The Holiday World show in Dublin was even better this year with over 700 exhibitors. Here is a selection of ideas I picked up. The first Middle East carrier to start services from Ireland is Royal Jordanian. It is using Shannon as its entry point and you can fly east or west with the airline. West goes to Chicago at the cheapest price from Ireland of £199 until the end of March. Going east will take you to Amman at £219 until the end of March. Reservations on (061) 360800 or (01) 8444466, or your local travel agent. Sadlier Travel (01) 670 4880, has put together a number of packages and tours to Jordan, Israel Syria.
Diary Date - Travelbag Adventures is putting on a slide show on February 11th at 7.30 p.m. in the Ormond Quay Hotel, Dublin, to give an idea of the type of holidays they do. They take small groups on some terrific adventures. If you want a brochure or more details, call World Travel Centre (01) 671 7100.
A friend describes Gweedore in Co Donegal as a state of mind not a place because it is so relaxing. If you would like to get a piece of that relaxation then Ostan Gweedore is waiting for you. During February it has some great breaks from gourmet to Valentine's, hill walking and wine tasting. Prices start at £85 per person. Best value though, if you are coming from the Dublin area is to take the flybreak weekend costing £135 which includes two nights accommodation, flights from Dublin and taxi to and from Donegal Airport. Give them a call on (075) 31177. While you are there try the home-smoked salmon, it's delicious.
Valentine's weekend is almost here. Have you thought of treating your loved one to a weekend in an hotel in a big city, so stylish, so designed you never want to leave its perfect minimalistic portals? Bedrooms that have CD players and large tubs, crisp cotton sheets and a view of the green. Yes, that Green, at the top of Grafton Street, Dublin. The Fitzwilliam's Valentine Weekend for £140 per person includes champagne and chocolates and for £155 you can dine in the acclaimed Christopher's Brasserie. This Conran-designed temple of style is waiting for your call on (01) 478 7000.
South African wines have made huge inroads in the Irish market in what seems like a very short time. Our own Mary Dowey is leading an eight-day tour to South Africa to see 11 of the leading wineries. The tour will be from March 13th to 22nd, and will give you a chance to drown the shamrock South African-style. Food will also play an important part on this tour, particularly as a supporting role to the wines to be tasted. Accommodation will be in two hotels, the first four nights in Lanzarac Manor and Winery in Stellenbosch, and then at the Marine Hotel at Hermanus Bay. The cost of the tour is from £1,997 and you can get more details from Bronagh or Helen at (01) 679 3811.
Holiday '99, the annual glossy holiday magazine goes on sale this week. There are 132 pages of ideas, entertainment, competitions, stories, fashion and information. Be entertained by Maeve Binchy, Sam Smyth, Liz Ryan, Hugh Leonard, Dervla Murphy and more by their holiday tales. On sale in newsagents at only £1.95.