The best festivals of the National Hunt season are fast approaching: Cheltenham and Aintree, so don't get left behind the field. If you have not made a booking yet, Leopardstown Tours has a number of packages by both air and car with a selection of accommodation and race transfers for both festivals. You can contact them on (01) 295 8901 or email: leoptour@indigo.ie.
The name Turnberry brings a little lift to every golfer's heart, awakens a yearning to be where the greats have been. Diners Club are making it possible for their members to be there and play on one of the famous courses. An overnight at this great country house retreat, including flights, accommodation, dinner, and breakfast and a round on the Arran Course - £245, up to the end of March. You can also finish off the day in the spa facilities at the hotel. Telephone Aisling on (01) 668 5755 to book.
Here's a most unusual place to stay, the Manor House on Rathlin Island off the coast of Co Antrim. The National Trust opened the Manor House last July to provide superior accommodation on the North's only inhabited island. If you love wild rugged scenery, bird-watching, walking and exploring, than you will love Rathlin. Such is the importance of Rathlin Island in terms of natural and historic sites that it is subject to many conservation designations. Much of the natural wildlife is protected and should not be disturbed. The Manor House is open seven days a week, weather permitting for the ferry from Ballycastle, and prices for bed and breakfast start from £22 sterling, telephone (080 12657) 63964.
Sale time is in the air with British Midland now joining the fray offering cheaper fares for the winter. Up to January 27th it is selling special fares from Dublin to many European destinations, for travel to the end of March, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, £89, Palma, Nice, £139, Warsaw, Oslo is £169. All flights are via Heathrow. Dublin to Heathrow or East Midlands is just £49 return. Some flexibility is required to get the cheaper seats, but you need only stay a Saturday night or two nights to avail of them. Call in to your local travel agent to book.
Andalusia has been described as Spain's most fascinating and varied region. Stretching southwards from the Sierra Morena to the Mediterranean, from the snow-capped Sierra Nevada to the sun scorched plains. Home also of some of the greatest architecture of both Islamic and Christian traditions. A seven-day tour organised by Cultural Tours of Spain will bring to you the Ronda, Seville, Cordoba and Granada. You will get to see lots of sights culminating in the tour of the Alhambra Palace. The cost for this tour, including flights, accommodation, and entry fees is £589 sharing, details from (01) 285 8508 or (01) 475 5401.
Best wishes to Oceantec Adventures which is celebrating 10 years of providing scuba-diving experiences in Ireland. Ireland has some of the best diving in Europe due to the remote and unpolluted west coast warmly diluted by the Gulf Stream, which keeps temperatures up. If you would like to try a holiday with a difference, give Oceantec a call on 1800 27 28 22.