DESTINATIONS July 2013
Always updating - keep revisiting
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Steeped in legend, folklore and history, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and the Forth Valley have some of the best sights and most exciting places to explore including the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, which will mark its 700th anniversary in 2014.
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25 years flying between Dublin and USA
Price includes: 7 nights accommodation, some meals as per the itinerary and transfers. Flights are not included but are available from €620pp.
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DISCOVER IRELAND’S
BIGGEST AIRSHOW
Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast & one evening meal in Co. Antrim from only £75pps*
PORTRUSH’S beautiful West Bay will once again play host to the Northern Ireland International Airshowwhen it takes off on August 31 – September 1. Currently Ireland’s biggest airshow it returns for the eleventh year with a spectacular two-day programme of air and sea displays, ground shows and exhibitions that will entertain visitors to the beautiful seaside town.
The weekend regularly attracts crowds of over 100,000 and once again admission is completely FREE. Turn your visit into a short break and avail of the great accommodation offers available including a two night break in the Atlantic Hotel, Portrush, with breakfast and one evening meal from £75pps?*(Subject to availability)
For further information contact the
Northern Ireland Tourist Board on callsave 1850 230 230
or visit www.discovernorthernireland.com
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Direct Holidays offering
get aways in August
from as little as €285
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| Aegean Coast Turkey |
Looking to get away this summer ?...and haven’t booked yet? ...Direct Holidays still have some great offers. With prices from as little as €285 and with end of August departures meaning less crowds it’s the perfect time to get away.
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| Frida Village Apartments Crete |
Fly to Crete from €285 per person staying at the 3-star Frida Apartments in Piskopiano, departing Dublin on 30th August or Cork on 31st August. These apartments offer a laid back atmosphere for couples and singles looking to relax by day and the vibrant nightlife of Hersonissos is only a short distance away.
Take in the sites of the majestic Aegean coast of Turkey whilst staying at the 3-star Mandarin Garden Apartments in Bitez from €285 pps. This complex offers a relaxing setting in a charming resort famed for its exceptional beaches and water sports. Fly from Cork or Dublin on 31st August.
With average temperatures of 29C in August, Lanzarote provides many attractions, in particular the Timanfaya National Park with its amazing volcanic landscape. Stay at the centrally located 3-star Jable Bermudas Apartments in Puerto del Carmen, with its many attractions from €379 pps departing Dublin or Shannon on 31st August.
All prices are based on 2 sharing for 7 nights, self catering basis and include flights, accommodation, transfers, all taxes, charges and 20kgs luggage allowance.
To book call (01) 514 0341
or log on to www.directholidays.ie.
Offers subject to availability and prices correct at time of issue.
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Irish, Scotch & Bourbon go head to head
at Kilbeggan Distillery
Whiskey Tourism Gathering
Whiskey Tourism growing in tandem with Irish Whiskey Sales
Kilbeggan, Ireland, (29th July, 2013) – Beam Inc. the owners of the Kilbeggan Distilling Company, are hosting a unique whiskey gathering event that will see three top whiskey experts go head to head to debate whether Irish, Scotch or Bourbon rules the roost in the battle of brown spirit. The limited access event will take place at the 256 year old Kilbeggan Distillery in Co Westmeath on Saturday August 17.
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| www.kilbeggandistillery.com |
Representing Irish whiskey will be John Cashman, Beam’s Whiskey Ambassador, representing Scotch is Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell and representing the USA is Adam Harris Beam’s Bourbon Ambassador. Hosting the event is Simon Brooking Beam’s Scotch Ambassador.
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| www.jimbeam.com |
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| www.laphroaig.com/home.aspx |
This Gathering event supported by Failte Ireland is attracting the interest of whiskey aficionados and enthusiasts from all over the globe. The event will also be attended by Mr. John Hennessey-Niland, the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Dublin.
The U.S. is the key whiskey battle ground at present and although Irish whiskey sold just 2.2 million cases in the U.S. in 2012 compared to 9.2 million cases of Scotch and 16.8 million cases of Bourbon, the future is bright for Irish whiskey. Irish whiskey is the fastest growing category in the U.S. spirits industry having grown almost 400% since 2002 and recorded growth of 22.5% in 2012 alone.
Whiskey Tourism is a relatively new concept, but is one that is growing in tandem with the growth of Irish whiskey sales. Over the past three years, the number of visitors to the historic Kilbeggan Distillery has increased by 48%.
