There’s more to a holiday in Spain than sun, sea and sangria – travel editor Ann Mooney investigates the rich heritage the country has to offer.
SPAIN has a lot to offer, and this is something backed up by UNESCO: Spain is the world’s nation with the second most designated World Heritage Sites.
Brendan Keating Chief Executive Port of Cork, Declan O’Connell MD Lee Travel and Capt Michael McCarthy, Commerical Manager Port of Cork at the launch.
Pic: Ger McCarthy
LEE Travel have announced an exclusive agreement with Royal Caribbean International that will see Ireland’s favourite cruise company and the award-winning travel agent working together to invite holidaymakers to board Europe’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas, for cruises direct from Ireland for the very first time. more »
by Ann Mooney
Tell people you are going to Venice for golf and they look at you with shock.
“Venice, “they say, “We never realised that Venice has golf courses or that it is a golfing destination”.
Yes my friends, Venice and golf, in fact amazing golf is probably one of the best-kept secrets in the world. But not for much longer because two gorgeous girls called Tabita and Sabrina of “Amazing Venice Golf” have taken it on their shoulders to put the region of Veneto and its golf courses on the international travel map.
TOPFLIGHT’S Long-Haul division, WeTravel2, has been rebranded as Topflight WorldWide and to coincide with the overall rebranding, the travel experts have just launched the brand new Topflight USA & Canada Brochure with a portfolio of even more great holiday options than ever before as well as some Hot New Destinations.
So, just in time for Christmas, you can start dreaming about your 2012 holiday adventure and let Topflight WorldWide make your dreams a reality
Forget Paris, London or New York, Ann Mooney says we have a real gem of a city right on our doorstep.
So if you’re a visitor to these shores or a true red rebel, Cork city has something for everyone.
It’s not very often that one gets to do a press trip to their hometown but that was exactly what happened to me, when I visited Cork city recently.
I thought this will be strange but I am really glad I accepted the offer because very often we fail to appreciate and savour the wonderful attractions that are right under our noses.
So this trip was both enlightening and enjoyable.
Now I am not a native Corkonian, but it has been my home for many years and it is a city that has it all – friendly warm people, with what I would have regarded as funny accents all those years ago when I arrived in Cork but have now gotten used to and can even understand.
Great restaurants and pubs, superb sporting facilities and an array of attractions and events designed to keep young and old happy and active.
Cork was founded by St Finbarr over 1,000 years ago and has grown into a vibrant cosmopolitan city which has even impressed the discerning writers of the Lonely Planet travel guide which rated it among the top ten cities in the world in 2010.
STUCK for something spooky to do this Halloween?
If so why not head to Northern Ireland where there are a host of spooky goings on taking place to entertain kids of all ages.
• Pumpkin Carving, Tannaghmore Gardens, Animal Farm and Barn Museum, Lurgan, Co. Armagh, October 26th.
Create spooky crafts to scare your friends as well as carving your own pumpkin.
• A Haunting History of Limavady, Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Co, Derry, October 27th.
Brace yourself for a dark and spooky evening tour filled with gruesome and grisly tales of local myths and legends. more »
Tenerife is a golfer's paradise
THE two things that golfers want are sunshine and good golf courses and where better to find both than in Tenerife, the land of sunshine.
In the past year I have discovered the delight of golfing on this wonderful island and I have come to the conclusion that Irish golfers are mad not to head to such a fabulous golfing destinations where sunshine is guaranteed all year round.
I had to admit I no idea that there was such a plentiful supply of excellent courses scattered throughout this sun island.
I stayed in the lovely boutique Sir Anthony five-star hotel which is part of the Mare Nostrum complex on Tenerife’s south coast.
The hotel which is ideal for couples and adults is located by the sandy beach of Playa del Camisón, it is only a few minutes’ walk to bars, shops and restaurants.
The hotel has just 72 beautifully appointed luxurious rooms and suites with many surprise features.
I just loved the fact that I could enjoy the sunshine in the gardens and on the garden terrace with a glass of wine.
And with access from the hotel to the promenade and beach I was able to walk off the excesses of excellent food and wine. more »
