Hazelwood Creative Learning Centre is located in a beautiful rural setting overlooking the Suir, just 3 kms from Waterford City. In August and September they will be running a number of learning courses in unusual subjects. Traditional Farm skills, which will have you learning all about organic farming. Furniture restoration, which will help you to do basic repairs. Choosing Health, which teaches practical skills for shopping, preparing and cooking good food. Feng Shui, the Chinese art of harmonising your surroundings and environment. Further details from Afra Cronin on (051) 851104, or write to Hazelwood, Christendom, Ferrybank, Waterford.
if you are going to Northern Ireland this summer and would like to get to see as much as possible in comfort, then why not tour by taxi. Value Cabs in Belfast have introduced 10 tours to take you to see the sights. Places to see include the Giants Causeway, Old Bushmills Distillery, Carrickfergus Castle, Strangford Lough, Armagh Planetarium, Mount Stewart House and Gardens or the Ulster American Folk Park. Prices from £75 or £15 an hour for a city tour. Book your cab on 080 1232 230000.
More touring, but of a different nature. Country House Tours will arrange a personalised itinerary for you to see some of the most beautiful houses, castles, stately homes and gardens in Ireland. Many of the houses are private, but will take guests. You can even choose your mode of transport from vintage cars to jeeps to helicopters. They will tailor a tour to suit your interests, such as antiques, ghosts, literary giants and film locations. Details from (01) 668 6463/668 0109, PO Box 2281, Dublin 4.
Newest entrant to the Green Book of Ireland, Ballykealey House, deserves a mention for its magnificence and its architectural heritage. Designed and built by Thomas Cobden in 1827, it is set in beautiful wooded parkland at Ballon, Co Carlow. Tudor chimney stacks, battlement pinnacles and Gothic arches of granite set the style for the luxury inside. Elayne and Ian Farrell have extensively refurbished Ballykealey into a luxurious country house hotel. Sample the cuisine from the resident head chef in the Gothic dining room, overlooking the lawns and lounge around in the beautiful bedrooms. Special offers at present include two nights bed and breakfast and one dinner at £92.50 per person sharing and three nights and two dinners for £155. Tel: (0503) 59288.
If you are planning on visiting Donegal this year and in particular the Inisowen Peninsula, you might like to start your journey at Tor Cuileann Guesthouse where you will be sure of a good welcome from Irene Harkin. It is five miles from Derry city and just one mile from the start of your journey. Tel: (080) 1504 354925.
East Cork has finally got a four-star hotel. Congratulations to the Bayview Hotel at Ballycotton, your hard work and investment has paid off. We wish you all the best for the future. Tel: (021) 646746.