Since acquiring the Kilbeggan Distillery in early 2012, Beam has invested more than €150,000 in the tourist facing infrastructure of the 256 year old distillery. The Tasting Bar and Gift Shop areas have been completely remodelled and the distillery’s iconic waterwheel has been restored to its former glory.
“Over the past year, we have doubled the number of visitors to Kilbeggan" says Rachel Quinn, Global Brand Manager for Scotch & Irish, Beam,"thanks to the significant investment Beam has made to enhance the visitor experience. In the US sales of super premium Irish whiskeys have grown 1716% since 2002 and 83% in 2012 alone.
A limited number of tickets are available for this event at a cost of €60.00
which includes transfers to and from the Distillery,
lunch, a guided tour of the 256 year old distillery
and participation in the whiskey debate.
Participants will be guided through a total of nine different whiskeys
by the three experts on the day.
Tickets are available from Denise Heslin at 057 9332134
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Campus Holidays
at University of Limerick
University of Limerick has launched its new ‘Campus Holidays’ offer at www.campusholidays.ie, an on-campus holiday experience designed for families or groups from four to six people. In addition to spacious apartments in one of UL’s charming residential villages, guests can avail of the campus’ many facilities and attractions including The Arena Sports Centre, Ireland’s largest indoor sporting complex, local flora and fauna trails, art collections, on-site dining, concerts and events.
continental breakfast basket delivered to your apartment
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| Limerick’s first Tailteann Nua Festival |
These spacious modern apartments have a large kitchen & lounge area, 2/4/6 bedrooms with broadband internet access. All bedrooms in your private apartment are en suite making it ideal for families with teenagers or extended family groups. All linen and towels are provided and energy consumption is included. Take a total break from the kitchen during your holiday by choosing to have a continental breakfast basket delivered to your apartment on days of your choice. Or try one of the on campus Restaurants and Bars where high quality food is served at great value prices.
free family/group visit to the UL Arena Sports Centre
All Campus Holidays self-catering holidays include a free family/group visit to the UL Arena Sports Centre. The home of Munster Rugby, the Arena is Ireland's largest indoor sporting complex boasting a 50M Olympic sized swimming pool, indoor sports hall and running track and Ireland’s largest Gym. Usain Bolt, Sonia O’Sullivan and Paula Radcliff have all trained here so you’re in good company. And who knows you might even bump into one of your Munster Rugby heroes!
7 night self-catering breaks also include a Welcome Pack and a Family Fun Night featuring games and quizzes.
On campus
• University Arena Sports Centre
• Walking and cycling trails
• River Shannon - Ireland’s longest and most spectacular river runs through campus
• Nature walks – UL is Ireland’s ‘greenest’ university campus
• Outdoor pitches and tennis courts
• Art and sculpture trails – indoor and outdoor
• 24hr Helpdesk
• Games/pool room
• Restaurants & Bars
• Summer BBQs
• Weekly Live Music in the Scholars Club Bar
• Weekly Farmers Market
• Free parking
• Launderette
• Lockable bike storage
• Security patrolled campus
Off campus
• UL Activity Centre on Lough Derg - sailing, wind surfing, kayaking, archery, orienteering, adventure programmes
• Limerick City – shopping; cultural attractions; bowling; cinema; indoor play centres; Thomond Park
• Bunratty Folk Park
• Cliffs of Moher
• Adare “Ireland’s Prettiest Village”
• Craggaunowen Heritage Island
• Lough Gur neolithic site
• Killaloe
• Ballyhoura Mountains – scenic walking and biking trails
• King John’s Castle - A brand new visitor experience that brings together the Castle’s remarkable archaeology and 21st century technology to help visitors discover the history of Limerick and King John’s Castle.
Special Offers -
Book your Campus Holiday to arrive between 01 – 18 August 2013 and avail of special rates :
7 night self-catering for a family/group of 4 €499
7 night self-catering for a family/group of 5 €525
7 night self-catering for a family/group of 6 €550
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| Check out: www.campusholidays.ie |
Tailteann Nua Festival
Make your stay even more special by choosing to stay over the city’s first Tailteann Nua Festival. Tailteann Nua Festival, taking place over four days from August 2nd to 5th, is set to be Limerick’s largest summer celebration of Irish culture and entertainment. The festival is already attracting bookings from overseas visitors, including a Canadian contingent of 70 strong Irish dancers and a number of competitors from the UK, France and Spain.
