where you can take an audio visual tour and see the weaving centre and hand looms.

Hughes Craft Distillery

Hughes Craft Distillery in Lisburn is the brain child of Stuart and Barbara Hughes who manage everything first-hand in their small batch spirits business producing a wide range of award-winning RubyBlue Spirits in a variety of flavours. RubyBlue Liqueurs are made with real fruit from quintuple distilled Irish grain spirit and infused with blackcurrants, wild blueberries, cranberries and chilli peppers.  The distillery has gained many coveted awards including Global Vodka Master Gold, New York World Wine and Spirits Sliver and have won stars in the Great Taste Awards. Tours can be arranged which take visitors on the journey behind this interesting range of drinks.

Walled City Brewery, Derry~Londonderry

The Walled City Brewery is a brew house and restaurant in one making it a unique destination for sampling tasty craft beers and enjoying the delicious tapas style menu. Visitors to the brewery can discover the fascinating stories as to why the brewery’s craft beers are named Boom, Stitch and Kick. Be sure and visit the City Walls which are 1.5km in circumference and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day.

Armagh Cider Company

Armagh is renowned around the world for its Bramley Apples and the Troughton family behind the Armagh Cider Company have been at the centre of the apple growing tradition for generations. All of their products are artisan and handcrafted so they are completely natural and contain no artificial ingredients or flavours. Those interested in finding out more can contact the Armagh Cider Company and arrange a tour.  Be sure to visit the Navan Centre which offers a unique appreciation of the history of the area through a stimulating exhibition packed full of information, artefacts and hands on activities for all the family.

McComb’s Grub Crawl Tour

Those looking for a tasty way to spend the day with friends should look no further than McComb’s Coach Travel’s new tour, Grub Crawl, which will visit some of the country’s most innovative food and drink producers, in a luxury coach. Tours operate on a Fridayand Saturday and these will take in renowned food places such as Abernethy Butter, Kilmegan Cider, Mourne Seafood Bar and The Poachers Pocket.

Raise a glass to the event

The Belfast Craft Beer Festival takes place in Custom House Square, Belfast, from Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 April and is a four day celebration of the renaissance happening in NI artisan food, craft beer, cider and distilling sectors. The event will host a gathering of over 50 vendors and attendees will enjoy a truly authentic experience as they interact with passionate, local producers and discover the tastes of the region. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample various food and drink whilst enjoying live music.

Newry Craft Beer Festival on April 30- 1 May has ten craft breweries exhibiting over 30 craft products to try including Mourne Mountain Brewery, Armagh Cider Company, Bullhouse Brewing, Whitewater Brewery and more. It will be a fun filled action packed weekend with the best of local craft products accompanied by a top notch entertainment line-up including Chris Keys, The Third Wheel, Michael Kerr and more.

Armagh Apple Blossom Fair delves into the rich apple growing heritage this May Bank Holiday weekend (April 30- May 2) with events centred at Ardress House, Loughgall Country Park and fascinating orchard tours around the county.

For further information check out this video on Brewing & Distilling https://youtu.be/HI8Y9U5BjSg  or log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com

Travel Department is 20 years old!

Travel Department celebrated its 20^th year in business in style on April 13^that Fiorentina Restaurant on Parliament St, Dublin. In keeping with the theme of one of Travel Department’s most popular destinations, we were treated to an authentic evening of Italian food, wine and hospitality. Founder Bob Haugh entertained guests with tales from the early days and friend of Travel Department, broadcaster Marty Whelan, reminisced about his many Italian opera trips to Italy, Berlin and Prague with the company.

Bob and Marty.

Julie Anne, Zara and Me!

Guitarist Alan Byrne provided ambient background music while we chatted over starters of Polpete, wild boar meatballs and crispy gorgonzola salad, and mouth-watering mains of Bistecca 35 dry-aged steak and sea bass. The dolci were especially delicious – diners had a tough choice between decadent chocolate and olive oil tart, sumptuous lemon and passionfruit tart and comforting brioche bread and butter pudding.

Twink and Nuala looking fab!

It was great to catch up with RTE’s Nuala Carey who I hadn't seen since Edward Smith's fabulous 30th Birthday Party on a barge!  Nuala has travelled to several locations in France and Italy on the company’s escorted holidays. Twink was there too with her good pal Andrea Smith and she wooed us all with photos of her amazing cakes. She is a multi talented lady! Model and DJ Daniella Moyles was also in attendance as she prepares to launch her new travel website in the coming months. 

