WHAT HAS 67 four-poster beds? Where will your dog find 53 places to stay? Where will you find 50 places to stay without climbing a single step? Where can you stay in a 15th century castle for £22 per night? The Friendly Homes of Ireland are 45 of the best country house hotels, 43 pubs with rooms, 32 modern homes and 175 private heritage houses. To receive a brochure write to PO Box Friendly Homes of Ireland, PO Box 2281, Dublin 4 or Tel: (01) 668 6463.
THE LAST eclipse of the second millennium will take place on August 11th. Irish Ferries vessel the The Normandy will be positioned within the "path of totality" where at 11.11 a.m. weather permitting, passengers should get a perfect view of the solar eclipse. On hand will be scientific experts to describe the event as it occurs. The cost of this very special cruise is £550 for two including car and cabin. You may disembark in France and return at a later date or remain with the vessel for its return sailing back to Rosslare. Details from Irish Ferries on (01) 661 0533.
SPECIAL VALUE for April 10th, 17th and 24th from Panorama with Saturday daytime direct flight from Dublin to Faro at £159 return. Packages at Praia de Rocha start at £265 per person. Details from Panorama on (01) 670 7666 or your local travel agent.
THE BRITISH National Pop Music Centre opened this month in Sheffield in Yorkshire. The building's design, in the shape of four giant steel drums, is a striking landmark in a city currently undergoing massive regeneration. England's fourth largest city has spawned a long list of rock stars, including Pulp, Def Leppard, Human League, Joe Cocker and hopefully my cousin Julian Jones, when he makes the big time. The centre covers pop music from the 1950s to the present day. Don't miss it if you are in the Sheffield area.
BRITTANY FERRIES is celebrating 21 years of sailing out of Cork this year. Low season savings are available in April, May and September. A one-week holiday in the St Malo region for two adults, two children, a car and accommodation at Easter costs from £555. Details from your local travel agent or (01) 496 0244.
IF YOU are planning a visit to the southern hemisphere this year I recommend you take a look at the Trailfinders Tailormade brochure. Specialists in Australia and New Zealand for many years they also cover the Far East, Pacific Islands, Africa and North America now. The brochure offers a selection of quality hotels, tours, cruises, rail travel, car and motorhome hire. Call (01) 677 7888 for a copy.
I'VE FOUND it: the only way to travel around the world 38-day odyssey taking the southern hemisphere route from London to South Africa, to Thailand and on to Singapore and from there to Sydney, Auckland, Waikiki, San Francisco, New York and then home. The beauty of this trip is that it spends just enough time in each place to get the flavour. It also gets you to go around the world in relatively short hops. Included is also one of the world's most magnificent train journeys, the Eastern & Oriental Express two nights from Bangkok to Singapore. Along the way there are included tours of the cities visited. The cost is from £4,395 sterling and the tour is organised by Page and Moy.