Set dancing and Sean Nós workshops, an international step dancing competition, genealogy and writer’s workshops, a Ladies Gaelic football tournament and a Céili Mór with the Kilfenora Céili band are just some of the festival’s highlights. On Sunday, August 4th the festival will host a free Family Fun Day with face painting, balloon modelling, arts and crafts and Open Top Bus tours of the campus.
A first for Limerick, and a real celebration of its name sake, the festival’s ‘Limerick Slam’ competition is generating particular interest abroad, as well as from Ireland. With a prize of €1,000 for the best Limerick, the ‘Limerick Slam’ has already received entries from across the globe, including those from China, Australia and Trinidad and Tobago. Shortlisted entrants will be invited to perform their Limerick on Saturday, August 3rd where the winner will be announced and presented with the prize.
Concerts include the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland’s Summer Prom on Sunday July 28 and ‘Take to the Floor’ spectacular Irish Dance show on Sunday August 11.
Check out www.campusholidays.ie
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‘ONE’ reason to visit Scotland
for the Commonwealth Games 2014
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| Ben Lomond from the shores of Loch Lomond: steeped in legend, folklore and history, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and the Forth Valley have some of the best sights and most exciting places to explore including the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, which will mark its 700th anniversary in 2014. |
Just one year to go until the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, a series of brand-new photographs give a special ONE-off view of the stunning scenery and dramatic landscapes that can be enjoyed by visitors to Scotland as the country prepares to welcome the world in 2014.
Visitors to Scotland can take inspiration from the nine landscapes by Scottish photographer John Young, commissioned by Glasgow 2014.
As Glasgow and Scotland count down to the biggest sporting occasion in Scottish history, a 16ft inflatable number one was pictured visiting various locations: from the beautiful backdrop of Glen Etive (which provided the memorable backdrop to the last Bond movie, Skyfall) to the breathtaking elegance of the Edinburgh skyline, not forgetting golf at St. Andrews in between.
The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is just one of the major events taking place in Scotland during the year-long Homecoming 2014 celebrations, which also include the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
The images will be shared across 71 nations and territories as Commonwealth Games Associations prepare to mark the one year to go date, on which a spectacular Opening Ceremony will officially launch the start of a great sporting occasion for 4,500 of the world’s top athletes.
Tickets for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be on sale from 19 August 2013, with prices for adult tickets starting from £15 Sterling. For further information, and to register for ticket updates, please go to www.glasgow2014.com
The ‘Go for Gold in Glasgow’ Games Guide is available at: www.peoplemakeglasgow.com/goforgoldguide
Further information on events and attractions in Scotland, www.visitscotland.com/natural
Steeped in legend, folklore and history, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and the Forth Valley have some of the best sights and most exciting places to explore including the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, which will mark its 700th anniversary in 2014.
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| A depiction of the clash between the Robert the Bruce and Sir Henry de Bohun on the first day of the Battle of Bannockburn, which resulted in the English Knights death. This illustration is from H E Marshall's 'Scotland's Story', published in 1906 |
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The Lord Of The Dance Michael Flatley was welcomed to Belfast by Alan Clarke (right), the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and Dr Denis Rooney, Chairman of Nomadic Charitable Trust when he holidayed in Northern Ireland with his wife Niamh and son Michael St James this week. NITB arranged for the Irish dancing sensation and his family to visit some of Northern Ireland’s top visitor attractions including Titanic Belfast, the SS Nomadic and the Giant’s Causeway
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September City Breaks
From a little over €200, you can enjoy September getaways to some of Europe’s finest cities. Thomas Cook for example are offering two nights in a 3-star hotel in Prague, with flights from Dublin, from €214 per person sharing.
The 3-star Hotel Anna in downtown Prague is a perfect location from where to explore the city, from €214 pps, for two nights departing Dublin on 20 September.
Two nights in the fascinating German capital Berlin, meanwhile, is on offer from Thomas Cook for €226pps, departing 9 September.
A 4-star autumn break in Rome, and a two night stay in the Saint Paul Hotel is available from just €266pps, from 17 September.
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| Lisbon: 2 nights city break from €219pps |
In Lisbon, they offer 2 nights in the 3-star Miraparque from €219pps, with flights from Dublin on 11 September.
For that mix of continental style and nightlife, it’s hard to beat Amsterdam, where two nights at the 3-star Bastion hotel with flights can be booked for €229 pps on 21 September.
