If you are thinking of going to Australia New Zealand next year, and would like to get some information and background, the Australia Travel Centre is having an consumer information evening on Thursday, October 16th, at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin. Admission is by ticket only, which you can get by telephoning 01 804 7144 or by calling into their office at 43 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1. People taking part include Qantas, British Airways, tourist organisations for Queensland, Northern Territories, Western and Southern Australia and also tour companies. But if you are thinking of going to Australia or New Zealand sooner and have not booked yet, Joe Walsh Tours has some special fares with Ausbound for the Winter and Christmas period. Flights are from Manchester and Gatwick, and cost from £549 sterling. Further details from (01 676 0991).
During the winter one of the most famous castles in Ireland will be hosting a series of weekend events. Glin Castle, home of the Knight of Glin, in Co Limerick will be the venue for cookery demonstrations by cooks such as Darina Allen and Jane Walker. There will also be antique weekends with the knight himself, Desmond FitzGerald, equestrian weekends in conjunction with the Clonshire Equestrian Centre, and golf weekends. The cost is from £192.50 per person, and includes two nights dinner, bed and breakfast.
Speaking of matters equestrian, Broadmeadow Country House (01 835 2823) has just opened in Ashbourne, Co Meath. This beautiful country house and equestrian centre is run by the Duff family which has been involved in all aspects of the horse industry for generations. At present the centre has two large indoor arenas, and one outdoor. A purpose-built cross-country course with a number of natural fences is a feature.
Northern Ireland Tourist Board launched its Autumn and Winter breakaways brochure last week. The selection of ideas is terrific. Prices are excellent, with self catering cottages beginning at £60 for a weekend. Belfast weekends for £52, farmhouse holidays from £35.50 in Fermanagh, hotels with full leisure facilities from £70, golf breaks from £66 and equestrian holidays from £105 which include tuition and entertainment. There is also a special selection for the over-55s. Telephone for a brochure on 1850 230 230, or call into their offices at Nassau Street, Dublin.
The first six months of this year have seen an increase of 25 per cent for Air Canada passengers from Ireland.
With fares of £359 to Toronto, it is not surprising. They have scheduled flights to eight Canadian destinations from Heathrow, Manchester and Glasgow. Another advantage from Air Canada is their extensive network in North America with 40 cities served from Toronto, which can often make it a more time effective routing than a US gateway city. The good news for travellers is the Canadian dollar is comparatively weak, and your money goes further at two dollars to the pound. Timetables and details from Premair on 01 679 3958.
- Compiled by Joan Scales
