Plane spotters have lots to see at Dublin Airport these days. Aer Lingus has taken delivery of its new Airbus A321 as have British Midland. These airbuses will increase capacity on the busy Heathrow route. Cityjet has also taken delivery of its new Saab 2000, which will increase capacity on the London City route and provide a craft for their new East Midlands route to Britain, which starts on June 8th.
The energetic may be interested in seeing some of the wonderful countryside around Belfast next Sunday, May 31st. The Belfast Hill walk will be from Colin Mountain to Cave Hill, and will take about five to seven hours depending on your level of fitness. The purpose of the walk is to draw attention to the need to conserve Belfast Hills. It is organised jointly by Belfast Hills Regional Parks Committee and the charity, Bryson House, and costs £6. Forms for registering are available from NITB, Nassau Street, Dublin 2, phone 1850 230 230 and Bryson House, 28 Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7FE, phone (080) 1232 235835. There will be limited registration on the morning.
Stories and myths play a key role in the Irish psyche and this year the Bard Summer School on Clare Island will look at various Celtic myths and in particular the myths of love, war and exile. The chosen venue, Clare Island, was the home of 16th century pirate queen and chieftan, Grace O'Malley. The five days, from June 29th to July 3rd, will centre on lectures, feasting, island lore, satire, story telling and the odd late night sing song. Places are limited. More details from Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop on (01) 490 4879, or 33 Springfield Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W.
A few weeks ago I mentioned a hotel in named the Walter Raleigh and wondered why it was called so. The reason was very kindly explained to me by Valerie Mannix of Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce. Sir Walter Raleigh actually owned the town of Youghal in the 16th century together with Lismore and about 40,000 acres. He lived in Youghal in a house called Myrtle Grove, which still stands today. The town was originally built in 1220 as a walled port and the town walls still stand today. If you are visiting the area there are some lovely guides available about the town and East Cork, from Market Square, Youghal, Co Cork, (024) 92592.
The architect Fredensreich Hundertwasser, famous for his social housing in Vienna, has designed the most incredible hotel and health centre in Austria . Based around the water from geothermal springs thousands of years old, you can relax and enjoy the health packages. The design harmonises with the surrounding countryside in a most striking way. Situated in the southern Austrian province of Styria, it is about 170 kms from Vienna. The range of treatments include FX Mayr Cure, purification and detoxification, Bach therapies, acupuncture, bio and micro-electric resonance therapy, oriental massage, shiatsu, kinesitheraphy and lots more. More details from Rogner Bad Blumau, A-8283 Blumau 100, Austria. Tel: 00 43 3383 5100 9700. Email: spa.blumau@rogner.com.