Thomas Cook are offering flexibility too on all city breaks so you can elect the day you travel and how long you stay. Check out www.thomascook.ie and use the Flight+Hotel tab to create your unique trip.
Prices include flight and accommodation but, alas, baggage will be extra.
Always book with a fully licenced and bonded operator. Thomas Cook are so you can enjoy the added security over those 'do-it-yourself' breaks.
To book or for more information call the Thomas Cook team in Dublin on (01) 514 0328, log onto www.thomascook.ie or visit your travel agent.
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Bayreuth Festival |
| Wagner’s musical legacy can be followed around the country: http://www.germany.travel/en/ms/richard-wagner/start/start.html |
Next
week sees the start of the prestigious Bayreuth Festival and for opera
fans, for Wagner fans, the fascination with Wagner’s life and works
remains as strong
as ever. Wagner was a restless spirit who never stayed long in one
place; the German National Tourist Office has a handy, online,
interactive map tracing the life and works of the legendary composer:
from Munich to Meiningen, Weimar to Wiesbaden, Magdeburg
to Nuernberg, Wagner’s musical legacy can be followed around the
country:
http://www.germany.travel/en/ms/richard-wagner/start/start.html and each clearly marked location opens up with a short summary of the significance it holds in Wagner’s history.
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Free Climbing Kilimanjaro
Travel Information Evening
on Wednesday 24th July 2013
Gohop.ie are holding a free Climbing Kilimanjaro Travel Information Evening on Wednesday 24th July 2013, in association with the Tropical Medical Bureau.
If you are thinking of tackling Mount Kilimanjaro, then this event is a must. Speakers will give an insight into what to expect and how to prepare for your trip.
The talk takes place at 6pm in the Tropical Medical Bureau offices at 54 Grafton Street, Dublin 2.
You can RSVP for the Climbing Kilimanjaro Information Evening via Facebook or by email to yes@gohop.ie . Places are limited, so please RSVP soonest.
The last two Kilimanjaro events were oversubscribed.
Upcoming Kilimanjaro Trips
Gohop.ie have a number of upcoming Kilimanjaro trips for both 2013 and 2014 and we will also talk about going on safari or on to Zanzibar after your Kilimanjaro Trek.
Guest speakers on the night include:
Kieran Creevy, an International Mountain Leader who has guided climbers on Kilimanjaro eleven times. When asked why he does it, his answer was: “For the thrill of seeing a smile break out on their [climbers] faces at the summit or back in camp. Knowing that despite the hardship, there’s elation on the summit and that this experience will be with them forever, and may lead to further explorations.”
Andre Migliarina is GoHop.ie’s Africa expert. He was born in Namibia and has travelled South and East Africa extensively. Andre has climbed Kilimanjaro and knows the Tanzanian National Parks better than most.
Dr Graham Fry of the Tropical Medical Bureau has in-depth knowledge about health and the risks involved in travelling to far flung destinations and he will give his insight and thoughts into precautions necessary when climbing Kilimanjaro.
Places for the next event are also filling up fast so book right away
You should RSVP for the Mount Kilimanjaro Information Evening
via Facebook or by email to yes@gohop.ie.
GoHop.ie offers the lowest airfares on all airlines out of Ireland.
GoHop.ie is fully bonded and licensed with the IATA.
For more information or to book, visit www.gohop.ie
or visit their page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Gohop.ie.
------------------------------- or visit their page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Gohop.ie.
Hotspots and Tying-the-Knotspots
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| Hotel Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort Lanzarote |
Specialist tour operator Thomas Cook Weddings, have been named Honeymoon Provider of the Year in the annual Wedding Journal Reader Awards. And they suggest Lanzarote, Cyprus and the Algarve as their favourite destinations for weddings abroad this year.
Thomas Cook Weddings Ireland are offering tailor-made wedding packages in both European and long-haul destinations, including Catholic weddings, civil ceremonies, renewal of vows and gay civil partnerships.
Each wedding is treated individually, with a dedicated wedding co-ordinator on hand to guide couples through the planning stage. The wedding coordinator then works with the relevant travel partners at home and abroad to ensure that every wish is granted in precisely the way the prospective bride and groom have specified.
