Entertainment mogul turned hotelier, Merv Griffin, has recently added another famous house to his collection of hotels. Formerly the home of legendary film director John Huston and where Anjelica grew up, St Clerans, Galway, opened its doors to guests last month. Newly restored to its original splendour the Georgian house is filled with art treasures from around the world. Set in Burke country, the estate has a par three golf course. Ideally located for visiting Galway city and the perfect retreat for romantic getaways. Telephone for details: (091) 846 000.
IF you fancied a more energetic and therapeutic weekend away then the new Inchydoney Island, Lodge and Spa, in Clonakilty, West Cork could please. They are offering a choice of 20 different treatments including massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, seaweed wraps, and Thalassotherapy. They also have a regeneration-analytical pool for specific aqua-based treatments. If that all sounds too energetic you could just relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery of West Cork, lovely beaches and fine food. Call for details on (023) 33143.
TO celebrate the first anniversary of direct links between Ireland, Sweden and Finland, Finnair have a special summer fare until July 25th of £219 to Stockholm and £229 to Helsinki, details from your local travel agent.
IT starts as a low rumble and swells to a full-fledged roar, as a herd of 1,400 bison races across the prairie. The Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park, South Dakota takes place on October 5th. Visitors get to watch the action and then join the cowboys for a chuckwagon lunch, followed by some tradition western entertainment. October is also the month for the Mount Rushmore International Marathon. Imagine running against a backdrop of towering pines, sweet-smelling spruce and breathing mountain air. The run begins in the Black Hills and ends in Rapid city. It just makes you want to sing. More details from South Dakota Tourism, 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota, 57501-3369. Tel: 00 1 605 773 3301.
Short breaks are an ideal way to get to see any city. You, of course, pack in as much as you can and come back feeling like you have been away at least a week. Here's an unusual idea - Moscow - from Friday to Monday. Enough time to get a flavour of summer in the Russian capital and maybe a yearning to return for more. You could see Red Square, pray in St Basil's Cathedral, visit the Kremlin, ride the Metro and admire the architecture, haggle in a street market, drink vodka and buy caviar. Prices are from £349 with GET, 11 South Anne Street, Dublin 2, Tel: (01) 671 3422.
Special offers from Topflight for Austria in June include St Johann, the beautifully preserved medieval village in the Tyrol, £319 one week in a pension on June 20th or 27th. Or in Kitzbuhel, the ancient fortified town where you can take a cablecar up the Hahenkamm mountain for sightseeing, and imagine what its like to ski down, £349 for one week, same dates. Details from your local travel agent.