We all went home with goodie bags filled with exclusive 20^thanniversary Travel Department red wine, hot-air balloon shaped handmade cookies, a voucher for founder Bob Haugh’s new beauty salon, Oslo, and one lucky person even went home with a trip in Travel Department’s own hot-air balloon.

Happy 20^th birthday Travel Department – and here’s to 20 more!

Dallas for shopping, JFK and JR!

There was a time when the Irish flooded across the Atlantic grabbing bargains in malls like Woodbury Common but the strong dollar has seen a slowdown in travel shopping. However, with the Euro making a slow comeback I arrived in to Dallas FW Airport with an empty suitcase to see if I could make up my fare like we used in the halcyon days. I booked my flight in the January sales for €498 − good value to the United States despite travelling to Heathrow to get a direct connection. I stayed at The Fairmont Hotel, located conveniently Downtown, close to the arts district and buzzing McKinney Avenue where the best restaurants can be found. The views from our hotel room were on par with JRs office! Great coffee making facilities and a huge bathroom are another bonus.

My travelling companion is an avid shopper and accountant, great help when working out conversion rates. We set off on our first excursion to the highly recommended Stampede 66 Texas restaurant. The decor is very cool with wire sculpted horses protruding from the ceiling. Dallas is buzzing and it's no surprise as the state of Texas has the 13th richest economies in the world, on par with Saudi Arabia.

After dinner, the Fairmont Hotel sent its courtesy car to collect us FOC and brings us to Reunion Tower. It's just one of the nice luxuries included in our room rate in a hotel and ten minutes later we are on the Geodeck, observation point on the 68th floor. With spectacular views of the Dallas skyline it's well worth a visit day or night and helped us to get our bearings. For an outlay of $44 the Dallas CityPass booklet covers the entrance charge. The CityPass is good value and covers admission into four major attractions, good value for a weekend sightseeing.

We took a cab to Deep Ellum next, the trendy music district for the rest of the evening. Most of the bars have live bands with no cover charge. We choose The Free Man, a Cajun bar and lounge, where the beer is reasonably priced and the band exceptionally good.

Next morning, thirty minutes by car took us to The Grand Prairie Premium Outlets, which opens at 10am and where designer and name brands are at savings of 25% to 65% everyday. We found great shops and excellent value at Columbia and Aeropostale. I brought a cardboard cut out of my daughter's foot to help find a pair of runners in the Nike store. I picked up a pink pair of trainers for just over $30. The Vans store also offered savings. For my tween daughter, Justice is perfect and one of the last stores that can't be found in Ireland. Everything in the shop had 30% off on the new season range. Reasonably priced trendy gear and different to all that will be seen on the streets of Dublin. The Converse store was another with great offers - two Tshirts for $25 working out at just over €10 each.

A brand purchase like a Micheal Kors handbag is where real savings can be made and a big purchase like an engagement ring from Jared Vault could save the price of flights or hotel or both. It's worth noting that US gold carat measurements can be different to those commonly used in Europe. The exchange rate doesn't mean that all items are as cheap as they used to be but they are definitely about 30% overall cheaper than at home. Shoes are up to 50% cheaper in some cases. The food hall was great for lunch with a choice of Asian or local food and before we maxed out our credit cards we decided it was best to return to the Fairmont and offload our bags.

The hotel courtesy car brought us to the Sixth Floor Museum and Book depository, saving on taxi fare. The sixth floor museum is a must do. It takes visitors through the final hours of JFKs life and I left with more questions than answers about who actually killed him. The Grassy Knoll is marked with a bright yellow banner and the actual spot where the president was shot is marked in the middle of the road by a white x.

With spring in the air the Dallas arboretum is a wonderful attraction and including the admission to the Sixth floor museum we have already more than made up the price of our CityPass. Art isn't the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Dallas but any city that is booming and prosperous has funds to support the arts. The Dallas Museum of Art is currently showing an exhibition of Dutch masters including Vermeers. The space and interactive information areas makes this one of the most impressive galleries that I have been to in a while.

