Andalusia is the real Spain, the Spain of Carmen and Flamenco, Moorish castles and mountain villages, the Alhambra and Cordoba and the "white towns" of the wine-producing region. A tour that will take in all this and more during the autumn, when the weather is mellow is the ideal way to see this famous province. The tour (£589) is of a light cultural nature, and is organised by Viajes Culturales a Espana, which will send you more details, 3 Dalkey Park, Dalkey, Co Dublin, (01) 285 8508.
Did you win the lotto recently or have a little windfall? Would you like to have a trip of a lifetime to two of America's most famous cities? Groupworld Travel has put together a number of five- or six-day packages, which, apart from their individuality, represent excellent value. Flying to New York, staying in the Plaza Hotel, on to Washington for a short stay in the deluxe Radisson Barcelo Hotel and then - flying back on Concorde to London. The cost is from £1,850 - reasonable, if you bear in mind that the one-way flight with Concorde is normally £3,600. Call for details on (01) 667 3113.
Whether you are someone who has always wanted to write but never had the confidence to begin, or if you are working on the third draft of a novel and need encouragement, the Dingle Writing Courses may just help. What a great place to inspire the muse.
During autumn there will be a number of courses focusing on various type of writing such as poetry, fiction, writing for television or theatre. The courses will be conducted by well known writers and cost £135 for a weekend or £300 for five days, fully inclusive, you can get more details from Dingle Writing Courses, Ballintlea, Ventry, Co Kerry, (066) 59052.
Our neighbour, deserves some attention from us. A country of spectacular scenery and a welcome to match our own. All over Wales there are some wonderful hotels, from restored castles to hidden country houses - ideal locations for that quiet few days away. Welsh Rarebits is a book for the hotels of distinction for 1998. It is a collection of 43 properties, mostly privately owned. You will be spoiled for choice with this collection. The book is available from the BTA on College Green, Dublin 2 (01) 670 8000.
I read recently that there will be 63 new hotels opening in Dublin between 1998 and 1999, and as someone who is familiar with the market I can honestly say I can't keep up with the openings. One new hotel that I will mention, as it it quite a landmark on the GAA scene is the new Portobello Hotel, part of the Portobello pub. It will be familiar to anyone who crosses Rathmines bridge and particularly on match days when there are as many people inside as outside on the canal bank. Their rates are from £55 single and £89 double. (01) 475 2715.
Irish Ferries' French services will continue to the end of the year and for the autumn (from August 25th) they will have a nine-day fare of £155 for a car and up to four passengers. Three day mini cruises for £49 per person, or if two are more are travelling it costs £20 for the car fare.
