Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot – Cally Palace from Mc Millan Hotels
Dumfries & Galloway is a treat for visitors providing inspiring landscapes with attractive towns and villages. On a visit here you can see some of Scotland’s best landscapes and vistas. The town of Dumfries dominated by the tower of Midsteeple is a place where many Scots left their homelands in search of a better life in the new world. Dumfries is also famous for its association with Scottish poet Robert Burns who lived
n Cally Palace
here and fans can take the Burn’s walk, along the banks of the River Nith. Gretna and the nearby village of Gretna Green are famous as a wedding venue for the young faced with resistance to their wish to get married. The well known tradition for eloping to Gretna started in 1754 when an English law was passed stating that any person wanting to marry under the age of 21, required parental consent to do so. Local shopping facilities include the Gateway Outlet Village in Gretna offering a choice of leading brand names and cafes. One of my
other favourite towns Kirkcudbright is a mecca for art enthusiasts with a range of art studios and galleries to explore. Local attractions include the Stewartry Museum that houses collections detailing the natural and human history of the area. Also in the Galloway heartland, Castle Douglas has gained the title of the Food Town. Stranraer located on the shores of Loch Ryan west of Dumfries is the second largest town in the region , local attractions include the Castle of St John, a 16th century townhouse located in the town centre, it
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com is a museum telling the storey behind the castle. Stranraer Museum is located in the 18th century Old Town Hall, with a number of displays and exhibitions showcasing the history of the area. Also nearby expect to find some of the hotels that Scotland has to offer including the charming Cally Palace n Stena Superfast a former 18th century Ferry Belfast. country mansion and now leading golf hotel. You can step back to plex a time of period style and el- with swimming pool egance while enjoying all the is about an hour from Cairnmodern comforts of a four- ryan and just over a two hour star golf hotel. The hotel’s 56 journey across the Irish Sea bedrooms combine spacious on the Stena Superfast ferry accommodation with views from Belfast. This leading of the estate grounds and the ferry company offers various Dumfries & Galloway country- onboard facilities including side beyond. The restaurant Stena Plus for those wishing offers an award winning, fine to travel in style. The many dining experience using the extras include complimenfreshest of local ingredients. tary beverages and snacks, A breakfast, lunch and dinner dedicated waiter service and menu is available, with an em- use of touch screen PC’s and phasis on seasonal game, fish Apple iPads. The food offerand meat. There is also a pi- ing is also locally sourced anist to accompany evening with the highest quality ingremeals. Cally Palace with its dients. Also while onboard own exclusive golf course, as expect fantastic onboard well as an indoor leisure com- shopping; free Wi-Fi, movies
and kids play areas. On this trip I quickly learnt that ferry travel is one of the most relaxing ways to holiday. It’s such a unique, enjoyable and stress-free travel experience and I intend to do it again soon. To book a car-cation click on www.stenaline.co.uk For best offers on weekly or weekend accommodation at Cally Palace visit www.mcmillanhotels.co.uk Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com