The city that gave us hours of viewing in the 80s, and where the much beloved JFK came to a sad end proved to be a wonderful destination for a fun filled weekend.

Factbox

For more information visit www.visitdallas.com

Fights to Dallas with www.United.com start from €600 

Shopping information see

www.simon.com or www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/grand-prairie

Register online to download coupons and make savings

Dallas City Pass is $44

For Fairmont Hotel details see the www.fairmont.com/dallas

Rates start for a double room from $255pn

Thailand Travelling with the Kids!

Why isn't Thailand a popular destination for Irish families? Much maligned in the press, this beautiful country has been tarnished by the barrage of western men who descend upon the country seeking seedy sex. So, I set off to investigate with my lifelong friend Catherine, her daughter Alice and my daughter Nicole, to see what Thailand can offer us girls. The first thing we find is that if you don't go looking for the unsavoury side of Thai life, you won't find it.

Our holiday starts on Phuket, Thailand's largest island. Serviced by an international airport, it can be reached from Dublin with just one stopover. A transfer by taxi takes one hour to The Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa, where the lobby has no doors or walls but instead wonderful woven fish hanging from the ceiling. A blanket of warm air envelops us as the receptionist distributes cold hand towels and a refreshing juice to drink. Thailand has two seasons, hot and hotter, an almost perfect climate.

Overlooking the private beach and tropical palm trees, our huge rooms are a hit with our daughters who can't wait to try the Jacuzzi bath on the veranda. First port of call when travelling with the girls is to the infinity pool down by the hotel's private beach. The hotel's other pool boasts cabanas and comfortable padded loungers for sunbathers. That night we eat in one of the hotel restaurants and although it is five star service the prices certainly are not. The bill comes to €30 for four people. Thai food is spectacular and you can eat very well for less than €5 per day if you chose to dine at one of the many street stalls, a bonus when feeding a hungry teen and tween.

The next day we are met at 11.30am by a bus that takes us to the north of the island and the John Gray Sea Kayak Excursion. The Hong by Starlight Tour starts in the afternoon and we bring a change of clothes on instruction. We are taken by traditional Thai boat to explore the caves of the Ko Hongs. Brought to the world by James Bond, on the big screen, these tiny islands sprout out of the crystal blue waters of Phang nga Bay and hold a host of treasures within. But first we get into the sea kayaks with our guide, Upsy, who is appointed to us for the duration of the day. Upsy paddles our canoe through caves covered in stalagmites and home to hundreds of fruit bats. This adventure is not for the claustrophobic because it is a tight squeeze through the caves to get to the centre of the Hong. But the journey takes us out the other side to an oasis of calm and tranquillity among the mangroves. This fragile eco system has been in existence for thousands of years and the girls excitedly lookout for monkeys while they wade through the waters inspecting the fish and wildlife.

It's dinner time and the colourful food on offer in the buffet is as delicious as it looks − the girls especially love the healthy rice dishes. After a swim Upsy shows us how to make a kratong (a floral offering made from banana leaves and Singapore orchids). As darkness descends we take our final excursion through the hongs, we light the incense and candles of our kratong and make a wish as we send the Buddhist offering out to sea. Thousands of tiny lights from bioluminescent plankton light up the caves, like tiny fireflies in the water. When we reach the centre of the Hong, the monkeys appear, swinging through the mangrove trees. It's a transcendental experience from start to finish and one that we will never forget sharing with our daughters.

We spend next day exploring the massage and beauty salons that line the steep road to our hotel and choose one with comfortable air-conditioning and WIFI. Girly heaven costs a little over twelve Euros for a coconut oil massage that lasts well over an hour. I'm careful to ask for a gentle massage because these ladies have extra strong fingers. A pedicure is only €10 and a manicure even less and as there aren't the usual stipulations for the girls to be over 16 our daughters get the full benefit of our spa day. Catherine is completely hooked and sneaks off for another quick massage after dinner.

Cape Panwa is the perfect resort for families with great choice of restaurants and stalls selling trinkets along the beach front but Thailand is a big country and we have another island to explore. So, next day we take a speedboat to Koh Yao Noi in Phang nga Bay. We share our speedboat transfer with a Danish family who tell us this is their second time going to the same resort. Scandinavian, French and Germans families seem to have earmarked the most desirable unspoilt islands to visit and it makes me wonder why the Irish haven't also done so.

