TRAVEL
Home & Away with Robert Walshe LONDON is included in a list of the ten best value destinations in the world to visit in the coming year in a book just published. Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2010 claims to capture the world’s hottest travel trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead, bringing together the expertise of Lonely Planet authors, staff and travellers. This is the fifth annual collection of the best places to go and the best things to do around the world for the year ahead. The 2010’s Best Value destinations are Iceland, Thailand, London, South Africa, Malaysia, Mexico, India, Bulgaria, Kenya and Las Vegas. Meanwhile guests are becoming more concerned with hotels’ eco-credentials, according to a pan-European survey. Almost a third (29%) of respondents would choose a known ‘ecofriendly’ hotel if it was offered by a popular online booking system. The poll of 5,000 people found that more than half (54%) say sustainable energy sources, such as wind, solar or hydro-electric power, should be used. The travel industry will take at least three years to fully recover from the economic slump. The forecast is made by Euro monitor International saying a full recovery to pre-crisis levels for travel and tourism is not expected until 2013 at the earliest and consumers are expected to embrace thrift for the long term.
Weekend Hotspot The Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort is a luxurious five star vacation resort in the mid west of the Ireland. The ultimate combination of old and new works well and the principal features include world class suites, dining facilities, sight seeing, shopping, fishing & numerous activities to make you feel like a Lord of the Manor.. The neo- Gothic property was built by Lord Dunraven during the Irish famine between 1830 and 1860 and is a true architectural masterpiece. Located on the site of his old Georgian home highlights include a turreted entrance tower at one corner, 52 chimneys, 75 fireplaces and 365 leaded glass windows. One of the most renowned parts of the manor is the Minstrels Gallery, inspired by Versailles is lined with 17th century Flemish choir stalls. Adare Manor was later converted in 1982, but continues to retain the original’s stately home feeling. The lobby and public areas which are cosy and warm, boast huge fireplaces in and the deepest most comfortable armchairs. In the original manor there are 62 individually styled rooms and the interiors all feature antique furniture and original fireplaces. There are also modern, self-catering threeand four-bedroom villas and town houses in the grounds with their own village feel. The fine dining experience at the oak room res-
taurant featuring European haute cuisine is complimented by an impressive wine list .all against a backdrop of elegant chandeliers and oak panelling. Afterwards the Tack Room one of the oldest parts of the hotel hosts evening entertainment with k a resident pianist ■ Adare Manor, Co Limeric and local singers and is jovial way to end a very speuntil the 19th cial evening at the manor. The spectacular views & landscapes December. Concorde combined with very high standards in facilities & staff service makes the resort a must Travel has just see weekend destination. The spa offers a announced an selection of luxury health and beauty treat- early bookments and is located overlooking the won- ing discount ■ MInstrels Gallery at derful gardens. The entire property is on offer for all Adare Manor 840 acres and the golf course designed by sailing and Sir Robert Trent Jones offers serious golfers yacht charter many facilities. In fact the centuries old Car- holidays next riage House is now home to the clubhouse. year. Whether a seasoned sailor with thouand the course hosted The Irish Open in sands of blue miles under your hull or an ad2007 & 2008. Excellent fishing is available venturous holidaymaker who has decided on the River Maigue which flows through- to go sailing for the first time, Concorde out the grounds and the local plumb brown Travel recommend the European hot-spot trout catches are legendary. The Co Limer- of Croatia for nautical holidays in 2010. With ick region is especially renowned for its wild sailing yacht charter prices starting from Atlantic coastline (the cliffs of Moher and as little as €800/week per boat, Concorde Baltard and the Burren) and the River Shan- Travel will organize everything from your non, which runs through local hills and land. flights and transfers to your boat charter. There is so much to enjoy and experience at Boats can be hired with or without a skipper. the fabulous Adare Manor undoubtedly one It is also possible to combine a week sailing of Ireland’s finest 5 star resort experiences. with a week on land. The most popular yacht www.adaremanor.com and www.shannon- bases are Split, Kastela, Trogir, Dubrovnik and Zadar. www.concorde.ie Sunway are ofdevelopment.ie fering Christmas companion ten day cruises Weekly Best Buy for free if you book before November 30th. Enjoy 2 nights in Prague, then visit fascinatThe Christmas spirit is already in full swing ing Christmas markets between Nuremberg at the Westport Plaza & Castlecourt Hotel and Budapest with prices from: €1,329. DeResort as they prepare for their renowned parture dates on 07th, 12th, 14th & 26th Christmas Parties, Christmas Breaks and December www.sunway.ie. The Normandie New Year’s Black Tie Gala Ball. This year, Wine Warehouse in Cherbourg is hosting a Santa has definitely come early to fill your Wine Fair on board the Irish Ferries cruise Stockings with some very special Mid-Week ferry Oscar Wilde during its sailing from Breaks! Whether you have been naughty or Rosslare to the French port on departing nice, the Castlecourt Hotel invites you to Friday, 27th November returning two days enjoy a 2 night Bed & Breakfast break for 2 later on Sunday, 29th. In Cherbourg, shoppeople, with a lovely bottle of wine from as pers will have up to 5 hours to purchase the little as €99 In Total, or from €129 In Total in wines sampled at discount prices with the the Westport Plaza. Party Season kicks off Normandie Wine store Avenue Carnot outin style on Friday 27th November and con- let remaining open until the vessel departs tinues every Friday and Saturday night up again for Rosslare. www.irishferries.com.