Prices for overseas weddings depend on the venue, food, wine, etc. One example of a popular dream venue is the 5-star Princesa Yaiza Hotel in Playa Blanca in Lanzarote. Famed for its spa treatments, this haven promises a truly luxurious wedding experience, with its stunning wooden gazebo set against beautiful views of the sea, and a top class wedding package. A party of 20 can enjoy a reception, menu, 2-hour free bar, church video, bouquet and cake for ca. €6,370, with flights from Dublin, private transfers, 7 nights accommodation in May for two in a double room on a B&B basis and rep service from €1,970 extra.
As well as being a more cost-competitive choice than one might imagine, there’s the joy of getting married al fresco and being ‘on location’ for one’s honeymoon!
“Our recent award is a great vote of support to our growing business, especially as the votes have come directly from the people who matter most – the readers; our customers,” says Sharon Harney of Thomas Cook Weddings. “Couples are definitely becoming more open to the destinations and styles of weddings we offer, and referrals from existing customers have been critical to our success to date.”
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| Aphrodites Rock, Cyprus |
For more information call Thomas Cook Weddings in Dublin on (01) 5140390
or visit your local travel agent.
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Presentation on board the Azamara Quest |
| (Left to right) Muriel Bolger presents Captain Carl Smithwith her latest novel The Captain's Table with Irene Bolger as backup |
Irish writer Muriel Bolger presented Captain Carl Smith with her latest novel The Captain's Table before he started his ten week leave. Captain Smith had sailed to Dublin from his homecoming cruise the previous day to Douglas, his home town. Muriel says: "It was under his watch on the Azamara Quest, during a Mediterranean cruise, that the book began in October 2011" .
When a group of solo travellers meet for dinner on the first night of a luxury cruise, alliances are quickly formed. But as the ship makes its way through azure Mediterranean waters, it becomes clear that some of the passengers have their own reasons for wanting to escape their everyday lives . . . There's the glamorous London heiress looking for love; the wealthy businessman trying to decide between the life he has, and the life he really wants; the shrewd Scotsman looking for his next opportunity - in business and romance; and the newly separated Dubliner on the run from the media glare - and her controlling ex. Will they find what they're looking for on the open sea? One thing's for sure, it's a holiday they'll never forget
Available at all good bookshops
and at www.amazon.co.uk
Muriel is a valued contributor to HOLIDAYezine
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SPAIN: the real essence http://holidayezine.blogspot.ie/2012/12/spain-real-essence.html
Celebrate Saint James' Day
the CaminoWay
CaminoWays.com is inviting prospective CaminoWays and Camino de Santiago fans to visit the company’s office in Dublin city centre from 4pm until 8pm on Thursday 25th July to celebrate Saint James' Day.
Receive your pilgrim passport and your first Camino stamp, listen to Galician singer Susana Garrido at 6pm and enjoy other Camino de Santiago activities outside the CaminoWays.com office in 16 Redmond’s Hill (5 min from Stephen Green – junction between Aungier St and Wexford St).
To celebrate the feast of St James and Santiago, CaminoWays.com is also offering 10% off to anyone who has a name related to this day, such as James, Jimmy or Santiago! They will even offer 10%* off to people who have a pet with these names! So if your goldfish answers to Jamie or Seamus then come along on the day.
CaminoWays.com staff will also be on hand on the day to help you find your perfect trip or to answer any questions you may have about walking holidays on the Camino de Santiago.
*10% off any CaminoWays.com trip if booked on the day (25th July, St James Day) or before 31st July 2013 if you have a James-related name.
Request a free quote or book log onto www.caminoways.com
or call 353 (0)1-525-28-86.
Find CaminoWays.com on Facebook: facebook.com/caminoways.
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Delta Air Lines celebrates 25 years flying between Dublin and USA
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| Delta Boeing 767 |
Delta Air Lines is celebrating 25 years of flying between Dublin and the United States. Delta’s maiden flight to Dublin in June 1988 was via Shannon from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and was operated by a Lockheed L-1011-500 wide body aircraft.
The service initially started as five times weekly with a 12.05pm departure from Dublin, and a journey time of 10 hours. Today, Delta’s daily Dublin-Atlanta route is nonstop and serviced by an Airbus A330-200 with a journey time of 8h 29mins.
The route was Delta’s second direct service from Ireland, commencing two years after the airline introduced its first flight between Ireland and USA starting operations between Shannon and Atlanta in May 1986. Since its first transatlantic flight in 1986, Delta has flown over 4 million passengers between Ireland and the U.S. and now operates a daily year round service from Dublin to New York-JFK, a flight between Dublin and Atlanta, as well as a summer season route between Shannon and New York-JFK.
