TRAVEL
Home & Away with Robert Walshe
Living
MIDDLE age travellers are shaping consumer views of the best hotels and holiday destinations at home and abroad. The use of social media is prompting significant numbers of consumers to book direct, with less than ten per cent saying they visit travel agencies. Online reviews from the likes of Trip Advisor are now more influential than brochures, advertising, travel supplements and agents, a new study claims. People also trust complete ■ Westport Plaza Bar strangers over recommendations from the travel Spa za ■ Westport Pla industry, according to the research which claims that the holiday industry is facing a social media revolution. The study found that of Sligo. It is almost 70% of consumers use the a fine Georgian mansion internet to book their holidays, and the contents include compared to 23% by phone and English and Irish pictures, just eight per cent in-store within silver, Waterford glass, and exhibits of historitravel agents. Consumers aged 35-44 were cal interest. The house found to be most likely (74%) to is open from mid-May to mid-September and well book online. worth a visit. The WestWeekend Hotspot port Plaza Hotel - Spa & Westport in Co Mayo is a charm- Leisure is by far one of ing town, with lively traditional the best hotels to stay pubs and plenty of Irish music. in the west of Ireland. It lies at the mouth of Clew Bay, The property boasts a ■ Westport Plaz where you’ll find Achill Island - the convenient town cena Presidential Su ite largest island off the Irish coast, tre location with modand probably the most beautiful, ern amenities in every with lovely mountains, moors and guestroom and hands beaches. The town is unique in on service. I was particthat it was designed to the plan ularly impressed at the longevity Plaza Bar. of James Wyatt, the well-known of staff in a perceptually transient To unwind, guests can enjoy Weekly Best Buy architect of the Georgian period. industry. Some bedrooms have the leisure facilities provided on There are only days left to see the The Mall, with its lime trees lin- balconies overlooking a rooftop the hotel’s property, including ing both sides of the Carrowbeg garden and, with king size beds, pool indoor, jacuzzi, gym/fitness Van Gogh exhibition at London’s River, is a charming thoroughfare. marbled bathrooms with Jacuzzi, facilities and sauna. The newly Royal Academy of Arts. Gain an The Westport neighbourhood air conditioning, plasma screen TV built spa “Sula “has just unveiled insight into the complex mind of was the setting of many novels by with interactive services, minibar its brand new selection of very one of the world’s greatest artist George A. Bermingham who was and safe all included as standard, special, personalized Cancer Care and visit the Van Gogh exhibition once Church of Ireland rector in this is a desirable place to stay. If Treatments that are now avail- displaying over 35 of the artist’s the county. Westport is also well you really want to splash out on able. Touch therapies for cancer letters, alongside around 95 of his known as a sea fishing centre and that somebody special why not try clients is endorsed by The Irish paintings and drawings until the its annual festival attracts many the “Presidential Suite”. Menus at Massage Therapists Association 18th April 2010.The Charing Cross visitors. There is bathing at many “Merlot “offer a great variety of and complimentary therapies are hotel is just a five minute walk away nearby beaches and a champion- modern international dishes, with recommended by the Irish Cancer from the Royal Academy of Arts and ship golf course. Two Kilometres some local ingredients named. The society, to help with specific side prices start from £139 per room per from the town is my favourite food is very well presented and effects. All in all a hidden gem in a night + VAT. Prices are subject to stately pile in Ireland “Westport enjoyable and a value for money magnificent part of Ireland. www. availability www.guoman.com/ charing-cross House”, home of the Marquess lunchtime menu is offered in the westportplazahote.ie
Pet’s Corner...
with Kathleen Murray
with Kathleen Murray: Animal Behavioural Therapist
Young Dog Handlers LAST week I was driving along the road and was very pleasantly surprised to see a boy (about 11 yrs old) and his friends out walking his dog. What attracted me was the very relaxed manner in which they were all strolling along chatting and the dog, a Bichon Frize, was trotting along happily behind the boy. The boy had his hand in his pocket and the lead was dangling from his arm. It was all so relaxed and under control. I don’t often get to see that and it is great to know that there are some very good young handlers out there. It is very
important that children take the care of their dog, seriously. Young children obviously don’t have that ability. Children under nine usually don’t have enough concentration, discipline or ability to control an animal without adult supervision. Children over nine can teach dogs things very easily… if they are interested. They can work with the dog in the garden or kitchen while their parents are doing other things. It is wise to heed the danger that can come from a very “spoiled dog” or a “snappy dog“. Parents should have the dog
under control first and then encourage the child to learn more about it. This young man that I saw walking along the footpath is what I would call “a natural”. Some people are born with an ability to understand and do certain things very easily. It is a natural talent. This young man has it with dogs. He was very much in tune with the dog and the dog was in tune with him. The dog was in good hands. That is not the norm. When children grow up and wonder what they should work at in life, they should do what they
are naturally good at. Everyone has a talent for something. Just because you have papers to say that you are qualified to do something, that doesn’t mean that you are good at it. Do what you’re good at, you’ll be happier… so will your dog.
Home and Away Extra A Taste of Rome is coming to Ireland for some traditional Irish country cooking. Well known for their fantastic cooking holidays to the picturesque town of Sabina in the foothills of Rome, A Taste of Rome have decided to offer something a little closer to home. Teaming up with the renowned Hilton Park Hotel in Co. Monaghan, A Taste of Rome is keen to showcase modern and traditional Irish food in a truly stunning and luxurious backdrop. From the moment you arrive on Friday until your departure on Sunday, you will be immersed in absolute comfort and tranquillity at the Hilton Park. Lessons will have an emphasis on what is fresh, what is in season and what is available both locally and on the estate. A Taste of Rome are offering 3 days of fine Irish cooking, company & comfort from only €499. Dates for this fantastic weekend:,May 14th to 16th ,September 3rd - 5th, September 10th - 12th, October 1st - 3rd, October 15th -17th www.atasteofrome.co Luxury hotel group Four rome.com Seasons, said Monday it will have four new properties in India within the next five years as part of its strategy to tap the resurgent hospitality sector in the country. The Canadaheadquartered chain said it will add over a 1,000 rooms to its inventory and focus both on the leisure and business segments. The group plan is to have two new hotels in Bangalore and Gurgaon and two resorts in Kerala and Jaipur by 2015 meanwhile In 2008 Allegro at Four Seasons Hotel Prague became the first restaurant to be awarded a Michelin-star rating in Central and Eastern Europe. In the new 2010 Main Cities of Europe Guide, it has received the honour for the third year in a row. One-star status signifies a very good restaurant in its category, and an establishment offering cuisine prepared to consistently high standards, according the Michelin classification system. www.fourseasons.com Robert Walshe is a freelance contributor / broadcaster and is guest travel writer for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland