The hoteliers of Charleroi in Belgium have begun to realise that with Ryanair flying into their city, they have the ideal opportunity to interest Irish travellers. In the province of Wallonia, Charleroi has much to offer visitors including 535 varieties of beer. The city has lovely museums, the Palace of Fine Arts, and on Sundays there is a lively street market.
The Hotel Association has put together an incredibly good value package for you to take advantage of all that the region offers. From £198 per person you get a flight from Dublin, three nights bed and breakfast and three days car hire. You can contact them on 00 32 71 20 60 60 or email: ibis@brutele.be.
"Forget Paris, the Derry air is full of romance", so says the Trinity Hotel, right in the heart of city. Renowned for its nightlife and proximity to the exciting coast, what more you need. Dine by candlelight in their cosy restaurants, enjoy the craic in the traditional pubs, and take long walks on beautiful sandy beaches.
Just to encourage you, the Trinity Hotel is offering not only two nights bed and breakfast for £89, but also dinner and tickets to Showaddywaddy. Call the Trinity on (080)1504 271271.
If you are planning a family holiday in this year, you won't go far wrong by renting a house. Around Orlando there are many lovely houses to rent, many with pools, and the cost is very reasonable, during the high season about $130 per person per week. Destination USA has a selection of houses in the Orlando area, and will be pleased to send you their brochure. Contact them at Hogan House, Grand Canal Street, Dublin 2 or telephone (01) 662 1872. They can also assist with car hire, golf booking and tickets for attractions.
Golden Years holidays have become very popular in recent years, with hoteliers recognising the value of the grey pound, and the need to fill empty rooms during the week. has seen tremendous changes in recent years, due to the urban renewal scheme and maybe it's time to visit again. The Sligo Park Hotel's Golden Years holidays for guests aged over 55 includes a glass of wine with dinner each evening, a taxi to collect you from the station, fruit and chocolate in your room. There is no single supplement, and £129 will get you dinner, bed and breakfast for three nights. The hotel also has a swimming pool and leisure centre: give them a call on (071) 60291.
Looking for something to do next weekend? Well, you could head to Dungarvan Jazz and Blues Festival. Lawlors Hotel will be hosting Paddy Cole and the All Stars, Ulster Jazz Band, Cluskey Hopkins, Colm O'Brien, Harry Connolly and Friends. Sponsored by Guinness, it promises to be a great weekend. Lawlors may have some rooms left, give them a call on (058) 41122.
British Airways has joined the other airlines in offering a £49 fare to London Gatwick. There is a two night minimum stay, or one Saturday night. You can travel on the 10.40 a.m., or 2.40 p.m. flights out and return on 12.40 p.m. or 8.40 p.m. flights. Flights can be booked through your local travel agent.