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| Dublin Terminal 2 Manager Gerry McClean, Ireland Station Manager Joan Carrick and Delta Captain Peter Baum |
“There are important ancestral, economic and tourism links between Ireland and the U.S. and Delta has a long and proud history of operating between these two countries” said Perry Cantarutti, Delta Air Lines SVP-Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Our nonstop flights from both Dublin and Shannon provide our customers with convenient travel options to over 200 destinations throughout USA, Latin America and the Caribbean, via our hubs of New York-JFK and Atlanta.”
Delta currently operates 24 weekly flights between Ireland and USA. This summer, Delta boosted its capacity between Dublin and New York, JFK, adding three weekly flights to its all year round daily service and is flying daily from Dublin to Atlanta and Shannon to New York JFK. In addition to the extra weekly frequency on the route, Delta will serve its daily Dublin to New York service over the summer period with a B767-300ER aircraft featuring Delta’s BusinessElite fully flat-bed seat and its premium economy section – ‘Economy Comfort’. These flights are operated in conjunction with joint venture partners Air France KLM and Alitalia.
Congratulating Delta on 25 years of service, Dublin Airport Authority’s Director of Strategy, Vincent Harrison said “Delta has been a much valued and successful partner for Dublin Airport throughout a quarter of a century of doing business at the airport.”
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Enjoy the Essence of Thailand
on an 8 Days Tour
on an 8 Days Tour
Enjoy the essence of Thailand on a trip that encompasses some unforgettable Thai experiences. If you are short on time this express tour is an opportunity to visit Thailand in just 8 days
This tour of Northern Thailand promises an out of this world experience in a country that boasts centuries of rich history and colourful culture from only €550 – including a 20% discount when you book through Gohop.ie .
Starts with the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok, explored in a tuk-tuk! Travel north to timeless Chiang Mai, and a three day trek into the rural hill-tribe areas of the far north. It has all the makings of an unforgettable way to holiday in Thailand.
Bangkok has so much to offer those with time to explore. Why not take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, pay a visit to Wat Pho – home to the country’s largest reclining Buddha, explore the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ‘khlongs’ (canals) of Bangkok. Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital.
Chang Mai, the most vibrant city in northern Thailand has many famous temples and a very interesting old city area. This ‘Rose of the North’ is also known for its beauty and the friendliness of the local people. There are so many things to do here – from spectacular temples and delicious food to an enormous night market with a picturesque river-front and fantastic shopping. Join your leader on a walk through the old city, or undertake the many optional activities available. Chiang Mai is a great place for hiring a bicycle, climbing to Doi Suthep temple, signing up for a Thai cooking class or loosing those muscles with a traditional Thai massage.
Hillside Trek. Take a three-day trek through the villages surrounding Chang Mai. Meet the local people in the various villages, each with their own unique language, customs and dress. The exact itinerary of the trek changes from time to time, taking into account the weather and local conditions. The terrain is rural rather than jungle – the hill-tribes grow rice and other vegetables on the slopes – and you will be walking along the village tracks.
GoHop.ie offers the lowest airfares on all airlines out of Ireland.
GoHop.ie is fully bonded and licensed with the IATA.
For more information or to book, visit www.gohop.ie
or visit our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Gohop.ie.
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Washington DC
50th Anniversary
of Martin Luther King’s famous
‘I Have a Dream’ Speech
Washington DC: 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King’s famous ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech
This August travellers from around the world and across the United States will flock to Washington, DC to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King’s famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, one of the most poignant events of the last century. The world watched through black and white TV as King gave his speech on the steps of DC’s Lincoln Memorial to over 250,000 Civil Rights supporters on 28 August 1963, the same day as the Great March on Washington.
The speech, which changed the fate of African Americans in the United States forever, will be celebrated across DC this August with special events, exhibits, marches, trails, and ceremonies including a special performance in honour of King on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
On the anniversary of the speech citizens and travellers from across the country will also take part in a number of marches around the capital to commemorate the speech and The Great March on Washington, one of the largest rallies in the history of the United States which called for civil and economic rights for African Americans. For more information about the march, please visit: www.50thanniversarymarchonwashington.com.