Pet’s Corner...
with Kathleen Murray
with Kathleen Murray: Animal Behavioural Therapist
Farm animals FARM animals are a worry for many people. If you have never been raised on a farm or have not spent time on one then you may be disturbed by conditions that are sometimes seen in the winter or in very wet weather on farms. Cattle are often the biggest concern for people. When people are out driving in the countryside they may see cattle standing in muck in fields. Standing in muck is one thing but sinking up to their armpits is another. People see this as cruelty and often report this to the proper authorities. The rea-
Living
son that I’m writing this is because it is good to know what is cruel and what is not. First of all it is important to understand that cattle are very heavy animals. Even a rabbit will break the ground in wet weather from running up and down. They will wear a mucky little path into the ground. Dogs that are excited will wear a path from pacing on wet ground very quickly, so it is not hard to turn the ground to muck. Feeding stands for cattle are usually close to a gate so that food can be put there easily and regularly.
Cattle come to the feeding stand to eat and as they are heavy animals they churn up the ground as they walk around the stand. They are often happy to stay there for lengthy periods of time and if there is heavy rain then the whole scene becomes a mud bath. The cruelty part comes in if the cattle do not have dry ground that they can move to, away from the feeder, in order to dry off or lie down to rest when they need to. Sometimes this involves having to move cattle from one field to another every now and then to give
the ground a chance to recover. Farmers are normally very good at taking care of their livestock, even under the worst weather conditions… but you will always get the one that doesn’t. If you are concerned about a farm animal then you could ring the Department of Agriculture for help or you can report it to any of the animal welfare organisations or the Gardai. Any of them will be happy to help you. Numbers for these organisations can be got at your local Garda Station.
Home and Away Extra Private Ireland has developed a ‘Golden City Streets to Star Filled Country Skies’ Package that allows guests to customise their own getaway package and enjoy two very different Private Ireland Experiences during their getaway. The package combines a luxury overnight Bed & Breakfast stay plus a sumptuous evening meal in 2 individual Private Ireland properties, which include, stunning Boutique Hotels, stylish Townhouses and charming Country Houses, available for a flat rate of only €199 per person sharing. The combinations are vast and varied - Private Ireland member properties are located all over the country, from Galway to Dublin, Donegal to Kerry in the most picturesque, idyllic and breathtaking of settings. www.privateireland.ie The London Sightseeing Pass gives access to over 55 top attractions in London. Users have priority access at the busiest sights to avoid queues, a free guidebook, and over 40 additional deals, discount and freebies. A London Pass including a London Travelcard for access to public transport on tubes, buses and the docklands light railway is also available. A two-day London Pass costs £52 for adults (£38 for children between 5 and 15 years), three-day passes are £63 for adults and £44 for children and a six-day option costs £87 for adults and £60 for children. www.londonpass. com One of Glasgow s most famous and historical buildings is being transformed into the breathtakingly luxurious five star hotel, Blythswood Square. Formerly headquarters to the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, this landmark property has been redeveloped by Scotland’s stylish luxury boutique hotel group, The Town House Collection, to capture the glamour of a bygone era whilst showcasing the latest in designer styling. www.townhousecompany. com Fast-growing airport self-service is what you can expect in the near future, says a new global survey. In fact, a large majority of the world’s leading airport operators intend to make self- service their primary channel for check-in. This year’s survey confirms that selfservice is a global trend with almost 80 percent of respondents planning to make it the primary means for check-in by 2010 as is already the case at 40 percent of the world’s top 100 airports. Almost two-thirds of all airports already have check-in kiosks which will further increase to 90 percent by 2012. Robert Walshe is a freelance contributor / broadcaster and is guest travel writer for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland