22 GAZETTE 29 March 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel
A season of bouncing fun and educational pottery classes await at Trabolgan Holiday Village TRABOLGAN Holiday Village in East Cork have secured funding for a new Bounce Zone at the holiday village for the 2012 season. The Bounce Zone will include a Bungee Trampoline Unit, an Inflatable Bungee Unit and an Inflatable Obstacle Course and will give guests and visitors to the holiday village a unique and exciting leisure experience whatever the weather. Meanwhile, it’s all hands to the ready as they team up with local Midleton business, Craftyhands Pottery Studio, to bring a range of educational pottery and ceramics classes to guests at the holiday village for the 2012 season. Trabolgan’s general manager, Donal O’Sullivan, said: “We are delighted to work with local businesses in the East Cork area and showcase to our guests the extensive range of educational activities available to them at our holiday village. The pottery classes will give our guests the opportunity to try their hand at something different in a relaxed learning environment, and allow them to take home something that they themselves have created to remember their holiday at Trabolgan. We want to offer guests, visitors and school tours to the park an unforgettable educational and valuable experience.”
A holiday with a difference awaits with a 13-day cruise in Iceland
BROADEN your horizons and take a holiday with a difference this year, with a 13-day tour of Iceland with Cosmos Tours and Cruises. Experience an erupting geyser, swim in a geothermal pool and be at the heart of Iceland’s history with this amazing, eye-opening tour. Holiday highlights include: Reykjavik city and a Geyseir walk around the hot springs. Take a Arnastapi walking tour and swim in geothermal pool in the Blue Lagoon. Visit Erik the Red’s replica farmhouse in Laxardalur and Lake Myvatn Dimmu Borgir and Krafla volcanic area. The package includes return flights ex Dublin/ Cork via Heathrow to Reykjavik, accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities, meals on tour, services of a tour director on tour, transfers between overseas airports and hotels. It departs on October 8. View a selection of our tours on line at TravelFox.ie or call 021 4976293 to speak to our Escorted Tours specialists.
The Talbot Hotel is an ideal place to stay when exploring Carlow. A family-friendly pool will keep the kids happy, while a range of spa treatments will help to relax the parents
Carlow-bound for a weekend break LAURA WEBB
IT MAY come as a surprise to some, but, there is one area in particular that has been on my list of places to see in Ireland. Not the usual weekend away destinations like Galway or Kilkenny, but it was the smaller and more intimate town of Carlow that impressed me recently. The journey from Dublin to Carlow took just 1 hour and 15 minutes, thanks to the M9 motorway. On arrival at the Talbot hotel Carlow, I was greeted with a red carpet entrance, but, much to my disappointment, it wasn’t for me! It was for newlyweds who had tied the knot earlier that day. I quickly got over my disappointment and checked in. The room
The Pure Beauty spa room holds the key to some real pampering and relaxation
on the third floor was a standard double room and decorated in a modern style. Wi-fi is easily available by getting a password at reception. Finely dressed kids and adults took over the ground floor as they prepared to enjoy the wedding celebrations. I had a sneaky look at the reception room where
the newlyweds officially tied the knot. The room made for a lovely intimate ceremony with family and friends, and was filled with beautiful flowers. It looked like the perfect place for anyone looking for an alternative to a church wedding. The hotel offers residents’ access to the gym and sauna, as well as the
pool area. For anyone in need of some relaxation, the Pure Beauty spa room is available on the same floor. I had booked in for an Ultra Soothing facial with Sue, who worked wonders on my dehydrated face, using Eve Taylor products, a product that I am now thinking of using. The relaxed atmosphere at the spa helped me to unwind, and afterwards I felt like doing nothing for the rest of the day. Dinner at the hotel’s top-floor restaurant, the Liberty Tree, was simply delicious. Our waitress for the night was Rachel, who was not only entertaining, but full of general knowledge on her local area. The salmon was fresh, and served with a delicious white wine cream sauce, and everything
from the starter to dessert was tasteful and deserving of a finished plate. High-rise windows in the corner of the restaurant offered great views of its surroundings. The restaurant is also the location for the buffet breakfast, offering continental and hot food. Carlow is full of fun activities, and a great place to bring the kids. Some of the attractions include Rancho Reilly Pet Farm and Children’s activities, Carlow Art Collection, St. Laserian’s Cathedral, the Carlow Brewing company (for the grown-ups!) and many outdoor activities. Definitely worth a look. For more details, call 059 915 3000 or email reservations@talbothotelcarlow.ie. Visit www. talbotcarlow.ie for more details.