As we step off the speed boat we are greeted by a sign welcoming us to 'Paradise'. "I wonder how much is a massage?" Catherine asks. A massage on the beach is €12 so that will do her nicely. Built into the mountainside, the rooms are best described as luxurious eco dwellings, a plunge pool Jacuzzi beckons from the deck against the backdrop of turquoise waters and palm trees. We get to eat our dinner that night with sand tickling our toes at the beachfront restaurant. Batik painting is our first call after breakfast and for only €2.50 each our patient teacher helps us to make a silk masterpiece that we can bring home as a memento.

Only 8km long, Koh Yao Noi is easily explored in half a day and we hire a taxi for less than €40. To get to the other side of the mountain we first have to cross dense forest and the girls are agog at the tiny pots of white goo hanging from the rubber trees. Our driver stops and lets us see the process and touch the latex in its natural state. The main village is surrounded by rice fields and cows while the fishermen's houses are built on stilts at the water's edge to accommodate the rising tide. Our daughters, being part of the selfie generation, are snap-happy with so many photo opportunities in this exotic and different land.

When we return to our hotel we decide to make use of our complimentary Yoga class, on offer to all hotel guests, and we ask instructor Kaylin if the girls can come too. We are told providing they can concentrate they will be fine. Catherine and I struggle with some positions, while our daughters stretch across their mats like a couple of elastic bands. As I fumble with the belts and blocks, Catherine and I get a fit of the giggles − our daughters aren't the ones to disturb the class after all. But in this perfect setting with the waves lapping in the background Kaylin is very cool and relaxed and helps me focus on my poses. At night we are entertained on the beach by some traditional dancers and a Thai Boxing routine and we really don't want to leave this paradise.

Next morning, we take a short one hour flight from Phuket to Bangkok and check-in at the Cape House, a sister of our hotel in Cape Panwa. The two-bed apartment is perfect for families and the rooftop pool sets us far from the madness of Bangkok's busy streets. We have a reservation for a very special dinner on the Loy Nava Cruiser on the Chao Phraya River. The Loy Nava was tastefully converted from an antique rice boat into a river cruiser in 1970 and we are greeted on boarding with garlands of flowers for good luck. Traditional musicians and dancers entertain while dishes of exquisite seafood are brought out at regular intervals. Cocktails for the mums and mocktails for the girls, with the lights of Bangkok and the warm breeze providing natural air-con, we are brought to a different dimension. The same shuttle bus that collected us takes us back to our hotel and a good night's sleep because we have a busy day ahead.

Bangkok like any other capital city has its must see sites and The Grand Palace, home to the Royal Family, is one of them. Unlike its south-east neighbours, Thailand was never colonised by the British or French hence the name Free Land, Thai meaning free. We get to see the Emerald Buddha and partake in the Buddhist ceremony of offering candles, incense and flowers. The kids love the adorned temples and unusual architecture quite unlike anything they have seen before.

The Wat Pho Temple, home to the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand, is close by so we pay a visit before heading off on an adventure through the cities Khlongs (canals) on a long tail boat. As we speed up the Chao Phraya we get to feel like James Bond Girls. Our guide pulls over to the side of the river where an old woman sells bread, he gets the girls to throw it into the water as hundreds of huge carp jump up to eat it, much to the girls squeals of delight. We don't have time to see the floating markets but we have to leave something for next time.

We finish the day shopping in Chinatown but the department store MBK is the must do for shopaholics, we pick up bargains, especially in shoes and dread the thought of going home. Thailand shouldn't just be a bucket list destination, for a higher outlay on flights a family can make up the difference with top class hotels and food and make massive savings on pedicures and massages!

Factbox

For more information see http://uk.tourismthailand.org/

Pricing from Irish tour operator, Tropical Sky is as follows:

3 nights at Paradise@ Ko Yao and 7 nights at Cape Panwa including flights from Dublin departing May & September 2016, per person based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability at €1,499

John Gray’s sea canoe excursion bookable at €115pp

Call Tropical Sky 01 664 9999 or visit www.tropicalsky.ie

Dinner on Loy Nava river cruise including hotel pick up and drop off starts circa €40

book on www.loynava.com

Published in the Irish Mail on Sunday 13th March 2016