Imagine doing a big chunk of in one day and someone else is doing the driving. Railtours Ireland, a new company formed in association with Iarnrod Eireann, is offering eight one-day tours and one two-day tour of Ireland.
Using a mixture of trains and coaches you can do the Ring of Kerry, or the Burren, Cliffs of Moher and Galway, or Connemara and Galway Bay or the Hills of Donegal and the Causeway Coast. The two-day adventure to Connemara includes staying at the new Station House Hotel, Clifden for £89. Day trips cost from £19 to £59. Most tours are daily and can be booked up to the day before.
Brochures from Railtours Ireland, 58 Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1 or (10) 856 0045.
This awful summer has had a impact on winter holidays. Already tour operators are noticing a huge demand for winter sun holidays. Panorama launched its brochure on August 4th, and had an unprecedented 1,000 seats snapped up before lunchtime.
The company is offering a discount of £50 off per couple for holidays booked before September 30th. This year it will feature seven popular destinations:
Gran Canaria Lanzarote. Brochures from your local travel agent.
`Aspects' A celebration of Irish writing will take place in Bangor, North Down from September 23rd to 27th. A host of well-known writers and poets will be giving readings, lectures, talks and leading discussions. Sunday the 27th will be devoted to a celebration of C. S. Lewis.
Meet Bernard MacLaverty, Maurice Leitch, Sheila O'Flanagan, Fergal Keane, Alice Taylor, Marian Keyes, Anthony Clare, Thomas Pakenham and many more. You can get a brochure from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Nassau Street, Dublin 2, 1850 230230, which can also assist in making accommodation arrangements.
Stephens Green Travel has always been noted for its sports travel and this year's programme is no exception. If you plan to see your favourite football team, follow the rugby or go racing now is the time to start booking. Travel can be arranged from Dublin, Shannon and Belfast for most events. Brochure prices for the Aintree Grand National from £199, Premier Leagues Soccer from £209 Rugby from £269. They also have day trips to major events. Brochure from (01) 283 7900 or 9318.
Often when we decide to go the first thought is to go through Heathrow or Gatwick, but why not Lauda Air has appointed a representative company in Ireland to sell its services. It has terrific connections to the Far East and Australia, and prices are really competitive. From Dublin to Kuala Lumpur costs from £595, Bangkok from £510, Ho Chi Minh City from £535, Hong Kong from £625 and Sydney from £885. Lauda Air flies Boeing 767s and 777s and has won many awards for its service. Phone (01) 608 0055 for details or contact your local travel agent.
Rothar CYCLE Tours still has some availability for its September 12th `Brittany by Bike' tour. This is its East Brittany tour and includes a visit to Mont St Michel. Call them at 021 313133.
