DESTINATIONS September 2013
Always updating - keep revisiting
-------------------------------
15K Glendalough Trail
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Irish research charity Fighting Blindness is calling on walkers, runners and joggers of all abilities to take to the hills of Wicklow’s spectacular Glendalough Valley this November 9 in a bid to raise much needed funds.
Now in its fourth year, the Glendalough Trail is a 15km off-road challenge along stunning forest trails through the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The course covers a distance of 15.2km in total with 500m of gain/loss elevation.
Participants can register from 9am on the day and the race begins at 11am, with an earlier start for slow walkers or people with a visual impairment at 10.30am.
Over 270 people hit the ground running for last year’s event and although it is considered a tough challenge, fun was had by all who took part.
Avril Daly, CEO of Fighting Blindness, said, “The Glendalough Trail has become one of our flagship fundraising events due to its success and popularity. We are always overwhelmed by the support of people locally who give so generously to this important cause. These funds are vital for the ongoing research into treatments and cures for blindness.”
The Glendalough Trail helps raise funds for Fighting Blindness, an Irish charity which funds research into treatments and cures for blindness, giving hope to the estimated 224,000 people in Ireland living with rare, genetic, age-related and degenerative eye conditions. The organisation also provides a unique, professional counselling service for people with visual impairments and their families and is extremely active in the area of advocacy and patient empowerment.
Last year, the event raised over €15,000 for the charity as many participants went above and beyond the fundraising minimum to make the day a huge success. It is hoped that a similar target will be reached this year.
We're told that due to the popularity of this event, runners are encouraged
to sign-up as soon as possible at www.GlendaloughTrail.com.
The entry fee for the Glendalough Trail is €20 and there is a
further €50 fundraising target with all proceeds going to Fighting Blindness.
For more information visit www.fightingblindness.ie.
-------------------------------
20% discount on selected
South American tours
This just in... Gohop.ie are offering a 20% discount on selected South American tours until the 30th September 2013.
An opportunity to tour Peru, sail through Lake Titicaca or discover Machu Picchu, a defining part of the Inca civilization.
Arrive home an expert at the tango after exploring Buenos Aires in Argentina. See the massive Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio De Janeiro. Take a tour through the breathtaking Pantanal. Discover Chile's most famous export in Santiago and have a wander through the beautiful Winelands.
Sale ends 30th September 2013 and the discounted tours are valid for travel until 31st December 2013.
GoHop.ie also claim the lowest airfares on all airlines out of Ireland and they are fully bonded and licensed with the IATA.
For more on these South American tour offers go to www.gohop.ie
GoHop.ie also claim the lowest airfares on all airlines out of Ireland and they are fully bonded and licensed with the IATA.
-------------------------------
Ploughing Championships
Fashion Show
Raheniska, Co. Laois
September 24-26
 |
| ‘Tommy’ the beach
ball, model and Dawn Conway of Thomas Cook |
Again this year Thomas Cook Ireland will once again partner with the Fashion Show, by sponsoring the ‘Grand Audience Prize’ at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, September 24-26 in Raheniska, Co. Laois. As part of the prize, two lucky audience members (one male, one female) will each scoop a €500 holiday voucher to one of the many worldwide destinations that Thomas Cook cover.
The Fashion Show marquee (located at stand 510, Block 1, Row A1) will hold three fashion shows per day (11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm) showcasing the coming season fashion trends in partnership with the Holman Lee Model Agency. Audience members can enter the Thomas Cook competition by filling out a form during any of the fashion shows, with the two lucky winners of the €500 holiday vouchers set to be announced on Thursday 26 September, at 3.15pm
“We look forward to providing some sunshine to the two winners and indeed to the expected 187,000 visitors at the event!” says Sharon Harney of Thomas Cook Ireland.
Anna May McHugh, organiser of the National Ploughing Championships said, “Their generous offering of a Grand Audience Prize to one lucky lady and gent is guaranteed to simulate huge interest.”
Thomas Cook Ireland will be among the 1,300 exhibitors, at stand 528 (Block 2, Row B1) where visitors can speak to Thomas Cook folk about a wide range of holiday offers at the show from Wintersun 2013 to Summer sun 2014, Cruise and City Breaks, all of which can be booked at the show.
-------------------------------
Rhino Protection Talk
with Davide Bomben
World Rhino Day is September 22. But before that, GoHop.ie and the Tropical Medical Bureau are hosting a FREE talk on September 19 to promote awareness of this endangered species.