A new exhibition entitled One Life: Martin Luther King Jr will also open at the National Portrait Gallery on 28 June 2013 (until June 2014) to commemorate the speech and King’s incredible legacy. This exceptional and moving exhibition depicts the life of King and his rise to prominence as a Civil Rights leader and anti-war activist through historic artifacts, photographs, prints, paintings and memorabilia including the programme from the Great March of Washington and the Time magazine cover featuring King as ‘Man of the Year’.
Visitors to Washington, DC wanting to explore more of King’s great legacy and the history of Civil Rights in the United States should take one of two trails through the capital: the day-long Major Civil Rights Sites trail which visits locations such as the Lincoln Memorial and the African American Civil War Memorial, or DC’s five-day-long Civil War to Civil Rights trail which takes a more detailed look at the fight for Civil Rights in the US, visiting additional sites including the imposing Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the National Archives.
Other important sites associated with King, the Civil War and Civil Rights open to travellers across DC include Frederick Douglass House, the residence of the former statesman who advised President Abraham Lincoln on matters related to African American slavery, and the Emancipation statue which depicts Lincoln holding the Emancipation Proclamation while freeing a slave. Travellers can also visit the Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue which was named in honor of King, the Supreme Court known as the site of many key legislative milestones in the fight for Civil Rights, The Willard InterContinental Hotel where King put the finishing touches to his infamous speech, and Madame Tussauds Washington DC where travellers can pose with life-like wax statues of King and Lincoln.
To find out more about Washington, DC
and the Capital Region USA,
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Away from the madding…
...kids, this September
For holidaymakers without children to look after, the off-season can seem far more appealing than July or August, where frenzied family fun tends to take over the popular resorts. Thomas Cook Ireland have week-long September offers likely to attract couples of all ages, from just €399.
With temperatures hitting between 27 and 29C, September in the Canaries, Turkey or Crete can hardly be described as off-season, but the resorts do transform into oases of calm once the schools are back. Beaches, shops and restaurants are suddenly more pleasurable…. and lower prices add to the sense of well-being!
Thomas Cook are offering 7 nights in the Canaries from just €399, staying at the Piramides Apartments in Las Americas in Tenerife, departing Dublin on 15 September. The Babalu Apartments in Gran Canaria are available, meanwhile, for €569 with flights from Dublin on 21 September. Warmer still is Crete, and 7 nights at the popular Frida Apartments in Piskopiano are from €515 (leaving Dublin on 13 September) and Turkey, boasting 29C in September, is great value this year, and 7 nights in early September is just €399, staying at the Mandarin Gardens in Bodrum.
Prices are based on 2 sharing on a self-catering basis, and include flights, accommodation, baggage allowance, rep service and all taxes and charges.
To book or for more information call the Thomas Cook in Dublin on (01) 514 0328,
log onto www.thomascook.ie
or visit your travel agent.
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Visit Kennedy Space Center
& Atlantis with
Attraction Tickets Direct
A visit to Kennedy Space Center and the brand new Space Shuttle Atlantis should begin with a before you fly ticket from Attraction Tickets Direct.
The exclusive Kennedy Space Center Space Pass ticket is not available in resort and can only be pre-purchased before you depart the UK or Ireland. The Space Pass offers a comprehensive Kennedy Space Center experience as it combines all the components of the Kennedy Space Center Admission Badge with a 'Dine with an Astronaut' programme and an exclusive tour to the more restricted areas of the complex.
The just opened new 90,000-square-foot, $100-million home for Atlantis tells the incredible story of NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Programme and brings visitors nose-to-nose with the priceless Atlantis spacecraft as only astronauts have seen it before.
The exhibition tells the story of the entire shuttle programme, including the thousands of people behind this incredible feat of engineering, its key role in the development in the International Space Station and the launch and repair of the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as how it paved the way for today’s new space programmes and the future of space exploration.
There are more than 60 interactive, immersive exhibits and simulators providing visitors with a unique perspective on the shuttle’s complex systems, components and capabilities.
An Kennedy Space Center Space Pass ticket costs adults €85 and for a child (3-11yrs) €60.
Attraction Tickets Direct Ireland also has other ticket options for those wanting to visit. The Atlantis exhibit is also included in the Kennedy Space Center Admission Badge Ticket (€36 adult; €29 child 3-11yrs) and those without their own transportation in Orlando can book the Kennedy Space Center with Transportation option (€67 adult; €61 child 3-11yrs).
For more information on tickets and this offer
or phone 1800-927-467.
or visit Attraction Tickets Direct Ireland,
Harcourt Street, Dublin2.
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