The Park Hotel in Kenmare has always been regarded as one of the most special hotels in Ireland and now it has been rated, yet again, internationally by a recent accolade from Conde Nast. Appearing on their Gold List as "Irish Hotel of the Year" this property with its Michelin starred restaurant reopens on April 16th. To celebrate the most recent in a long list of awards, the hotel has a special offer for two nights accommodation, breakfast and one dinner in the restaurant, based on two sharing at £210 per person. Reservations and enquiries at (064) 41200.
Bucking the recent trend that sees most Irish tour operators owned by British multinationals, Topflight has acquired the well-known and successful LSA Holidays - the Jersey specialists. LSA has established an extensive programme from Dublin, Cork, Shannon, and Knock to Jersey which will now be known as Topflight Jersey. Special offers include child prices of £99 and free insurance for children and car hire from £49 per week plus insurance. Also from Topflight Jersey is the wedding business. They will organise your wedding package and all paperwork at prices that range from £209 to £539 depending on which package you choose. For brochures and details call them on (01) 679 9177.
IF YOU were watching the ceremonies last November for the opening of the Irish round tower at the Island of Ireland Peace Park in and felt moved to visit the fields of , then Irish Ferries will have a seven-day coach tour of the battlefields in September. The programme will visit the Somme, Pegasus Bridge, Bayeux, the Normandy beaches, Omaha Beach, Honfleur and the war memorials at Menin Gate, Thiepval, and Beaumont Hamel and the museums at Peronne and Arromanches. There will also be an opportunity to shop in Amiens and Caen. The price for all this including accommodation is £355 per person sharing. You can get details from your local travel agent or Irish Ferries on (01) 6610533 or (021) 551995.
IF YOU are travelling on Stena Line between now and the end of the month you can enjoy their special offers. For £19.99 sterling you can get two cases of beer, or Emporio Armani He or She toiletries, or two CDs or three Fox and Chave silk ties or two litres of spirits. Enjoy it while it lasts because duty-free has only two months to go. Two adults and two children can take a day out on the HSS for £23 or on the ferry from Rosslare for £15. Details from your local travel agent or Stena on (01) 204 7600 or (053) 33115
More ferry news about two new services on the Irish Sea, both between Dublin and Livderpool. Superseacat is in its second year and is selling a four-day return for a car and four passengers for £125. Foot passengers can travel for £35 return. Book through your local travel agent or on 1 800 55 1743. The service takes just under four hours.
Merchant Ferries, with the only overnight service to Liverpool, has prices of £155 for a car and up to four passengers return. Foot passengers travelling on the morning sailing pay £30 return and on the night sailing £60 return. Book through your travel agent or (01 819 2999).