Special guest speakers on the night include Davide Bomben, Rhino Ranger and World Leader in Rhino Protection, and Andre Migliarina, Africa travel expert with GoHop.ie.
The Rhino Protection Talk takes place on the 19th September 2013 from 6pm-7:30pm in the Tropical Medical Bureau at 54 Grafton Street Dublin 2.
24,500 There are fewer than 24,500 rhinos surviving in the wild.
3 of the five species of rhino are 'Critically Endangered' as defined by the IUCN (World Conservation Union).
Learn what is being done in Africa and in Europe to protect the Rhino and to stop the illegal trade of Rhino horns.
Anyone in the media, print and broadcast, reading this blog will get all the info required for interesting articles or TV and radio programmes from this session. Both Davide or Andre will be are available for print and broadcast interviews. Use World Rhino Day to promote and educate.
There is no cost to attend this event.
For more information visit the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/145828865626789/.
-------------------------------
Now it's a bit colder,
time to escape to warmer climates
Last minute offers from the Turkish holiday specialists - WingsAbroad
WingsAbroad have released some great new last minute offers for September giving you the chance to extend your summer with a week on a beautiful golden Turkish beach.
Spend a week splashing in the glimmering Aegean Sea or lounging on a golden beach soaking up the glorious sun.
 |
| Sami Beach Hotel |
Dublin to Bodrum
• Summer Garden Studio on a self-catering basis from €276pp
• Kaseria Hotel on a B&B basis from €286pp
• Sami Beach Hotel on a B&B basis from €296pp
• Baba Beach Hotel on a B&B basis from €356pp
Dublin to Izmir
• Melissa Apartments on a self-catering basis from €299pp
• Pine Club Apartments on a self-catering basis from €299pp
• Pine Club Villa on a self-catering basis from €326pp
• Golden Gate Studio on a B&B basis from €382pp
Cork or Shannon to Izmir
• Pine Club Apartments on a self-catering basis from €212pp
• Melissa Apartments on a self-catering basis from €232pp
• Pine Club Villa on a self-catering basis from €252pp
• Golden Day Wings on a B&B basis from €312pp
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, Cork or Shannon,
7 nights accommodation as stated and return transfers.
Travel: 22nd September 2013
Terms and conditions apply. All prices are subject to availability and change and places are limited. Only extra charge is a €3 government tax per person.
For more information on WingsAbroad visit www.wingsabroad.ie
or find us on Facbeook at www.Facebook.com/WingsAbroad
or call 01 - 8719444.
or contact your local travel agent.
WingsAbroad Holidays Ltd is an Irish registered company,
WingsAbroad Holidays Ltd is an Irish registered company,
fully licensed and bonded by the Commission for Aviation Regulation
and holds Tour Operator Licence No. T.O. 252.
-------------------------------
On Sunday September 29 , Nikki Beach Marbella
celebrate their tenth season with their traditional
Red Closing Party Season 2013
1,500 attendees, the 'creme de la creme' of Marbella, along with Nikki Beach international customers from all over the world will attend the famous luxury beach club to enjoy Red Closing Party Season
The venue will be decorated elegantly with a vibrant red theme, all guests have to dress the same color and they promise exceptional live performances and Nikki -style entertainment, live music, saxophonist, trumpeter, violinist electric and percussion, DJs, dancers and 'more surprises.'
Also they will provide globally inspired cuisine from Nikki Beach, Sushi, Alaskan crab legs, lobster Chateaubriand, finest wines, champagnes and a selection of famous Nikki Beach cocktails .
You can still enjoy all that Nikki Beach Marbella has to offer throughout September. The 2014 Nikki Beach Marbella season begins on May 1, 2014 .
The Red Closing Party Season 2013 will start at 12.00 Sunday September 29, 2013
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early as no one will be admitted after 18.00.
NIKKI BEACH MARBELLA , Playa Hotel Don Carlos , Carretera de Cádiz , Km.192 , 29600 Marbella. Reservations: Tel : + 34 952 83.62.39
Nikki Beach Marbella will open again April 2014
-------------------------------
Two Exclusive Hollywood Exhibitions
Open in Virginia, USA
This November, visitors to Richmond in Virginia USA will have the rare opportunity to see hundreds of original costumes and classic still photographs from the Golden Era of Hollywood Cinema at two new exhibitions. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is exhibiting galleries of memorable costumes from some of history’s most iconic films including Titanic, The Wizard of Oz and Superman at the new Hollywood Costumes exhibit. Visitors can also observe the exclusive still photography of stars in classic Hollywood moments at the Made In Hollywood exhibit.
