The latest Bord Failte Discover Ireland brochure for spring/summer '99 is now available at tourist information offices around the country. It contains hundreds of ideas for home holidays. Holidays featured include activity-based ideas, lazing around, making and learning things. The range of accommodation stretches from five star hotels to hostels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and a large range of self-catering units.
Midnight On New Year's eve 1999 sees the culmination of a thousand years of history and the birth of a new millennium. One of the best parties to celebrate will undoubtedly be that prepared by the Sheen Falls Lodge in Kerry. The five-day party begins on December 28th and continues until January 2nd, 2000. The atmosphere will be of a private party and the entertainment, wine and cuisine will be exceptional. The brochure alone is worth drooling over. The cost is from £2,500. If I win the Lotto I'll be there. Tel: (064) 41600.
The Neptune and Ballyhack Cookery Centre has started cookery courses again for the spring. They are offering a selection of cookery courses from modern Irish cooking to vegetarian and gourmet breaks. Situated in the village of Ballyhack, accommodation is in any one of a number of lovely guesthouses located around the estuary. You can get details from Ballyhack on (051) 389284.
Topflight has just launched its Lakes and Mountains brochure which focuses on holidays in Italy and Austria. Again this year there will be an extensive programme for the opera at Verona. Last year there was considerable interest in the sightseeing tours and this year it has extended the tours programme which will include Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Krakow and Andalucia. In addition it will be launching a religious programme for the year 2000. Features will include Oberammergau, and trips to the birthplace of Padre Pio and other holy events which will be taking place in the year.
I often get enquiries from people who would like to take holidays on their own, but find that is it not only difficult but expensive. Recently I came across a company in Britain which specialises in single holidays, and in making it easier for lone travellers to enjoy travelling. The range of holidays is terrific. Country house weekends around Britain, cruises, skiing, activity holidays, European breaks and worldwide adventures to all types of exotic destinations. You can get copies of the brochure from 54-58 High Street, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 7EJ, or Tel: 00 44 181 951 2811.
Gardeners, what better way to enjoy your hobby than in the company of a expert who will lead a number of tours during the year to some very special gardens in Britain. Frances MacDonald trained in Glasnevin and Kew and lectures on gardening. The tours will be to see the gardens of Cornwall, the Cotswolds, Hampton Court Palace and the highlight of the gardener's year, the Chelsea Flower Show. You can get the brochure from Travel Quest, 30 Percy Place, Dublin 2, or Tel: (01) 660 5288.