Is the truth out there? Or is it in the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, London. This summer the exhibition "Myths and Monsters" examines findings purporting to prove the existence of creatures such as the Loch Ness monster
Two booklets from the British Tourist Authority which might make your stay interesting are London Planner, which is an event guide produced every month and Accommodation for Budget Travellers, especially if you are bringing the family. Call in or write to them at College Green, Dublin 2, (01) 670 8000.
An Oige are to be complemented on their renovation of the Dublin International Hostel at Mountjoy Street. While capacity has been reduced from 450 to 330 beds, the renovation will provide better facilities for the many visitors who come to every year. There are 45 youth hostels located round Ireland and these are ideal places to encourage young people to visit. Many of the hostels also have family rooms which can make a reasonable family holiday possible. Some of the locations are stunning, and only about £5-£7 per night. More details from An Oige, 61 Mountjoy Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 830 4555. Email: anoige@iol.ie.
Paris has become so accessible in the last year with four airlines competing on the Dublin-Paris route and now extra flights from Cor to the French capital. A short break in the City of Light is always welcome and to compliment the special offer fares Libertel Hotels have reduced their prices from mid-July to end of August. All their hotels are very centrally located and prices are from 360 French Francs per room per night (that's about £45). Give them a call on 00 33 1 44 70 24 24, or fax: 00 33 1 44 70 24 51.
Have you been camping this year? Do all the zips still work on your tent? If not then you will be delighted to hear of a service from O'Meara Camping. They can mend your zips and fix holes in your tents easily, and sleeping bags, anoraks and rucksacks and any other outdoorsy-type of thing. Just leave them into their showrooms on Bridgfoot Street, Dublin 8, or to the rear of Elm Motors, Ennis Road, Limerick. Tel: 01 670 8639 or 061 326233.
Travelling long-haul we always tend to think of the same airlines or national carriers but there is an alternative. An airline which had won over 150 awards and is again airline of the year for 1998, one of the youngest fleets flying and only 12 years old, and many of the staff are also Irish. If you fly them long-haul you even get to shop in one of the most exciting duty-free destinations in the world. Yes, I am talking about Emirates. National carrier of the United Arab Emirates has an extensive network to the Far East, many destinations in India, the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia and Japan
Their hub of Dubai is reckoned to offer the best shopping worldwide. Ask you local travel agent for details of the fares, you could be pleasantly surprised.