Hollywood Costumes – opening 9 November 2013 (until 17 February 2014)
This very rare new exhibition celebrates the central role that costume plays in the storytelling of Hollywood cinema productions, bringing together more than 100 of the most iconic movie costumes from a century of film-making. Visitors will see the clothes worn by unforgettable characters from films such as The Wizard of Oz, The Birds, My Fair Lady, Superman, Titanic, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, and the Dark Knight Rises. Most of the costumes in the exhibition have never been exhibited in public before, with many coming from private collections. On 22 November 2013, the exhibition will also host the Making of Hollywood Costume, a special event exploring the role of costume in Hollywood productions.
Made In Hollywood – opening 23 November 2013 (until 10 March 2014)
Made in Hollywood features 94 photographs, drawn from an exclusive London-based archive, portraying some of the most iconic stars and memorable moments from the Golden Era of Hollywood Cinema (1920-1960). Discover how dramatic photography helped manufacture the myth of Hollywood, and how tricks of the camera (through lighting and unique camera angles) helped create the public image of glamorous icons such as Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, and Hollywood’s hunks and heroes including Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Marlon Brando and Rock Hudson. The beautiful still photography on show, drawn from the archives of the late author and collector John Kobal (the first who sought to understand the role that photography played in the creation of Hollywood stars), boasts original vintage photography by master photographers such as George Hurrell, Clarence Sinclair Bull, Ruth Harriet Louise and dozens of others.
Combined admission to Hollywood Costumes and Made In Hollywood is $25 per person or $18 per person for groups larger than 10.
To find out more about the exhibitions at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
or to book tickets, visit www.vmfa.state.va.us
To find out more about Virginia and the Capital Region USA,
-------------------------------
Your own private island
in Bora Bora from £3,109pp
|
-------------------------------
Anyone for Tennis Trips to the USA ?
Book now for American Airlines SALE FARES to USA
available until September 24, 3013 for travel until June 2014
 |
| For bookings www.aa.com |
The Highest court in the USA - used by the Williams sisters - New York from €503 pp
With some of the best views of New York and the Hudson River, ONE UN New York offers stylish accommodation opposite the headquarters of the United Nations. This prestigious address means the room list often features World Leaders and Presidents so keep your eyes peeled in the lobby. On the 39th floor, guests will find the only indoor tennis court in New York, believed to be one of the highest in the United States. Previously used for training by Venus and Serena Williams, tennis lessons are available. The luxury hotel is well-located for sightseeing: close to Grand Central Terminal and the Theater District, with renowned restaurants and world-class shopping on your doorstep. One night’s accommodation costs from €272 per night (www.millenniumhotels.com/usa/oneunnewyork/). Return flights from Dublin to New York cost from €503 pp (www.aa.com; 08444997300).
Original home of the US Open
The original home of the US Open: play on hallowed turf in Newport, Rhode Island from €563 pp. Once home to the US Open, the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island now welcomes professional and amateur players on its courts for tournaments and training throughout the year. Visitors can admire the tennis whites of legends, in the fascinating museum. A diverse collection of memorabilia, art, and fashion from the 12th century through to present day is displayed. Items include trophies and attire belonging to the game’s biggest stars from Fred Perry to Pete Sampras, vintage tennis equipment, video highlights of great matches and tennis clothing from Victorian dresses to modern fashions. Court rentals cost from €57, entrance to the museum is €10 pp (www.tennisfame.com/). Continue the elegant theme by staying at the enchanting Vanderbilt Grace Hotel – a breathtaking mansion that now offers 33 luxury rooms and suites from €341 per night, (www.gracehotels.com/vanderbilt). Return flights from Dublin to Boston cost from €563 pp. The drive from Boston to Newport takes approximately 1 hr 30 mins (www.aa.com; 08444997300).
Southern California’s best tennis facility
Play with a pro at Southern California’s best tennis facility*, San Diego, California from €685 pp
Ranked by Tennis Magazine* as one of the best tennis resorts in the country, Rancho Valencia is made up of heavenly self-contained suites just outside San Diego. The Tennis Pay and Play package costs €701 for two people for one night. The package includes an oversized suite with private hot-tub, unlimited use of the tennis courts, fresh orange juice each morning delivered to your room and €130 towards tennis lessons (www.ranchovalencia.com). Flights from Dublin to San Diego cost from €685 pp (www.aa.com; 08444997300).
