Carrigglas Manor in has been the family home of the Lefroy family since the 18 century. During the spring they will be welcoming people to their home for a number of very interesting courses. China and glass painting, unusual finishes for advanced students, decoupage, furniture painting and gilding and watercolour painting. The tutors will be Belinda Ballantine and Ronald Swanwick. You can get more detail from Tessa Lefroy at Carrigglas Manor, Longford, tel: (043) 45165. The courses are also open to both day and residential guests.
Continuing on the theme of courses and useful weekends, the Ewe Art Retreat in Goleen, west Cork comes highly recommended. It gets its name from the fact that is used to be a sheep farm. Guests stay in private Scandinavian-style cottage lodges. The courses are called creative escapes and subjects range from clock and mirror making, to pottery, painting on ceramics, sculpture and decorating tiles. All courses take place in the morning leaving the afternoon free to explore this beautiful are of west Cork. Write to them at Ewe Art Retreat, Goleen, west Cork, or tel: (028) 35492.
If you are travelling in Germany during April and May, the famous student city of Heidelberg will celebrate its spring festival from April 16th to May 16th. There will be extensive cultural and artistic events during the month. You can get a programme from (00 44) 6621 58 35 92 or visit their website on www.heidelberg.de/cvb.
Irish holidaymakers will be familiar with Keycamp Holidays for their extensive French programme. This year they have entered the British market with an extensive selection of hotel breaks throughout Britain . The Superbreak programme offers great family value. Each booking will also receive discount vouchers for places of interest and top attractions. Prices in London begin at £26 per night and family rooms from £64. The office in Cork will be happy to send you a brochure (021) 251404.
One way to really see an area is from the saddle of a bike. There is nothing like cycling down country lanes and meandering through villages and towns to get a good view.
Rothar Cycle tours has been organising tours to Brittany for a number of years and will again this year take you on a tour of this historic and picturesque region of France.
Tours begin in Cork where you collect your bike and cycle to catch the Brittany Ferry. Best thing about it is your luggage follows you in a van leaving you free to enjoy yourself. These week-long tours cost from £445 and include your passage, accommodation, bike, insurance, mechanic and transporting the luggage. Phone Aidan Quinlan on (021) 313133, or email him at rct@tinet.ie.
Good news for Blackpool lovers. Comed Airlines will be operating a new daily service from Dublin to the city of illuminations. Blackpool has become increasingly popular and will continue to provide great family entertainment. The flight will take about 50 minutes and cost will be from around £69 sterling return. You can get details from your local travel agent and from Blackpool Tourism (0044) 1253 478 203.