Game, Set and Match with a Scottish Number One, Dallas from €539 pp
With eight outdoor and four indoor courts, a championship golf course that has hosted Tiger Woods and 6000 square feet of fitness equipment, the sports facilities at the Four Seasons Dallas Los Colinas are fit for champions. Tennis lessons are available from one of Andy Murray’s countrymen and previous Scottish number one, Robin Scott. Follow a rigorous on-court session with an Old-Fashioned Cowboy Soak or a Coconut Cream Pie Body Polish, two of the signature southern treatments in the hotel’s spa (from €24 pp). Rooms cost from €266 per night (www.fourseasons.com/dallas/). Flights from Dublin to Dallas/ Fort Worth cost from €539 pp (www.aa.com; 08444997300).
Spot Murray in Miami - his winter training location - from €545 pp
Hosts of the Sony Open Tennis in March (17-30 March 2014; www.sonyopentennis.com), Miami is a mecca for the sport with many of the professional players basing themselves there throughout the winter months. There is plenty of choice for tennis enthusiasts with public court hire from as little as $4 (www.miamidade.gov/parks/sports/tennis_locations.asp), but for a little more luxury, close to South Beach, treat yourself to the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne. Tennis legend Cliff Drysdale runs the academy where one hard-court and 10 soft-clay courts are available for action and a 4,000 square foot spa is primed for pampering. Rooms cost from €190 per night (www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KeyBiscayne). Flights from Dublin to Miami cost from €545 pp (www.aa.com; 08444997300).
OR... watch America’s favourite sport instead
Don’t fancy tennis at all? The American football season begins this weekend. If you prefer touchdowns and sacks to serve and volley then head to Chicago where everyone’s a sports fan. The city’s team will perform for the first time for new Head Coach Marc Trestman after nearly a decade of leadership from Lovie Smith. For a little luxury away from the football field, stay in the elegant Park Hyatt, set back from the Magnificent Mile within walking distance of all the city has to offer. Rooms cost from €285 per night (parkchicago.hyatt.com). Tickets for games cost from €59 (www.chicagobears.com). Flights from Dublin to Chicago O’Hare cost from €490 pp (www.aa.com; 08444997300).
-------------------------------
Good evening, Copenhagen!
Copenhagen is to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2014. Ever since Denmark’s Emmelie de Forest won the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2013 in Swedish Malmö, a number of Danish cities have expressed their wish to host next year’s competition. Today, the choice fell on the Danish capital, Copenhagen.
The venue for the three fantastic music shows, the semi-finals on 6 and 8 May and the final on 10 May next year, will be the old B&W shipyard. The old factory halls have been crucial to the Danish Broadcasting Corporation’s decision.
"It is a big win for the entire Capital Region, which also has great value for all of Denmark. The Eurovision Song Contest is an opportunity for us to reach out to the world again and tell the story of one of our society’s industrial icons, Copenhagen shipyard, as a venue for the creative Copenhagen. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from all over the world,” says Lars Bernhard Jørgensen, CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen.
 |
| Eurovision winner Emmelie de Forest at Copenhagen City Hall Photo Connie Maria Westergaard |
Eurovision Island
The ancient and historic B&W shipyard on the island Refshaleøen in Copenhagen Harbour offers a unique opportunity to create a new and exciting framework for the Eurovision show, taking it to the next level.
According to executive producer and head of the Eurovision production in Denmark Pernille Gaardbo, the Copenhagen shipyard venue makes it possible to create an innovative TV show previously unseen in Eurovision history. The entire Refshaleøen island will be transformed into Eurovision Island, where participants, fans and media will meet for the world’s biggest music competition.
On top of that, Copenhagen offers every conceivable demand for accommodation and cultural experiences that characterises an international city. Just a few months ago, Copenhagen was proclaimed world's most livable city by renowned magazine Monocle.
Figures from this year's Eurovision in Malmö points to more than 18,000 foreign visitors and up to 80,000 commercial accommodations. With approximately 170 million viewers, all eyes will be on Copenhagen.
For information on Copenhagen visit www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen-tourist
Getting to Copenhagen from Dublin Visit SAS Scandanavian Airlines at www.flysas.com/en/ie/
No comments:
Post a Comment